Let me tell you what happened to me last year.
I showed up at the traffic office early, thinking I’d be done in an hour. Big mistake. The place was packed. I pulled a token. A hundred people before me. I waited, I waited… and I gave up. Went home tired and annoyed, with nothing done.
A few weeks later, a friend in Dubai asked, “Can I renew my licence online? I can’t fly back just for this.” He wasn’t the only one. My cousin in Faisalabad had the same question.
So, I dug in. Checked every official portal. Talked to support desks. Tried the process myself. And that’s how this guide came together.
If you’re in Pakistan — or overseas — and your driving licence is about to expire, I’ll walk you through everything. You’ll learn:
- What documents you need
- Which portal to use based on your province
- Step-by-step renewal instructions
- Fees, tracking, and special notes for overseas Pakistanis
Let’s get started. It’s easier than you think.
Contents
- 1 Why Renew Your Driving Licence Online?
- 2 Do You Qualify for Online Renewal?
- 3 Documents You’ll Need Before Online Renewal of Driving Licence
- 4 Which Portal Should You Use for Renewal? (Pick Based on Province)
- 5 How to Renew Driving Licence in Pakistan (Step-by-Step for Everyone)
- 6 How to Renew Driving Licence for Overseas Pakistanis?
- 7 Things You Should Know Before Applying for a Driving Licence Online
- 8 What Are the Fees for Applying for a Driving Licence Online?
- 9 What Happens After You Apply?
- 10 Can You Track or Edit the Application?
- 11 What If You Face a Problem While Applying?
- 12 Final Thoughts
Why Renew Your Driving Licence Online?

First off, it saves time. A lot of it.
You don’t have to take time off work. No standing in long lines. No chasing photocopies or waiting for a counter to open. You just sit down, upload your stuff, and click through.
Plus, it’s safer. You avoid crowded government offices. And you get your new licence delivered to your door (or pick it up if that’s what you prefer).
The best part? You can do it all with your phone.
Do You Qualify for Online Renewal?
Good question.
Every province has slightly different rules. Here’s a quick look:
Province | Online Renewal Allowed If… |
---|---|
Punjab | Your licence is valid or expired ≤ 30 days |
Sindh | It expired up to 5 years ago |
Islamabad | It’s valid or about to expire (within 30 days) |
KPK | Expired for less than a year |
And yes, if you have a commercial or heavy vehicle licence and you’re over 50, you’ll need a new medical certificate.
Documents You’ll Need Before Online Renewal of Driving Licence
Let’s not rush. First, collect everything. That way, once you start, you won’t get stuck halfway.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Front and back of your current driving licence
- Front and back of your CNIC
- A recent passport-size photo (white background, max 100 KB)
- Medical fitness certificate (only for commercial drivers or age 50+)
- Mobile number that can receive OTPs or SMS
All scanned files should be clear. Blurry uploads may get rejected.
Which Portal Should You Use for Renewal? (Pick Based on Province)
Here’s the deal. You must apply through the system that matches the province where your licence was issued. These systems don’t talk to each other.
Province | Official Portal |
---|---|
Punjab | dlims.punjab.gov.pk or Punjab Police App |
Sindh | dlsonline.sindhpolice.gov.pk |
Islamabad | islamabadpolice.gov.pk |
KPK | kpexcise.gov.pk |
So if your licence says “Sindh,” don’t apply through DLIMS. It won’t work.
How to Renew Driving Licence in Pakistan (Step-by-Step for Everyone)
This method works for most provinces. Just make sure you’re using the correct portal.
Step 1 – Visit the Portal That Matches Your Province
Go to your province’s website or app. If you’re in Punjab, it’s DLIMS. If you’re from Karachi, use the DLS Sindh portal. Makes a difference — the wrong one won’t find your record.
Step 2 – Register or Log In
Use your CNIC and phone number. Already have an account? Just log in.
Step 3 – Find the “Renewal” Section
Look for “Renewal” or “Licence Services.” Click on it.
Step 4 – Fill Out the Form
Enter your personal info and licence details. Make sure everything matches your CNIC. Spelling matters.
Step 5 – Upload Your Documents
Upload clear scans of:
- Your CNIC (front and back)
- Your licence (front and back)
- Your photo
- Medical slip (if required)
Step 6 – Generate PSID and Pay
The system will show a PSID number. That’s your payment code.
You can pay through:
- ePay Punjab
- 1BILL
- JazzCash
- EasyPaisa
- Online banking
Once you pay, keep the receipt SMS or screenshot.
Step 7 – Submit and Track
Click “Submit.”
After that, use your CNIC or application number to check the status. You’ll get SMS updates too.
How to Renew Driving Licence for Overseas Pakistanis?
If you’re living abroad, the steps are almost the same. The only difference is you might need to verify some documents through your local embassy or consulate.
Here’s what to do:
- Go to dlims.punjab.gov.pk or use the Punjab Police App
- Register or log in with your CNIC
- Click “Renewal” under “Regular Licence”
- Fill in your details and upload your documents
- Pay using PSID (ask family or use a Pakistani bank account)
- Submit and track your application
Note: If they ask for embassy verification, you’ll get instructions by email.
Things You Should Know Before Applying for a Driving Licence Online
Before you apply:
- Make sure your files are ready and correct
- Use the right portal — no shortcuts
- Save your reference number (you’ll need it for tracking)
- For any errors, call your province’s helpline or support email
What Are the Fees for Applying for a Driving Licence Online?
Let’s break it down. These are general ranges. The exact amount will show after you enter your licence details.
Type of Licence | Duration | Fee (PKR) |
---|---|---|
Motorcycle | 5 years | 500–900 |
LTV (Car/Taxi) | 5 years | 900–1,500 |
HTV (Heavy) | 3 or 5 years | 1,000–1,800 |
Commercial | 3 years | 950–1,200 |
Extra charges:
- Late fee: 50–200 per overdue month
- Courier delivery: 100–300
- Medical certificate (private): 500–700
What Happens After You Apply?
You’ll get a confirmation by SMS or email. That means your request is in the system.
From there:
- Printing takes about 3–5 working days
- Delivery adds a few more days
- You can check status online anytime
- Some provinces offer pick-up. Others courier the card to your address
Can You Track or Edit the Application?
Yes, tracking is simple.
Just go to the tracking section of your portal. Use:
- CNIC
- PSID
- Application number
But no, you can’t edit the form once you submit it. If something’s wrong, call support or go to your traffic office.
What If You Face a Problem While Applying?
Try these steps if you face any problem:
- Can’t upload a photo? Resize it. Must be under 100 KB.
- Payment failed? Try again — don’t use the same PSID twice.
- The portal is not opening? Try a different time. Night is usually better.
- Forgot password? Reset using your CNIC and SMS code.
- Don’t know what document is wrong? Call the helpline or email support. They reply faster than expected.
Final Thoughts
No more waiting in lines. No more wasted hours.
If your licence is about to expire — or already has — just follow the steps in this guide. It’s easy, it works, and it saves you time.
And hey, if this helped you, pass it along to a friend or family member. They’ll thank you later.
Got questions? Ask below. Let’s help each other out.