Driving License renewal in Bangalore

I renewed my driver's license (DL) today. My first impressions were that it would be a nightmare - the queues, the forms, the process. So I approached an agent - who demanded Rs 1200 up front to do the job, plus I had to be there at the appointed time.

So I decided to go about it myself. And it was the right decision. We tend to blame the system for being corrupt and slow - but as a society, we will contribute to the problem by playing along with middlemen. The government departments in India are not exactly the epitome of efficiency but they do have a process and a flow - and if you do a bit of your homework, you can work them on your own without help from "agents".

Here's the simple step-by-step guide for renewing license in Bangalore - Indiranagar RTO. It should be similar elsewhere in Bangalore at least.

1. First print forms downloaded from the website here. These are CMV-9 and optionally 2 more -  CMV-1 & CMV-1A (medical certificate of fitness) if you are above 40 years of age
2. Fill them up, stick 1 photograph on CMV-9, and 1 on the CMV-1A medical certificate if required.
3. Go to the RTO at 10.00 A.M.If you are above 40 yrs, then first look for a clinic by Dr. Lokesh on the ground floor. The doctor will certify your fitness and sign the relevant CMV1/1A forms for Rs 100/-.
4. 2nd floor - Room 6 - Provide all documents for verification.
5. Next Room-1 same floor - pay dues (Rs 350/- if within 1 month of DL expiry) and they stick a hologram on the receipt
6. Next get your bio-metrics - photo taken on the computer webcam
7. Back to Room-6 counter-5 - where a clerk will take your document set and provide an acknowledgement.

All done in 45 minutes flat! Total cost -  spending inside Rs 500/- or less than half what the agent will charge. Not bad for a government office notorious for its inefficiency.

Key tips to keep in mind

• Go early - not later than 10.00 A.M. The place will get busy afterward
• Take enough of Rs 10, 20, 50, 100s - as they do not have change always
• Buy a postal stamp affixed envelope (Rs 30/-) from the stores at RTO - write your postal address on it
• Staple (carry a stapler with you) your forms, the envelope, and a plastic cover/bag which has your original DL together before you reach the counter in step 3.

Finally, avoid all the agents and touts there offering help - you won't need them!