“Everything was done… but my licence still didn’t renew.”
That’s what a 42-year-old office professional told me after trying to renew his driving licence online.
He had filled the Parivahan form correctly.
Paid the fee.
Uploaded address proof and photo.
Days passed.
Status stayed the same.
Only after checking carefully did he notice a small message:
“Medical certificate required.”
Like many people above 40, he didn’t know this form even existed.
Why this problem catches people by surprise
Most Indians renew their licence once in 10 or 20 years.
So when the time finally comes, the rules feel unfamiliar.
Many assume:
- Age doesn’t matter
- Online renewal is only about fees and documents
- Medical checks are only for commercial drivers
Parivahan works differently.
It quietly checks:
- Your age
- When your licence expired
- Whether the licence was inactive for long
- RTO-level rules linked to safety
If certain conditions are met, the system pauses your application until a medical fitness certificate is uploaded.
This is where people above 40 often get stuck.
Why Parivahan asks for a medical certificate after 40
This isn’t about doubting your driving skills.
It’s about fitness to drive safely today.
As per Motor Vehicle Rules followed by RTOs:
- Drivers above a certain age
- Or those renewing after a long gap
may be asked to confirm medical fitness
Parivahan automates this process.
So instead of a clerk telling you at the counter,
the system simply waits for the document.
No alert.
No call.
Just a “pending” status.
The form many people miss: Form 1A
Form 1A is a medical fitness certificate issued by a doctor.
It confirms that the applicant:
- Has adequate eyesight
- Can hear properly
- Has no medical condition affecting driving
- Is mentally and physically fit to drive
This is not the same as Form 1 (self-declaration).
Form 1A:
- Must be issued by a registered medical practitioner
- Must be signed and stamped
- Must match your licence details exactly
Without it, Parivahan won’t move forward in many cases.
Who actually needs Form 1A medical certificate
You are likely to need Form 1A if any one of these applies:
- You are 40 years or older
- Your driving licence expired more than 5 years ago
- Parivahan shows “medical certificate required”
- You are renewing a transport or commercial licence
- Your RTO flags your application for medical verification
Example:
Suresh, age 45, applies to renew his private licence that expired 6 years ago.
Parivahan asks him to upload Form 1A before approval.
This is normal and common.
Common mistakes people make (and why applications get stuck)
Many delays happen because of small misunderstandings.
- Uploading Form 1 instead of Form 1A
- Using certificates from unregistered doctors
- Uploading blurred photos or incomplete scans
- Mismatch in name or licence number
- Missing doctor seal or signature
- Uploading old or wrongly dated certificates
Even one of these can keep your application on hold.
How to fix the issue step-by-step
Once you know what Parivahan is asking for, the solution is straightforward.
Step 1: Read the Parivahan status carefully
Don’t assume the application failed.
Check if it says:
- “Medical certificate required”
- “Form 1A pending”
- “Application under scrutiny”
Step 2: Understand that this is routine
This doesn’t mean rejection.
It means the system needs one more document.
Step 3: Consult a registered doctor
You don’t need multiple clinic visits.
Many people now:
- Consult a registered doctor online
- Complete a basic medical evaluation
- Receive a Parivahan-compatible Form 1A
You can understand this process better here:
Form 1A Medical Certificate for Driving Licence Renewal
Step 4: Upload the certificate correctly
- Ensure details match your licence
- Upload clear PDF or image
- Use the correct upload section on Parivahan
Step 5: Track your application
Once uploaded properly, most applications move forward within a few working days.
No agents.
No repeated RTO visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Form 1A mandatory for everyone above 40?
Not always, but many applications above 40 trigger this requirement automatically.
2. My licence expired years ago. Can I still renew it?
In most cases, yes.
Medical fitness proof may be required.
3. Can online medical certificates be accepted?
Yes, if issued by a registered doctor and formatted correctly.
4. Will I have to take a driving test again?
Usually no.
Medical verification is the common requirement.
5. How recent should the medical certificate be?
It should be current at the time of application, not months old.
6. What happens if I don’t upload Form 1A?
Your application may remain pending or get rejected.
Trust, legality, and peace of mind
Form 1A is:
- Recognised under Indian Motor Vehicle Rules
- Accepted by RTOs across India
- Required by Parivahan in specific cases
Doctor verification ensures:
- Legal validity
- Proper medical assessment
- Smooth application processing
This isn’t a shortcut.
It’s the correct and official process.
A calm reminder before you worry
If you’re above 40 and your licence renewal feels stuck,
it’s usually not a big issue.
Most delays happen because one form is missing or misunderstood.
Once you submit the right medical certificate, things usually move smoothly.
If your Parivahan application is stuck due to medical certificate requirements, many people now consult a registered doctor online and upload Form 1A directly.