The Complete Guide to Renewing Your Driving License in Malaysia
Do you have an expired or about-to-expire driving license?
It is illegal to drive a private vehicle without a valid license or with an expired license in Malaysia. So it is crucial to make sure that your license is up-to-date. Luckily, renewing your driving license is simple and can be done physically or online.
As you prepare to renew your license, knowing a few important things is helpful.
If there are any doubts or questions, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) is the official source for all driving license-related services, information and the latest updates.
Here's how you can renew your Malaysian driving license step-by-step.
The Three Types of Driving Licenses
In Malaysia, there are three levels of private vehicle driving licenses. There are different validity periods and renewal processes for each.
The three types of licenses are as follows:
a) Learner's Driving License (LDL)
When learning to drive, an "L" license is issued to an individual who will attend driving classes under the supervision of a driving instructor. Unless you have taken and passed the road test that qualifies you for a Provisional Driving License, you will need to renew this every three to six months. The license is valid for two years.
b) Provisional Driving License (PDL)
New drivers who pass the law and practical tests given by JPJ are eligible for a "P" license. Drivers will undergo a two-year probationary period.
c) Competent Driving License (CDL)
After completing the two-year probationary period, the new driver can change the PDL to the CDL issued by JPJ.
When does the driving license expire
The expiration date was previously set based on the current expiry date and the new validity period chosen by applicants. For example, if you renewed your license for only one year, the expiration date would be one year from the renewal date.
But, as of November 2011, the validity period has been revised and will now be determined by your birth date.
To know when the license expires:
Check your driving license card, which will show the expiration date. If you cannot access your physical license, you can view the expiration date on JPJ's website. Make sure you select the appropriate ID category, such as MyKad if you're a Malaysian. Enter your ID number and security code. Your driving license information, including renewal history, will be displayed when you click search.
How much does it cost to renew driver's license
Renewal fees depend on the validity period you choose. You can renew your license for a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years.
Additionally, the cost depends on the type of CDL you hold:
- RM2.00 per year for Class A/A1
- RM20.00 per year for Class B, B2 (sole) & C
- RM30.00 per year for Class D/E/F/G/H/I
Table: Types of Driving License Classes in Malaysia
| License Class | Vehicle Type |
| A/A1 | Motorcycles and motorcars for disabled persons not exceeding 450kg |
| B | Motorcycles of more than 500cc |
| B2 (Sole) | Motorcycles not exceeding 250cc |
| C | Three-wheeled motorcycles |
| D | Motorcars with unladen weight not exceeding 3,500kg |
| E | Trucks with unladen weight not exceeding 7,500 kg |
| F | Tractor/Mobile Machinery Light (Wheeled) with unladen weight not exceeding 5,000kg |
| G | Tractor/Mobile Machinery Light (Tracked) with unladen weight not exceeding 5,000kg |
| H | Tractor/Mobile Machinery Light (Wheeled) with unladen weight exceeding 5,000kg |
| I | Tractor/Mobile Machinery Light (Tracked) with unladen weight exceeding 5,000kg |
Driving License Renewal Process
Renewals can be done in person or online.
Important: Ensure that your current driving license is not blacklisted, or you will not be able to renew it. JPJ's Blacklist Database shows the status of your license if you fill in the required information. You want to make sure that no blacklist record exists for your ID number.
Renew Physically
You can renew your driving license at these locations:
- JPJ State / Branch Offices, (check the nearest location)
- UTC, (check the nearest location)
- eServices kiosk or
- Pos Malaysia Berhad (PMB) offices. (check the nearest location)
Don't forget to bring the documents mentioned below when you head to your nearest physical location for renewal. Once you get there, get your queue number and wait. Once your number is called, head to the counter.
Documents you need to bring:
- Original MyKad/passport of applicants or copies if representatives do the transaction
- The original identification of representatives (if applicable)
- Original/Copy of the existing driving license
- One colour photo (white background) with a dimension of 25 mm x 32 mm (optional)
- Sufficient cash for the renewal fees
Renew for a minimum of one year and up to five. Your new driving license will be issued once you have made your payment.
How to Renew License Online
Your license can also be renewed online through MyEG services and delivered to your home.
To get started, follow these steps:
- Visit MyEG and log in if you already have an account. If not, you need to register for an account.
- Enter all the required personal information to proceed with registration.
- Select JPJ and click on the "Driving License Renewal" button.
- Then, fill in all the required information and select your renewal period of up to five years.
- Ensure all the information provided is correct, especially the delivery address.
- Choose your preferred payment method and complete the transaction.
- Once completed, save the receipt as proof.
- MyEG will send you your new driving license to the address you have provided.
Note: a fee of RM5.00 will be charged for delivery around the Klang Valley, RM6.00 for Peninsular Malaysia, and RM10.00 for Sabah and Sarawak. Depending on your area, delivery will take about two to five working days.
How to renew "P" License
You must use your PDL for two years before converting it into a full license or CDL. Drivers can convert seven days before their provisional period expires or up to a year after their PDL expires. You'd have to appeal to the JPJ if your PDL has expired for more than a year, and you might have to repeat the whole process, including the driving test.
How to renew "L" license
After you have passed the Law Test and the test results have been updated in the system, you will be issued the "L" license. Test results are valid for one year. Your "L" license must be renewed every three to six months during your learning period.
Renewal is the same as renewing a "P" license if it expires. You cannot hold the license for more than two years after it was issued; otherwise, you will need to repeat all the driving classes and tests.
FAQ
How to renew an expired driving license?
An expired license will result in a fine, and the amount will depend on its expiration date:
- 1 - 15 days: RM150 fine
- 16 - 30 days: RM200 fine
- 31 - 60 days: RM300 fine
A recent announcement from JPJ states that expired driving licenses for one to three years may be invalid and revoked. To obtain a valid driving license, you must start over.
The following driving license classes are affected by the recent announcements:
- Learner's driving license (LDL) if expired for two years
- Provisional driving license (PDL) if expired for more than a year
- Competent driving license (CDL) if expired for over three years
- Public service vehicle (PSV) and goods driving license (GDL) if expired for more than three years
Should you need to retake your driving test, you will need an eRayuan letter from the closest JPJ office to obtain a learner "L" license. It costs RM30 and is valid for 60 days for retaking the exam. Once you have passed the practical driving test, you'd be given a probationary license (P) for two years before getting to change it to a CDL.
How do I convert my "P" License to a CDL?
Before performing the conversion at any JPJ Office near you, make sure you aren't blacklisted. You will need the same set of documents required for CDL renewal.
- Go to the nearest JPJ office.
- Get the JPJ L1 form and fill it in.
- Get a queue number and wait for your turn.
- Inform the JPJ officer that you wish to convert your P license into a CDL.
- Provide your MyKad and "P" license, then choose the validity period of your CDL.
- If you want, you can change the photo on your new license by providing a new photo based on the specifications mentioned above.
- Make your payment and get your new CDL.
Can I renew my Malaysian driving license overseas?
Your driving license has expired or is going to expire, and you're in another country; you can get a representative in Malaysia to renew it or do it yourself online via MyEG.
It's the same process as in-person renewal, but your representative needs to bring copies of the applicant's MyKad/passport (yours) and their original identification.
How to renew your Malaysian driving license if you are a foreigner?
Foreigners with Malaysian driving licenses can renew their licenses physically at any JPJ State / Branch Office, UTC, 1JPJ Counter, eServices kiosk, and Pos Malaysia Berhad (PMB) offices. The process is almost identical to that of renewing a Malaysian CDL.
Bring along:
- Original passport of applicants or copies if representatives do the transaction
- The original identification of representatives (if applicable)
- Original/copy of the driving license
- Personal identification documents of the original representative
- 1 color photo (white background) with dimensions of 25 mm x 32 mm
If your CDL uses your old passport number, please bring it along with your current valid passport for verification. Take a photocopy of your old passport details page and visa as your supporting documents.
The JPJ officer will advise any forms that need to be filled out. You can renew your CDL for up to five years, but it will also depend on the expiration date of your passport/visa. Renewal fees are RM60 per year.
How do I renew my international driving license?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a verified document accepted in over 150 countries worldwide. You can renew your IDP at any JPJ office or the Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) office.
Bring two passport-sized photographs along with your existing IDP. The JPJ L1 form needs to be filled out on location, or you can download it and fill it out beforehand.
IDPs are valid for one year from the date of issuance and cost RM150 per year.
Applicants for IDPs must possess a valid CDL. You can return to JPJ to change your license if you no longer need your IDP.
Conclusion
Although renewing your driving license might seem monotonous, it is your responsibility to keep it updated. You can ensure that your license is always valid by following the steps outlined in this blog post. To ensure you are always driving legally, keep all three documents up to date: your insurance, road tax, and driving license.
Disclaimer: This blog post is strictly for informational purposes, and should not be taken as advice of any kind. Kurnia disclaims all responsibility for any losses resulting from reliance on the information contained in this article.