How to Renew Your Vehicle Revenue License in Sri Lanka

Renewing a vehicle revenue license in Sri Lanka is a legal requirement for every vehicle owner, yet many people still find the process confusing. Between insurance renewals, emission tests, provincial rules, and the relatively new online system, it’s easy to feel unsure about what actually works.

This guide combines official procedures with real-world experiences shared by Sri Lankan Reddit users, turning scattered information into a clear, step-by-step process you can actually follow.

What Is a Vehicle Revenue License?

A vehicle revenue license is a mandatory annual permit that allows your vehicle to be legally driven on Sri Lankan roads. It confirms that:

Your vehicle is properly registered
You have valid motor insurance
Your vehicle has passed the emission test
You have paid the relevant provincial taxes

Driving without a valid revenue license can result in fines and penalties under Sri Lankan traffic laws.

For official reference, the Department of Motor Traffic provides background information on vehicle registration and licensing:
https://dmt.gov.lk/

Can You Renew Your Vehicle Revenue License Online?

Yes. Sri Lanka’s official online revenue license system allows eligible vehicle owners to renew their license without visiting a government office.

The official portal is:
https://www.gov.lk/services/erl/es/erl/view/index.action

According to multiple Sri Lankan Reddit users, the system works reliably even if:

You live in Colombo
Your vehicle is registered in another province (such as Central or Southern Province)

The physical license is sent by post after online payment.

Who Is Eligible for Online Renewal?

You can renew your revenue license online if:

Your vehicle already had a previous revenue license
Ownership has not changed
Your insurance certificate is valid
Your emission test certificate is valid
Both certificates have not been used for a previous renewal

You must visit a government office if:

This is the first revenue license for a new vehicle
Ownership has changed recently
Your insurance or emission certificate cannot be validated online

In these cases, visit your nearest Divisional Secretariat or the Department of Motor Traffic (Werahera or regional offices).

Step 1: Renew Insurance and Emission Certificates First

This is the most common reason online renewals fail.

Motor Insurance

Your insurance policy must be active and valid on the renewal date. Most Sri Lankan insurers now integrate directly with the revenue license system.

You can verify insurance requirements via the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka:
https://www.ircsl.gov.lk

Emission Test Certificate

You must complete an emission test at an authorized testing center. The certificate must be valid and unused.

Official emission testing information is available at:
https://www.drivegreen.lk/

Without both of these certificates validated, the online system will block your renewal.

Step 2: Access the Online Revenue License Portal

Once your documents are ready:

Visit https://www.gov.lk/services/erl/es/erl/view/index.action
Log in (Google login is commonly used)
Select “Renew License”

The system operates 24/7, including weekends and public holidays.

Step 3: Enter Vehicle and Owner Details

You will need to provide:

Vehicle registration number
Chassis number
Owner’s NIC number

Ensure the details exactly match your vehicle registration (CR book). Even small mismatches can cause validation errors.

Step 4: Validate Insurance and Emission Certificates

Enter the certificate numbers when prompted.

The system automatically verifies them
Both must show as approved before you can continue

If validation fails:

Contact your insurance provider
Contact the emission testing center
Double-check entered details

Step 5: Pay the Renewal Fee

Once validated, the system calculates the payable amount based on:

Vehicle category
Engine capacity
Provincial council

Payments can be made using:

Credit or debit cards
Online banking

You’ll receive immediate confirmation after payment.

Step 6: Download and Print the Temporary License

After payment:

A temporary revenue license is generated instantly
It is sent to your email as a PDF
Print it and keep it inside your vehicle

This temporary license is legally valid for 30 days while you wait for the physical card.

Step 7: Receive the Physical License by Post

According to user experiences:

The printed license usually arrives within 2–3 weeks
Delivery works even if the vehicle is registered in a different province

If the license does not arrive:

Check with your Divisional Secretariat
Bring identification and vehicle details

Late Renewal Fees and Expiry Rules

Late Fees

Renewing after expiry typically incurs a fine of around Rs. 200
Longer delays can increase penalties

Renewing Early

Renewing early does not change your expiry date.
For example, renewing in November for a license expiring in December still results in a December expiry next year.

Can You Renew on Weekends?

Yes. Online renewal works on weekends and public holidays.
This is one of the biggest advantages of the online system compared to in-person visits.

When Do You Need to Visit an Office?

You must renew in person if:

It’s your first revenue license
Ownership has changed
Online validation fails

Common Questions from Vehicle Owners

What if I don’t receive my license?

Most licenses arrive within 2–3 weeks. If not, check with your Divisional Secretariat.

Can I renew without my NIC?

Generally, a valid NIC is required. If lost, visit the Department of Motor Traffic for guidance.

Do I need to go to the province where the vehicle is registered?

No. Online renewal works nationwide.

Final Thoughts

Based on real-world experiences and official systems, Sri Lanka’s online vehicle revenue license renewal process is reliable, time-saving, and practical for most vehicle owners. As long as your insurance and emission certificates are valid, the process can be completed entirely online without standing in queues.

By following this step-by-step guide and using official portals, you can renew your vehicle revenue license confidently and legally, avoiding unnecessary delays and penalties.