Lost Driving Licence? How to Apply for Duplicate DL

What is a Duplicate Driving Licence?

A duplicate driving licence is a replacement copy of your original DL that has been lost, stolen, damaged, or mutilated. The duplicate DL carries the same details and validity as your original licence. You can apply for a duplicate DL through the Sarathi Parivahan portal and your Regional Transport Office (RTO).

When Should You Apply for a Duplicate DL?

• Your DL is lost or misplaced
• Your DL was stolen
• Your DL is damaged, torn, or unreadable
• Your DL smart card is broken or the chip is not working
• Your DL details are faded and no longer legible

Is FIR Filing Required?

• FIR is optional in most states for a lost DL — a self-declaration or affidavit is accepted instead
• However, if your DL was stolen, filing an FIR at your local police station is recommended
• Some RTOs may still ask for an FIR copy or a General Diary (GD) entry from the police station
• You can file an online FIR/complaint on your state police website in many states
• An affidavit on ₹10 stamp paper declaring the loss is accepted by most RTOs as an alternative to an FIR

Documents Required for Duplicate DL

• FIR copy or self-declaration/affidavit stating the loss of DL
• Aadhaar card (for identity and address verification)
• Passport-size photographs (2 copies, recent, white background)
• Address proof (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID, utility bill)
• DL number (if you remember it — check old documents, DigiLocker, or mParivahan app)
• Self-declaration in Form 1
• Damaged DL (if applying due to damage — submit the damaged card)

Tip: Check your DigiLocker account or the mParivahan app — your DL details and number may be available there even if you've lost the physical card.

Step-by-Step Process: Apply for Duplicate DL Online

1. Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
2. Select your state from the dropdown
3. Click "DL Services" → "Issue of Duplicate DL"
4. Enter your DL number and date of birth
5. Your existing DL details will be displayed — verify them
6. Select the reason for applying (lost / damaged / stolen)
7. Upload required documents (FIR/affidavit, photo, address proof)
8. Fill in Form LLD (application for duplicate licence) — available on the portal
9. Pay the fee online (₹200 + smart card fee)
10. Book an RTO appointment (if required by your state)
11. Visit the RTO on the appointment date with original documents
12. The duplicate DL smart card will be dispatched to your address via Speed Post

Fees for Duplicate DL

Note: Additional charges may apply for affidavit/notary (₹50-₹100) if you choose the affidavit route instead of FIR. Fees may vary slightly by state.

Processing Time

What If You Don't Remember Your DL Number?

• DigiLocker: Log in to digilocker.gov.in — your DL may be available in issued documents
• mParivahan App: Download the app and check your virtual DL
• Old documents: Check old insurance papers, vehicle registration, or challans — your DL number may be recorded there
• RTO visit: Visit your issuing RTO with your Aadhaar card — they can look up your DL number from their records
• Parivahan portal: Try the "Know Your DL" feature with your name and date of birth

Can You Drive Without a DL While the Duplicate is Being Processed?

• You should not drive without a valid DL or receipt
• After applying, you'll receive an acknowledgement receipt from the portal/RTO — carry this while driving
• Download your virtual DL from DigiLocker or mParivahan — this is accepted by traffic police in most states as per MoRTH guidelines
• The acknowledgement receipt is typically valid for 30 days

Important Tips

1. Act quickly — apply for a duplicate DL as soon as you realize it's lost; driving without a licence attracts a fine of ₹5,000 under the Motor Vehicles Act
2. Use DigiLocker — register on DigiLocker and mParivahan to always have a digital copy of your DL
3. Keep photocopies — always maintain a photocopy or photo of your DL on your phone
4. Track your application — use our DL status check guide to track the duplicate DL delivery
5. Combine with renewal — if your DL is also expiring soon, you can apply for renewal along with the duplicate

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FIR mandatory for getting a duplicate driving licence?

No, FIR is not mandatory in most states. A self-declaration or affidavit on stamp paper stating the loss of your DL is accepted by most RTOs. However, if your DL was stolen, filing an FIR is recommended.

How much does a duplicate driving licence cost?

The application fee is approximately ₹200, plus ₹200 for the smart card — totalling around ₹400. Fees may vary slightly by state.

Can I apply for a duplicate DL online without visiting the RTO?

The online application is submitted through the Sarathi portal, but most states require an RTO visit for biometric verification. Some states may process it fully online — check your state portal.

How long does it take to get a duplicate driving licence?

After RTO approval, the smart card is typically dispatched within 15-30 days via Speed Post. The entire process from application to delivery usually takes 3-6 weeks.

Will my duplicate DL have the same number and validity?

Yes, the duplicate DL carries the same DL number and the same validity/expiry date as your original licence.

Can I get a duplicate DL from a different state?

You should apply at the RTO in whose jurisdiction your current address falls. If your DL was issued by a different state, you may need to apply for an interstate transfer along with the duplicate.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent informational platform and is not affiliated with the Government of India, Ministry of Road Transport, or any RTO. Information is compiled from official government sources for educational purposes. Always verify details on parivahan.gov.in before proceeding.