Losing your driving licence can put you in a difficult spot. Whether it was stolen, lost, or damaged beyond use, you are legally required to carry a valid driving licence every time you drive. Under Section 3 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, driving without a valid licence can result in fines and legal complications. The good news is that getting a duplicate driving licence in India is a straightforward process, whether you choose to apply online through the Parivahan Sewa portal or visit your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) in person.
Who Can Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence in India?
A duplicate driving licence (DL) can be applied for in any of the following situations:
Loss or misplacement of the original driving licence
Theft of the original driving licence
Damage, mutilation, or defacement of the licence
Photograph on the licence is no longer recognisable
Change in personal details such as name or address
Worn-out or illegible licence due to wear and tear
Expiry of the original DL — apply for renewal alongside the duplicate request
Documents Required for a Duplicate Driving Licence
Gather the following documents before applying. Self-attest all photocopies unless otherwise specified by your RTO.
Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
Form LLD (Lost Licence Duplicate) | Mandatory application form for a duplicate DL |
Copy of FIR | Required in cases of theft from the nearest police station |
Self-declaration or affidavit | Required in cases of accidental loss (where FIR is not available) |
Original driving licence | Submit only if applying because the licence is damaged |
Attested copies of original DL | Required in cases of loss or theft |
Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport | Identity proof |
Utility bill, voter ID, or rental agreement | Address proof |
Recent passport-size photographs | For verification and records |
Note: Additional documents may be required depending on your state or the reason for applying. Always verify with your local RTO or visit parivahan.gov.in for state-specific requirements.
How to Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence Online
You can apply for a duplicate driving licence through the official Parivahan Sewa portal . Follow these steps:
Visit https://parivahan.gov.in and click on 'Online Services'.
Select 'Driving Licence Related Services' from the menu.
Choose your state from the list provided.
Click on 'Apply for Duplicate DL'.
Enter your licence number and date of birth.
Upload the required documents — identity proof, address proof, and FIR or affidavit as applicable.
Pay the applicable fee online.
Download and save the acknowledgement receipt. This receipt serves as proof of your application while your duplicate DL is being processed.
Track the status of your application using the application number assigned at the time of submission.
Important: Not all state RTOs support a fully online process. Some may require you to visit the RTO in person for document verification. Confirm with your state's transport department or the Parivahan portal before beginning your application.
How to Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence Offline
If your state does not support online applications, or you prefer to apply in person, follow these steps:
Step 1: File an FIR (If the Licence Was Stolen or Lost)
Visit the nearest police station and file a First Information Report (FIR) for the stolen or lost licence. Obtain a copy of the FIR, as most RTOs require it to process a duplicate in cases of theft. In cases of accidental loss, a self-declaration affidavit may be accepted instead of an FIR.
Step 2: Visit the Issuing RTO
Go to the Regional Transport Office that originally issued your driving licence. If you have relocated to another city, contact both your original RTO and your current state's RTO for guidance on the inter-state application process.
Step 3: Obtain and Fill Form LLD (Lost Licence Duplicate)
Collect Form LLD from the RTO counter, or download it from parivahan.gov.in. Fill in the following details accurately:
Full name and complete address as on the original licence
Driving licence number, vehicle class, expiry date, and licensing authority
Reason for applying (loss, theft, damage, or defacement)
A declaration stating that no authority has impounded your DL
Step 4: Attach and Self-Attest All Documents
Attach self-attested copies of all required documents with the completed Form LLD. Ensure photographs are recent and meet passport-size specifications.
Step 5: Pay the Applicable Fee
Pay the fee at the RTO counter or online where the option is available. Collect the fee receipt and retain it for your records.
Step 6: Collect Your Acknowledgement Receipt
After submission, collect the acknowledgement receipt from the RTO. Your duplicate driving licence will be dispatched to your registered residential address, typically within 7 to 15 working days.
Duplicate Driving Licence Fees in India
The following are the standard fees applicable across most states:
Particulars | Fee |
|---|---|
Duplicate driving licence issuance | ₹200 |
Smart card for duplicate driving licence | ₹400 |
Total (approx.) | ₹600 |
Fees may vary slightly by state and are subject to revision. Always confirm the current fee with your local RTO or visit parivahan.gov.in before visiting. For example, in Delhi, the duplicate licence fee is ₹200 and the smart card fee is an additional ₹200, bringing the total to ₹400.
How to Track Your Duplicate Driving Licence Application Status
Once you have submitted your application, you can track its status on the Parivahan portal:
Visit parivahan.gov.in.
Click on 'Online Services' and select 'Driving Licence Related Services'.
Choose your state from the list.
Click on 'Application Status' at the top of the page.
Enter your application number, date of birth, and the captcha code.
Click 'Submit' to view your current application status.
How to Download Your Driving Licence Copy
While your duplicate DL is being processed, you can download a digitally valid copy of your driving licence through DigiLocker or the mParivahan app. A digital DL stored on DigiLocker is legally valid under the IT Act, 2000 and is accepted by traffic authorities across India as proof of identity and driving authorisation.
Steps to access your DL through DigiLocker:
Download the DigiLocker app or visit digilocker.gov.in .
Log in or create an account using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
Search for 'Driving Licence' under the 'Issued Documents' section.
Your DL will be available if your Aadhaar is linked to the transport database. You can download or share it directly from the app.
Key Points to Keep in Mind
A duplicate driving licence carries the same validity period as the original.
FIR is required for theft. For accidental loss, a self-declaration or affidavit may be accepted in most states.
Holding two valid driving licences at the same time is an offence under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. If you find your original DL after the duplicate has been issued, surrender the duplicate to the issuing RTO immediately.
If your original licence expired before it was lost or damaged, apply for renewal rather than a duplicate.
Apply as soon as possible after the loss or theft to avoid driving without a valid licence.
Save a digital copy of your DL on DigiLocker or the mParivahan app at all times to reduce inconvenience.
Your Driving Licence and Car Insurance: Both Are Non-Negotiable
A valid driving licence is your legal authorisation to drive. But equally important is having valid car insurance . Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, driving without at least third-party car insurance is a punishable offence. If you are sorting out your driving licence, it is also a good time to check whether your car insurance is current.
Zurich Kotak General Insurance Company (India) Limited offers car insurance plans designed to be simple, reliable, and quick to purchase. Get a quote today and make sure you are fully covered every time you are on the road.
Conclusion
Losing your driving licence is a hassle, but between online RTO services and digital backups like DigiLocker, getting back on track is quick and straightforward. Just remember to act promptly - keeping both your physical licence and car insurance up to date isn't just about avoiding legal fines; it's about staying protected every time you hit the road.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Drive While My Duplicate Driving Licence Application Is in Process?
Legally, you cannot drive without a valid driving licence in India. While an acknowledgement receipt from the RTO confirms that your application has been submitted, it does not serve as a valid substitute for a driving licence under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. However, some RTOs do issue a temporary driving document during the processing period. Check with your local RTO to confirm what is available in your state. Your DigiLocker copy, if available, is a legally valid alternative in the interim.
What Happens if My Original Driving Licence Is Found After the Duplicate Is Issued?
You must surrender one of the licences to your issuing RTO. Holding two valid driving licences at the same time is an offence under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. In such a case, surrender the duplicate to the RTO and retain the original.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Duplicate Driving Licence?
Processing times vary by state and RTO. In most cases, the duplicate is dispatched to your registered residential address within 7 to 15 working days after successful document verification.
What Is the Fee for a Duplicate Driving Licence in India?
The standard fee is ₹200 for issuance of a duplicate driving licence and ₹400 for a smart card. Total fees and specific state charges may vary. Visit parivahan.gov.in or check with your local RTO for the most current figures.
Can I Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence in a State Different From the One That Issued It?
Generally, you must apply at the RTO that originally issued your licence. If you have relocated, contact both your original issuing RTO and your current state's RTO for guidance on the inter-state process and the additional steps involved.
Is a DigiLocker Copy of My Driving Licence Valid While I Wait for the Duplicate?
Yes. A digital copy of your driving licence stored on DigiLocker is legally valid under the IT Act, 2000 and is accepted by traffic authorities in India. You can use it as proof of identity and as a driving authorisation while your duplicate is being processed.
What Is Form LLD?
Form LLD stands for Lost Licence Duplicate. It is the official government form required to apply for a duplicate driving licence in India. You can collect it from your nearest RTO or download it from the Parivahan Sewa portal.
Do I Need to Pass a Driving Test Again for a Duplicate Licence?
No. You do not need to appear for a driving test again when applying for a duplicate driving licence, provided your original DL was valid at the time it was lost or damaged. A fresh driving test is only required if you are applying for a new licence or if your original DL had expired before being lost.
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