Apply for Duplicate Driving Licence Online

Duplicate Driving Licence Application Process

Apply Officially

Visit the Vahan portal to submit your Duplicate DL application online.

What is a Duplicate Driving Licence?

Definition

An exact reprinted copy of your original driving licence containing the exact same DL number, validity dates, and authorized vehicle classes.

When is it Issued?

It is legally issued by the RTO only when the original card is lost, stolen, completely destroyed, or heavily damaged/defaced making details unreadable.

Legal Validity

A duplicate DL holds the exact same legal authority as the original under the Motor Vehicles Act. It is not a temporary or provisional permit.

Difference vs. New DL

A New DL requires a learner's permit and a driving test. A Duplicate DL skips all tests and directly prints your existing, approved data onto a new smart card.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)

You are legally eligible to apply for a duplicate driving licence under any of the following circumstances:

Lost DL (Misplaced)
Stolen DL (Theft)
Damaged or Torn DL
Defaced / Unreadable Text
Burnt or Flood-Damaged DL
Photo No Longer Recognizable

Rules & Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, ensure you meet the strict criteria set by the RTO for duplicate licences:

Valid Original Licence: Your lost or damaged driving licence must be currently valid. If it has expired, you must apply for a DL Renewal, not a duplicate.
Same Licensing Authority: You must apply for the duplicate DL from the exact same RTO that issued your original licence. If you have moved to another state, you first need an NOC.
No Pending Challans: Your DL must not be suspended, seized, or have any pending unpaid e-Challans. The RTO system will automatically block your application if restrictions exist.
Commercial vs. Private DL: The process is exactly the same for both, but for commercial transport licences, police verification or clearance may take slightly longer in some states.

Complete Online Application Process

Report Loss (If applicable)

File an online e-FIR or Police Lost Document Report (LDR) immediately if your DL was stolen or misplaced.

Collect Documents

Gather your FIR/LDR copy, Form LLD, Address Proof (Aadhaar), and your damaged card (if applicable).

Visit Sarathi Portal

Go to the official Parivahan/Sarathi website and select your current State from the dropdown menu.

Select "Duplicate DL" Service

Click on "Services on DL (Renewal/Duplicate/Aed/Others)", enter your old DL Number and Date of Birth to fetch your record.

Fill Application

Check the box for "Issue of Duplicate DL", select the exact reason (Lost, Damaged, etc.), and confirm your details.

Upload Documents

Upload the clear scanned PDFs of your FIR, Form LLD, and identity proof. Keep file sizes below the portal limits.

Pay Fee Online

Complete the online payment of ₹400 (₹200 Duplicate Fee + ₹200 Smart Card Fee) via the secure payment gateway and print the receipt.

Book Appointment

In some states, you may be prompted to book an RTO slot. In faceless/contactless states, this step is skipped automatically.

Biometric Verification

If required by your RTO, visit the office on your appointment date for a quick biometric (photo and signature) capture.

Track Application

Use your Application Number to track the status online. Wait for the "Approved" and "Printing" status updates.

Receive Smart Card DL

Once printed, your new Duplicate Driving Licence will be dispatched and delivered directly to your registered address via Speed Post.

Offline Process (At the RTO)

If you prefer not to apply online, you can manually apply for a duplicate driving licence by physically visiting the RTO office. Follow these 6 steps:

1 Visit Issuing RTO

Go to the exact same RTO office where your original driving licence was initially issued.

2 Fill Form LLD

Obtain Form LLD from the inquiry counter, fill out your details, and state the valid reason for the duplicate request.

3 Submit Documents

Attach the Police FIR/LDR copy, Aadhaar card, and 2 passport size photographs with the form.

4 Pay the Fee

Submit the application to the clerk and pay the required fee (approx ₹400) at the cash counter. Keep the receipt.

5 Verification

The RTO Inspector or Superintendent will verify your documents against their old physical or digital records.

6 Receive Licence

After successful processing, the printed Smart Card DL will be sent to your home address by Speed Post within a few weeks.

Documents Required by Category

Lost Licence

* FIR / Lost Report (where required)
Identity Proof (Aadhaar/PAN)
Address Proof
Passport Size Photo
DL Copy (if available)

Stolen Licence

* Police FIR (Mandatory)
* Sworn Affidavit
Identity Proof
Address Proof

Damaged Licence

* Original Damaged DL (Surrender)
Identity Proof
Address Proof

Commercial Licence

* Medical Certificate (Form 1A)
* Employer Certificate (if applicable)
Additional Transport Documents

Understanding the Forms Required

Don't get confused by the RTO jargon. Here is a simple breakdown of every form and document you might need for your duplicate licence application.

Download All RTO Forms Here

Form LLD

Intimation of Loss/Destruction: This is the legacy state-specific form specifically used to declare that your licence is lost, destroyed, or defaced. While many states have merged this into Form 2 online, some offline RTOs still mandate a physical Form LLD.

Form 2

General Application Form: This is the master application form on the Parivahan portal used for all DL services (Renewal, Duplicate, Address Change). The system auto-generates this form when you apply online.

Form 1

Self-Declaration of Physical Fitness: A mandatory self-declaration form stating you do not suffer from any major ailments (like epilepsy or blindness) that would impair your driving. Usually auto-filled online.

Form 1A

Medical Certificate: Required only if you are applying for a Commercial/Transport Vehicle DL, or if your age is above 40 years. It must be signed and stamped by a registered medical practitioner (MBBS doctor).

Affidavit Format

Notarized Declaration: A sworn legal document on a non-judicial stamp paper (usually ₹10 to ₹50) attested by a Notary Public. It legally declares that your licence is lost/stolen and hasn't been seized by traffic police.

FIR Requirements

Police Complaint: Mandatory for lost/stolen licences to prevent misuse. An online e-FIR or a physical Lost Document Report (LDR) from your local police station is accepted. Ensure the report mentions your exact DL Number.

Duplicate DL Fees & Payment Structure

The cost of getting a duplicate driving licence is standardized across India by the MoRTH, but minor service charges and state variations apply.

Fee Component	Standard Amount
Duplicate Licence Issue Fee	₹ 200.00
Smart Card (Form 7) Charges	₹ 200.00
Service/User Charges (varies)	₹ 50.00 - ₹ 100.00
Total Estimated Cost	~ ₹ 450.00

State Variations

While ₹400 is the central base fee, your state might levy local biometric charges, postal/speed-post dispatch fees, or specific e-Seva processing costs.

Online Payment Methods

The Sarathi portal uses state-specific cyber treasuries (like e-Gras, SBI ePay). You can securely pay via:

UPI (GPay, PhonePe, Paytm)
Debit / Credit Cards
Net Banking

Estimated Processing Time

Wondering how long it takes to get your duplicate driving licence delivered? Here is the complete timeline breakdown.

Online Application

If you apply through the completely faceless/contactless Aadhar-authentication method, the approval takes just 1 to 3 working days.

Offline Application

If you apply manually at the RTO, the document verification and approval process generally takes 3 to 7 working days depending on the rush.

Smart Card Printing

Once approved, your application enters the "Printing Pending" queue. Card printing normally takes 2 to 5 days.

Postal Delivery

After dispatch, India Post Speed Post will deliver the smart card to your registered address in 3 to 10 working days.

Common Causes for Delays

Delays often occur due to: blurred document uploads (especially FIR), mismatch in Aadhaar vs old DL details, or shortage of blank PVC smart cards at the local RTO. Always track your application status online!

DL Status Tracking

Once you've applied, here's how to check your application's current stage and dispatch tracking.

Using Application Number

Enter your 16-digit Application Number + DOB on the Sarathi 'Application Status' page to view real-time progress across all RTO stages.

Using DL Number

If you lost the application number, use the "Know Your DL Status" tool by simply inputting your original DL Number.

Printing Status

If the status shows "DL Printing in Progress," it means your document verification is approved and the physical card is being generated.

Dispatch Status

Once printed, the status will update to "DL Dispatched" along with a postal tracking ID.

Speed Post Tracking

Copy the tracking ID from Sarathi and paste it on the India Post tracking website to see the exact location of your courier.

What if You Don't Know Your DL Number?

You cannot apply for a duplicate licence without your original DL Number. If you didn't save a copy, here are 6 ways to find it:

Find through DigiLocker

If you had previously linked your DL to your Aadhar-based DigiLocker account, simply log in and view your issued documents.

mParivahan App

Check the mParivahan app on your smartphone if you had previously created a virtual DL there.

Previous Insurance

Check your vehicle insurance documents. Sometimes insurance agents note down the DL number of the owner during policy issuance.

Old Challans

If you were ever issued an e-Challan by traffic police, your DL number is usually printed on the receipt or visible in the e-Challan portal.

RTO Records

Visit your issuing RTO with your original Aadhar card and request them to search their digital database using your Name and DOB.

Aadhaar-Linked Records

Some states offer "Find DL Details" utility on their local transport portals where you can retrieve it via Aadhaar OTP.

Special Situations

Not every case is straightforward. Here are the specific rules for complex and unusual circumstances regarding your duplicate DL.

Lost DL in another state +

File an online e-FIR in the state where it was lost. However, you MUST apply for the duplicate from your HOME RTO (where it was originally issued).

Lost DL abroad +

File a police report in the foreign country. Submit that report (translated if not in English) along with an affidavit via a representative in India using a Power of Attorney.

Duplicate after address change +

If your current address differs from the old DL, select TWO services together on Sarathi: "Issue of Duplicate DL" AND "Change of Address in DL". Provide new address proof.

Duplicate after name change +

Select "Change of Name in DL" along with duplicate. You must provide gazette notification, marriage certificate (if applicable), and updated Aadhaar.

Duplicate for commercial licence +

Requires mandatory Medical Certificate (Form 1A) regardless of age. Police clearance might also be triggered by the RTO internally.

Duplicate for old booklet licence +

If your old DL was a paper booklet and data isn't online (Sarathi), you must first do "DL Backlog Entry" at the RTO to digitize it before applying for a duplicate.

Smart Card replacement +

Used to upgrade from laminated card to smart card. You must select "Replacement of DL" on Sarathi and surrender the old card. FIR is NOT required.

Damaged chip card +

If the microchip is unreadable by traffic police, apply for a duplicate under the "Damaged DL" category. The old card must be submitted.

Water-damaged licence +

Falls under the "Defaced/Torn" category. No police report needed. Just apply online, pay the ₹400 fee, and surrender whatever remains of the card.

Fire damage +

If the licence is completely burnt into ash, treat it as a "Lost/Destroyed" case. You will likely need an FIR or LDR stating it was destroyed in a fire.

Worn-out licence +

If the photo or text has faded naturally over time making it illegible, apply for a duplicate (Damaged category). No FIR required.

Duplicate after theft +

Highly sensitive. A proper Police FIR (not just an online LDR) might be demanded by the RTO to ensure you aren't hiding a seized DL. Affidavit is also strictly required.

Common Mistakes

Wrong DL Number: Entering Old/Manual DL numbers instead of the new 16-digit format.
Wrong RTO: Applying at your current city RTO instead of the original issuing RTO.
Expired Licence: Applying for a duplicate when the licence has already expired (Requires Renewal instead).
Missing FIR: Failing to attach an FIR for a lost/stolen DL.
Incorrect Documents: Uploading blurry images or wrong document proofs.
Payment Failures: Closing the payment gateway prematurely resulting in failed fee status.
Duplicate Application: Submitting a new application when an older one is already pending.
Mismatched Details: Name or DOB on Aadhaar not matching the original DL data.

Reasons for Rejection

Fake Documents: Submitting forged or modified FIRs and affidavits.
Wrong Information: Providing false declarations under Form LLD or Form 1.
Pending Legal Case: Having an active traffic violation case or pending e-Challan.
Cancelled Licence: Applying for a duplicate when the licence was officially cancelled by authorities.
Suspended Licence: Attempting to get a duplicate while your DL is currently suspended (e.g., drunk driving).
Identity Mismatch: Biometrics or photo at RTO failing to match old database records.
Invalid Application: Selecting the wrong service category on the Sarathi portal.

Common Problems & Solutions (FAQs)

1. Can I apply for a duplicate DL without an FIR?

No. If your licence is lost or stolen, an FIR or Police Lost Document Report (LDR) is legally mandatory to prevent identity theft and misuse.

2. Is an affidavit mandatory for a duplicate driving licence?

Yes, an affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper attested by a Notary Public is required to formally declare the loss of your licence under oath.

3. Can I drive while waiting for my duplicate DL?

Yes, you can drive if you download your digital DL from DigiLocker or mParivahan. However, driving with just the payment receipt is not recommended.

4. Will my DL number change after getting a duplicate?

No. Your driving licence number will remain exactly the same. The new card will simply have "Duplicate" printed on it.

5. Does the validity of my licence remain the same?

Yes. The duplicate DL inherits the exact same expiration date as your original licence.

6. Can I apply from another state?

You can file an online police report in the state where you lost it, but you MUST apply for the duplicate through the specific RTO that originally issued the licence.

7. Can I apply online without visiting the RTO?

Yes, if your state supports Aadhaar-based e-KYC authentication, the process is completely faceless and doesn't require an RTO visit.

8. What if my licence is both expired and lost?

You must apply for TWO services simultaneously: "Renewal of DL" and "Issue of Duplicate DL". You will need medical forms and police reports for both.

9. Can I use DigiLocker until the physical card arrives?

Absolutely. According to the IT Act 2000 and MoRTH guidelines, documents presented via DigiLocker are legally equivalent to original physical documents.

10. What happens if someone misuses my lost licence?

This is exactly why filing an FIR/LDR is critical. The police report legally protects you from liability if criminals misuse your DL for fraud or illegal activities.

11. What is Form LLD?

Form LLD is a formal written intimation to the licensing authority declaring that your driving licence has been lost, destroyed, or defaced.

12. Do I need a Medical Certificate (Form 1A)?

Only if you are over 40 years of age or if you are applying for a duplicate Commercial/Transport Vehicle Driving Licence.

13. What is the fee for a duplicate DL?

The standard fee is ₹400 (₹200 for Duplicate Issue + ₹200 for the Smart Card), plus minor state-specific service or postal charges.

14. How long does it take to process the duplicate DL?

Online Aadhaar-authenticated applications process in 1-3 days. Offline RTO visits take 3-7 days. Printing and dispatch take an additional 5-15 days.

15. Is a police challan required to get a duplicate DL?

If your DL was seized by police and lost by them, you need a certificate from the police department. Otherwise, no challan is required—only an FIR.

16. What is the difference between Replacement and Duplicate?

Replacement is upgrading an intact old booklet/laminated card to a Smart Card. Duplicate is for lost, stolen, or entirely destroyed licences.

17. Can I check my duplicate DL status online?

Yes. Visit Sarathi Parivahan, click 'Application Status', and enter your 16-digit Application Number and Date of Birth to track it.

18. What if my application gets rejected?

You will receive an SMS stating the reason (e.g., blurred documents). You can log in, rectify the issue by re-uploading documents, and the application will resume.

19. Can an NRI apply for a duplicate Indian DL from abroad?

Yes, an NRI can apply online, provided their Aadhaar is linked to an active Indian mobile number for OTP authentication, or via a representative holding a Power of Attorney.

20. Is the original DL required for a duplicate application?

If it is lost/stolen, no. If it is damaged/torn/defaced, you MUST surrender the damaged physical card to the RTO.

21. Can I change my address while applying for a duplicate DL?

Yes. On the Sarathi portal, select both "Issue of Duplicate DL" and "Change of Address in DL" checkboxes and provide your new address proof.

22. Do I need to pay pending challans before applying?

Yes. The Sarathi portal will automatically block your application if your DL number has any pending traffic e-Challans linked to it.

23. How do I find my lost DL number?

You can find it via DigiLocker, mParivahan, old traffic challan receipts, vehicle insurance policies, or by requesting an RTO record search using your Aadhar.

24. What does "Scrutiny Pending" mean?

It means your application is waiting for an RTO officer to manually verify your uploaded documents (like the FIR and Address Proof).

25. What does "Printing Pending" mean?

Your application is approved! It is currently in the queue for the physical PVC smart card to be printed at the RTO printing facility.

26. How is the duplicate DL delivered?

It is strictly dispatched via India Post (Speed Post) to the registered address on your driving licence to prevent fraud.

27. Can I collect the duplicate DL directly from the RTO?

Generally, no. To ensure address verification, RTOs mandate postal delivery. Only in extreme emergencies (with written permission from the RTO head) is hand-delivery allowed.

28. My smart card chip is damaged. Do I need an FIR?

No. A damaged chip falls under the "Damaged DL" category. Just apply online and submit the faulty card to the RTO.

29. I lost my Learner's Licence. Can I get a duplicate?

Yes. The process is identical, but you select "Issue of Duplicate Learner's Licence" instead of DL on the Sarathi portal.

30. Is a newspaper ad required for a lost DL?

Usually, an FIR/LDR and an affidavit are sufficient. A newspaper advertisement is typically only required if you lost your vehicle RC, not the DL.

31. Can I use a digital copy on WhatsApp?

No. Traffic police will not accept images on WhatsApp or Gallery. It must be presented through the official DigiLocker or mParivahan apps.

32. My DL was suspended, can I report it lost to get a new one?

No! This is a criminal offense. The Sarathi database tracks suspended licences nationwide. Trying to bypass a suspension via a duplicate application will lead to rejection and legal action.

33. How long is the police FIR valid?

A lost document report (LDR) or FIR is generally valid for up to 6 months for the purpose of applying for a duplicate document.

34. Does the duplicate DL have my old photo?

If you apply via Aadhaar e-KYC, your latest Aadhaar photo might be fetched. If you apply manually at the RTO, they will capture a new live photograph.

35. What is the fee for a smart card?

The standard Government fee for printing a Form 7 Smart Card is ₹200 across most states in India.

36. What should I do if my payment fails on Sarathi?

Do not pay again immediately. Wait 45 minutes, go to 'Check Payment Status', and verify your transaction. Often, pending payments update automatically.

37. Can I apply for a duplicate through an agent?

While driving schools and agents offer this service, the online Parivahan process is very simple and doing it yourself saves you massive agent commission fees.

38. I found my lost DL after applying for a duplicate. What do I do?

Once you report a DL as lost and a duplicate is issued, the old DL serial number is marked invalid in the database. You should destroy the old card to prevent confusion.

39. Does a duplicate DL look different from the original?

It looks identical in design and format, but the word "Duplicate" will be visibly printed or embedded in the smart card data to indicate it is a re-issued copy.

40. My licence is from 1995 (Booklet). Can I get a duplicate online?

Only if your RTO digitized those old records into Sarathi. If not, you must visit the RTO for "DL Backlog Entry" to digitize your old data before applying online.