Duplicate Driving Licence in India

A driving license is an official document issued by the government that grants an individual the legal authority to operate a motor vehicle on public roads. It serves as proof that the holder has passed the necessary tests and assessments to demonstrate their competence and knowledge of road rules and traffic regulations.

Updated On - 05 Sep 2025

In case your driving licence is stolen, lost or damaged, you can get a duplicate driving licence by contacting the RTO that issued your Licence. Also, some RTOs offer online facility using which you can file for duplicate driving licence.

Who can Apply for Duplicate Driving Licence in India? 

Here is the list of entities who can apply for duplicate driving licence in India: 

  1. Individual who has lost their original driving licence 
  2. In case the driving licence is destroyed, and photograph needs to be replaced 
  1. Individual who does not have original driving licence and the RTO or Regional Transport Authority (RTA) need to issue it 
  1. Individuals whose driving licence has expired
  2. Individuals who wish to update their personal details

Reasons to apply for Duplicate Driving Licence

The below mentioned are few scenarios where you can apply for a duplicate driving licence: 

  1. Lost or stolen: If your original driving license is lost or stolen, applying for a duplicate is crucial. This ensures that you maintain legal authorization to drive, and it helps prevent any misuse of your lost license. 
  2. Damaged or Mutilated License: If your driving license becomes damaged or mutilated, obtaining a duplicate is necessary to have a legible and valid document. 
  3. Change in Personal Details: If there is a change in personal details such as your name or address, applying for a duplicate license with updated information is essential to ensure accuracy and compliance with legal requirements. 
  4. Expired licence: Renewing an expired driving license is akin to applying for a duplicate. It ensures that you continue to hold a valid license and adhere to the legal requirements for driving. 
  5. Change in Vehicle Category: If you undergo training and qualify for a different category of vehicles (e.g., upgrading from a two-wheeler to a four-wheeler), obtaining a duplicate license with the updated vehicle category is necessary. 
  6. Faded License: Over time, driving licenses may fade. In such cases, obtaining a duplicate ensures that you possess a clear and readable document.

Documents Required for Duplicate Driving Licence

In case you wish to apply for a Duplicate Driver's Licence following the loss of your original driver licence, you will be required to submit the following documents for the purpose. The following list of documents is required to obtain a Duplicate driving licence. This list of documents may or may not vary for each state.

  ✓ Application Form LLD (for intimation of loss or destruction of driving licence and application for duplicate)

 ✓ A First Instance Report (FIR) or NCR of the licence, in case it is lost or stolen. 

 ✓ Original Licence (if the same is in a torn, mutilated or soiled state).

 ✓ Attested photocopies of the original driver licence (in case the same is lost).

 ✓ Details of the Driving Licence

 ✓ Passport sized photographs

 ✓ Address Proof documents for reference

 ✓ Challan clearance report, for which a separate application and submission are required. This indicates that the person didn't have any unpaid debts or tickets related to the questioned driver's licence. 

How to Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence Online? 

Follow the steps given below to apply for a duplicate driving licence online: 

Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Sewa Portal  

Step 2: Choose the option "Services on Driving Licence" present on the page. You will be redirected to a new page. On the new page, select your state of residence from the drop-down menu. 

Step 3: On the new page, look for the "Apply for Duplicate License" option and click on it. 

Step 4: You will be redirected to an application form. Fill in the required details correctly  

Step 5: Upload the scanned copies of the required supporting documents, such as your FIR copy (if applicable), identity proof, address proof, and passport-sized photographs. Make sure that the scanned documents meet the specified file size and format requirements. 

Step 6: Pay the prescribed fee using one of the available online payment methods.  

Step 7: Once your application is filed, you can keep an eye on the status of your duplicated DL application on the portal. You can check the status of your application by using the application number or the reference number provided. The portal will show you how your application is progressing from submission to approval to dispatch. 

How to Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence Offline? 

To apply for a duplicate Driving licence offline, you need to visit the RTO in person.  Follow the steps given below to apply for a duplicate driving licence offline: 

Step 1: If your DL has been lost or stolen, it is advisable to report the incident to the nearest police station and obtain a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) as proof. 

Step 2: You will have to get an application form from the RTO. You can also download the form from their official website and fill it out.  

Step 3: Once you have completely filled the form, attach all the required supporting documents, such as the FIR copy, identity proof, address proof, passport-sized photographs and submit it to the RTO. Ensure that you have both the original documents and their photocopies.

Step 4: Check how much it will cost to obtain a duplicate DL at the local RTO. Pay the amount at the designated counter and get a receipt to prove your payment.

Once your application is accepted, you will receive an acknowledgement receipt from the RTO. This will contain important information like your application number and when the duplicate DL is expected to be issued. Save this receipt for future reference.

How to Track the Application Status of a Duplicate Driving Licence? 

Follow the steps given below to track the application status of a duplicate driving licence: 

Step 1: Visit the official Parivahan Sewa Portal 

Step 2: Click on the ‘Online Services’ option present portal's homepage. 

Step 3: From the drop-down menu, click on the option ‘Driving Licence Related Services’ 

Step 4: On the new page, select your state of residence from the drop-down menu. 

Step 5: Check for the 'Application Status' option present on the top-right corner of the page and click on it. 

Step 6: Fill in the required details, including your 'DL application number' and 'date of birth'. 

Step 7: Fill in the Captcha code displayed on your screen. 

Step 8: Click the 'Submit' button to initiate the request processing. 

Step 9: You will then be able to view the status of your DL application.

Cost of a Duplicate Driving Licence in India 

Here are the details regarding cost of duplicate driving licence: 

  1. Duplicate copy of lost driving licence: Rs.200 
  2. Smart card for duplicate driving licence: Rs.400

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FAQs on Duplicate Driving Licence

  • What is the validity of my duplicate driving licence?

    The validity is the same as your original driving licence. It is not a renewal or correction.

  • I got my driving licence in Hyderabad which was stolen recently. Can I apply for a duplicate driving licence at the Bangalore RTO?

    No, you will have to apply for a duplicate driving licence only at the RTO which issued your Driving Licence previously.

  • Under what circumstances will a duplicate driving licence be issued?

    Generally, a duplicate driving licence will be issued under the following circumstances. 1. If the photograph affixed to the driving licence requires a replacement, 2. If the driving Licence is destroyed or stolen 3. If the driving Licence is torn completely or is defaced.

  • Will I be required to undergo the driving test again if I apply for a duplicate driving Licence?

    No, if you driving Licence has not expired, you will not be required to undergo a driving test to get your duplicate driving licence.

  • I have lost my Learner Licence. Can I apply for a duplicate driving licence?

    No, you can apply for a duplicate driving licence only if you have held a permanent driving licence that has been recently stolen, lost or damaged. You will be required to apply again for a LLR if you have lost it. Some state RTOs also give duplicate Learner Licence.

  • How much time it takes to get duplicate driving license in India?

    It takes around 30 days from submission of the complete application and documents.

  • Where should I apply for a duplicate DL?

    Apply at the same RTO that issued your original DL. Submission of the filled form at RTO is mandatory even for online applications.

  • Can I get a soft copy of my duplicate driving license?

    Yes, you can download a soft copy of your duplicate driving license from the DigiLocker app. Create an account using your registered mobile number and log into the app to download the soft copy of your duplicate driving licence.

  • Can I still drive a vehicle while my application for a duplicate driving licence is still pending?

    Yes, you can drive while your duplicate driving licence application is still pending. However, you need to carry the application receipt with you while you're driving.

  • Can I apply for a duplicate driving licence online?

    Yes, apply through the Parivahan portal to save time.

  • Is a DigiLocker driving licence considered valid?

    Yes, a DigiLocker driving licence is considered valid in India.

  • How much does applying for a duplicate driving licence cost in India?

    The cost of a duplicate driving licence is Rs.200 and Rs.400 for a smart card driving licence in India.

  • How can I download my duplicate driving licence from Parivahan website?

    Open the Parivahan website and click on the ‘Driving Licence related services’ option provided on the dashboard. Next, enter the specific details requested in the portal and you can download your duplicate driving licence from the website.

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