Quick Answer: If your driving licence (DL) is lost, stolen or damaged, apply for a duplicate online on the Sarathi portal. Open the driving-licence services section, select your state, choose "Apply for Duplicate DL", fill the LLD (Loss/Destruction) form, upload your documents and pay the fee. Most applicants get the duplicate within 7 to 15 working days.
A duplicate driving licence is essentially a reprint of the same document, which is obtained from the appropriate Regional Transport Office (RTO) after the original licence is lost, mislaid, or damaged. The number of the duplicate will still be the same, which means that it would replace the lost or stolen documents rather than just providing a fresh print of the licence.
Overview: Duplicate Driving Licence at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Document | Duplicate Driving Licence (replacement copy) |
| Issuing authority | Your state RTO, under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways |
| Portal | Sarathi (sarathi.parivahan.gov.in) |
| Form | LLD (application for issue of a duplicate DL) |
| Fee | Around ₹400 (₹200 duplicate fee + ₹200 smart-card fee) |
| Mode | Online application; RTO visit only if biometrics are needed |
| Processing time | 7 to 15 working days (online) |
When Do You Need a Duplicate Driving Licence?
If a driver's licence is still valid, but the card is rendered unusable, it is important to obtain a copy of the lost original. There are four situations to take note of:
- Lost: you misplaced the card and cannot find it.
- Stolen: the card was taken, often along with a wallet or bag.
- Damaged: the card is cracked, bent or water-damaged.
- Mutilated or faded: the print, photo or chip is unreadable.
What If Your Licence Has Expired?
In case your licence is invalid, holding an extra copy would not help your case. You should first renew your old licence before requesting for a duplicate.
Do You Need an FIR for a Duplicate DL?
It is crucial to get an FIR (First Information Report) or a police "lost report" if you have lost your licence or if it has been stolen. The FIR is useful in order to protect yourself from someone else using your card illegally and is used by the RTOs for validating the loss of your original card. Some states even accept eFIRs or lost document reports that have been filed electronically with the local police station.
What About a Damaged or Broken Card?
In case your card is only broken or destroyed, you do not need to file an FIR. You must send back the damaged card together with the application form (or a copy) in this case, as the original card can be produced.
What Documents Do You Need?
The specific criteria for issuing a replacement card depend on the reason for its substitution. For most applicants, there will be documents to present. Hence, please make sure you have scanned copies of the documents available to upload.
| Document | When it is needed |
|---|---|
| Completed LLD form | Always (generated on the portal) |
| FIR / police lost report | Lost or stolen licence only |
| Damaged original card | Damaged or mutilated licence only |
| Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN or passport) | Always |
| Address proof (Aadhaar, utility bill, voter ID) | Always |
| Old DL number and details | Always |
| Passport-size photograph | Always |
How Do You Apply for a Duplicate DL on Sarathi?
To make an application, you must use the Sarathi portal operated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The application consists of the following steps:
- Open the Sarathi portal and select your state or Union Territory.
- Go to "Driving Licence" and choose the option to apply for a duplicate DL.
- Enter your existing DL number and date of birth, then verify the details shown.
- Fill the LLD (Loss/Destruction) form and give the reason for the duplicate.
- Upload your documents, including the FIR copy if the licence was lost or stolen.
- Pay the fee online and note the application or acknowledgement number.
- Book a slot for biometric verification if your state asks for it; otherwise, submit and wait.
Can Someone Apply on Your Behalf?
In case you wish someone to help you with filling in the form and uploading your documents, the duplicate driving licence service will guide you throughout the process on its website. In this instance, your application will be processed by the RTO.
What Are the Fees for a Duplicate DL?
According to the regulations set out by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the cost typically consists of ₹200 for the issue of duplicate licence and ₹200 for the smart card. Certain states may charge small fees for their services or postal charges and some states may charge more than ₹400 stated, so the details displayed may vary. However, exact information can be checked at the Parivahan portal before making the payment.
Meanwhile, Is Your e-DL Still Valid?
Although the time for receiving the new card may be long, you can still use the e-licence to drive. You can download your e-DL from DigiLocker or mParivahan, and both comply with the law. So in case of losing or damaging your licence, you will still be able to drive.
How Long Until the Duplicate Arrives?
Generally, duplicate DL applications that are made online are completed in seven to 15 days and new smart cards are dispatched to the address provided by the user via postal service. In offline applications made at RTOs, the complete process may take up to 30 days. But timelines may be impacted by the delay involved in verification of your documents.
Read More
- Renew your driving licence online when it has expired
- Explore more documents and licensing guides
