Duplicate Driving Licence in India

Reasons to apply for Duplicate Driving Licence

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

As per the Parivahan Sewa portal, a duplicate driving licence is issued when the licence is lost or destroyed, when it is defaced, torn or completely written up, or when the photograph on it needs to be replaced.

• 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.
• Damaged or Mutilated License: If your driving license becomes damaged or mutilated, obtaining a duplicate is necessary to have a legible and valid document.
• Change in Personal Details: A change in your name, address or other particulars is recorded through the separate change of address or particulars service, not through a duplicate driving licence application.
• Expired licence: An expired driving licence is renewed through the separate renewal of driving licence service, and a duplicate driving licence is not issued in its place.
• Change in Vehicle Category: A new class of vehicle is added to your driving licence through the separate add class of vehicle service, not through a duplicate driving licence application.
• 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.

✅ Form 1 and, for transport vehicles, Form 1A, wherever your state RTO asks for them along with a self-attested copy of your address proof. 

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 "Driving License Related Services" 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 DL" 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 duplicate 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.

In some states, such as Delhi and Karnataka, a duplicate driving licence can be applied for in faceless mode if your Aadhaar details, such as name, date of birth and father's or spouse's name, match your driving licence record. Keep your Aadhaar number and the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar ready before you start.

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:

If your driving licence is lost or destroyed, you must intimate the loss to the licensing authority forthwith and then apply for a duplicate driving licence.

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 on the 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: 

• Duplicate copy of lost driving licence: Rs.200 
• Smart card for duplicate driving licence: Rs.200 (additional fee for a smart card driving licence, taking the total to Rs.400)

The fee is prescribed under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 and is charged along with user charges, so the final amount can vary by state. Confirm the current fee with your RTO or on the Parivahan Sewa portal before you pay.

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Summary

A duplicate driving licence in India replaces a lost, stolen, damaged or defaced licence, or one whose photograph needs changing, and is issued by the RTO that granted the original. Keep the documents listed above ready, apply online on the Parivahan Sewa portal or offline at the RTO, and pay the prescribed fee. Track your application on the portal until your duplicate driving licence is issued.