🗓️Last Updated: June 2026

Duplicate Driving Licence: Lost or Damaged DL Replacement Guide 2026

Apply for a duplicate driving licence online if your DL is lost, stolen, or damaged. Complete guide for 2026 — FIR requirement for lost DL, documents checklist, Sarathi portal steps, and fees.

🔗Sarathi — Apply for Duplicate DL — Official Portal →

📋 Overview

If your driving licence is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use, you can apply for a duplicate DL through the Sarathi portal (sarathi.parivahan.gov.in). A duplicate DL is an exact replacement of your original — it carries the same vehicle classes, validity dates, and DL number. For a lost or stolen DL, you must first file a First Information Report (FIR) at your nearest police station and obtain an FIR copy. This FIR copy is a mandatory document for the duplicate DL application. For a damaged DL, the FIR is not required — you simply surrender the damaged original and apply for a replacement. You can also apply if your DL was lost while you were in another state or city — simply file the FIR at the nearest police station wherever you are, and apply online through the Sarathi portal of the state that issued your original DL. After applying, the duplicate DL is printed and dispatched to your registered address within 7–10 working days. In the interim, you can use a certified copy of the FIR along with the application acknowledgement as a temporary proof of valid licence when stopped by traffic police.

✅ Eligibility

  • ✓Must be a holder of a valid (non-expired) Indian driving licence that has been lost, stolen, or damaged
  • ✓For lost or stolen DL: a First Information Report (FIR) must have been filed at the nearest police station
  • ✓For damaged DL: the damaged original must be submitted along with the application
  • ✓If the DL was issued in a different state, the duplicate must be applied from the issuing state's Sarathi portal or by visiting the original issuing RTO
  • ✓Must not have an already suspended or revoked driving licence
  • ✓If the original DL is also expired, you will need to apply for renewal simultaneously or separately

📁 Documents Required

▸FIR Copy — First Information Report from the police station where the loss/theft was reported (mandatory for lost/stolen DL)
▸Damaged DL — original damaged driving licence to be surrendered (for damaged DL replacement)
▸Aadhaar Card — for identity and address verification
▸Passport-size photographs — 2 recent photos with white background
▸Address Proof — if your current address has changed (Aadhaar, Voter ID, utility bill, or bank passbook)
▸Self-declaration / Affidavit — stating that the DL is lost and has not been found, obtained from a notary on stamp paper (some states require this in addition to FIR)
▸Form 1 — Medical self-declaration of fitness (available on the Sarathi portal)
▸Form LLD — Application form for duplicate DL (generated and submitted on the Sarathi portal during the application process)

💰Fees & Processing Time

Fee
Duplicate DL application fee: ₹300–₹500 (varies by state and number of vehicle classes). Smart card fee (if the original was a smart card DL): ₹200. Notary/stamp paper fee for affidavit (if required by your state): ₹50–₹100. Total approximate cost: ₹350–₹700. All fees are paid online through the Sarathi portal. Fees are non-refundable once the application is submitted.
Processing Time
7–10 working days from the date of application and fee payment. The duplicate DL is dispatched by India Post to your registered address. You can track the dispatch status on the Sarathi portal under 'Application Status' using your application reference number.

🖥️ How to Apply Online

  1. 1File an FIR at the nearest police station immediately after discovering your DL is lost or stolen. Provide your DL number, name, date of issue, and issuing RTO details. Collect the FIR acknowledgement receipt or signed FIR copy.
  2. 2Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select the state that originally issued your driving licence. This is important — the duplicate must be applied through the issuing state's RTO.
  3. 3Click 'Driving Licence' → 'Apply Online' → 'Issue of Duplicate DL'. Log in with your existing Sarathi account, or verify using your DL number and date of birth.
  4. 4Your original DL details will be populated automatically. Confirm your name, address, vehicle classes, and DL validity. Update your address if it has changed.
  5. 5Upload the required documents: FIR copy (for lost DL) or photograph of damaged DL, Aadhaar, passport-size photo, and address proof if applicable. Fill in Form 1 (medical self-declaration).
  6. 6Pay the duplicate DL fee online (₹300–₹500 depending on your state and vehicle classes) using UPI, net banking, or debit card. Save the payment confirmation and application reference number.
  7. 7Submit the application. An SMS and email acknowledgement will be sent. The duplicate DL is printed at the RTO and dispatched by India Post within 7–10 working days to your registered address.

🏢 How to Apply Offline

  1. 1File an FIR at your nearest police station for the lost or stolen DL. Collect the FIR copy with the police station stamp and officer's signature.
  2. 2Visit the RTO that issued your original driving licence. If you are in a different city, check if the Sarathi portal allows online application for your state — most states do support it.
  3. 3Collect Form LLD (application for duplicate DL) from the RTO counter. Fill in your DL number, personal details, vehicle classes, and reason for duplicate (lost/stolen/damaged).
  4. 4For a damaged DL, submit the damaged original along with the application. For a lost DL, attach the FIR copy and a notarised affidavit of loss.
  5. 5Submit the complete application with documents and photographs at the RTO counter. Pay the duplicate DL fee at the cashier and collect the acknowledgement receipt.
  6. 6Return to the RTO after 7–10 working days to collect the duplicate DL, or wait for postal delivery at your registered address.

⚠️Common Problems & Solutions

✗Do not remember DL number — cannot start the online application
→Visit parivahan.gov.in → Informational Services → 'Know Your Licence Details'. Enter your name, date of birth, and state to retrieve your DL number. Alternatively, check old vehicle insurance documents, RC book, or previous traffic challans where the DL number may be recorded.
✗Police refusing to register FIR for lost DL
→Under Supreme Court directions, police are required to register an FIR for any reported loss of government documents including DL. If refused, approach the Deputy Superintendent of Police or file a complaint on the state police portal. You can also submit a written complaint under Section 154 CrPC directly to the station officer.
✗DL was issued in another state — cannot apply online from current location
→The duplicate DL must be applied from the issuing state's RTO or Sarathi portal. Log into the Sarathi portal and select the original issuing state. Most states allow full online applications including document upload. If not, you will need to either visit the issuing RTO in person or send a representative with a power of attorney.
✗Original DL is expired — cannot apply for just a duplicate
→If your lost or damaged DL is also expired, you will need to apply for both a duplicate and a renewal simultaneously, or in sequence. Apply for the duplicate first to re-establish your DL record, then apply for renewal. Paying both fees will be required.
✗Duplicate DL issued with wrong details (name spelling, DOB, address)
→If the duplicate DL is printed with incorrect details, apply for a correction at the RTO using the applicable correction form on the Sarathi portal. Attach proof of the correct detail (Aadhaar, birth certificate, etc.) and pay the correction fee.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q.Is an FIR mandatory for applying for a duplicate DL?

Yes, an FIR is mandatory when your DL is lost or stolen. The FIR copy must be uploaded during the Sarathi portal application. For a damaged DL, the FIR is not required — instead, you must submit the damaged original.

Q.Can I drive while waiting for my duplicate DL to be delivered?

Strictly speaking, you should not drive without a valid DL in your possession. However, as a practical measure accepted by most traffic authorities, carry your FIR copy along with the Sarathi application acknowledgement receipt as proof that you have applied for a duplicate. This is not a substitute for the DL but demonstrates that you are in the process of obtaining a replacement.

Q.What if I find my original DL after the duplicate has been issued?

If you find your original DL after applying for a duplicate, you must surrender either the original or the duplicate to the issuing RTO — keeping both is not permitted under the Motor Vehicles Act. Most people surrender the original and continue using the new duplicate.

Q.How long does it take to get a duplicate DL?

The duplicate DL is typically printed and dispatched within 7–10 working days of application. India Post delivery may take an additional 3–5 days depending on your location. You can track delivery on the Sarathi portal and via the India Post tracking number.

Q.Can I apply for a duplicate DL if I am currently outside India?

Yes. You can apply online through the Sarathi portal from anywhere in the world. Upload the required documents digitally. However, you will need to provide a valid Indian address for delivery of the duplicate DL.

Q.Is there a DigiLocker copy of my DL that I can use while waiting for the duplicate?

Yes. Your driving licence is available in DigiLocker (digilocker.gov.in) if it has been digitally issued or linked. As per the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019, a digitally signed DigiLocker copy of your DL is a valid document for all purposes including traffic police verification. Download it immediately as a backup.

📞Helpline & Support

  • ▸MoRTH Helpline: 1800-110-099 (toll-free, for Sarathi and Vahan portal issues)
  • ▸Sarathi Support Email: helpdesk-sarathi@gov.in
  • ▸Official portal: sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
  • ▸Verify DL number or issuing RTO: parivahan.gov.in → Know Your Licence Details
  • ▸For urgent travel — carry the FIR copy + application acknowledgement as interim proof of valid DL when driving
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Disclaimer: NagrikIQ is an informational platform and is not affiliated with any government department. Information provided is for guidance only. Always verify details on the official government portal before taking action.