A Duplicate Driving Licence is issued when the original Driving Licence has been lost, destroyed, damaged, defaced or otherwise needs to be replaced. It is also relevant when the photograph on the existing licence needs replacement.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways provides a specific Duplicate Driving Licence service through the Sarathi Parivahan system. The current official Form 2 lists Duplicate Driving Licence as a separate Driving Licence service.
According to the official Parivahan guidance, a duplicate licence may be issued when the licence is lost or destroyed, when it is defaced or torn, when it is completely written up, or when the photograph attached to the licence requires replacement. The guidance also mentions Form 2, the original licence where available, attested photocopies where available in case of loss, and the prescribed fee along with user charges.
The application can generally be initiated online, but the exact document requirements, verification process and requirement for an RTO visit can vary according to the state, RTO and individual application.
What Is a Duplicate Driving Licence?
A Duplicate Driving Licence is a replacement licence issued against an existing Driving Licence record.
It is not the same as applying for a completely new Driving Licence. The purpose is to replace an existing licence when the original is no longer available or needs replacement.
A duplicate licence may be required when:
- The original Driving Licence is lost.
- The licence has been destroyed.
- The licence is damaged.
- The licence is torn or defaced.
- The licence is completely filled or written up.
- The photograph on the licence needs replacement.
The official Parivahan duplicate-licence guidance specifically identifies these situations.
When Should You Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence?
You should consider applying for a duplicate licence when your existing licence can no longer be used as a usable physical document.
For example, if your wallet is lost and your Driving Licence was inside it, you can apply for a duplicate licence against the existing licence record.
Similarly, if your licence card has become badly damaged and important information is no longer readable, the duplicate licence service may be appropriate.
If the licence is still valid but only the physical card is lost, duplicate licence is generally the relevant service rather than applying for a new Driving Licence.
Can I Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence Online?
Yes. The duplicate Driving Licence service is available through the Sarathi Parivahan system, subject to the services enabled for the applicant’s state and RTO.
The official Form 2 includes Duplicate Driving Licence as a selectable service.
The current mParivahan system provides state-wise Sarathi services, including Driving Licence-related services.
However, an online application does not necessarily mean that every applicant will complete the entire process without physical verification.
Depending on the application, you may be asked to:
- Upload supporting documents.
- Submit additional information.
- Pay the applicable fee.
- Book an appointment.
- Visit the concerned RTO.
- Produce original documents.
Always follow the instructions generated for your specific application.
Documents Required for Duplicate Driving Licence
The exact requirements can vary depending on why the duplicate licence is being requested.
The official Parivahan guidance identifies the following:
- Application in Form 2
- Original licence if it is damaged, defaced or otherwise available
- Attested photocopies of the Driving Licence, if available, in case the original has been lost
- Prescribed fee
- Applicable user charges
Additional documents may be requested depending on the circumstances and state/RTO.
If Your Licence Is Lost
If the original licence is lost, keep any available record of the licence number and photocopy if you have one.
This can make it easier to establish the details of the existing licence record.
If the licensing authority asks for additional documentation regarding the loss, follow its instructions.
If Your Licence Is Damaged
If the original Driving Licence is damaged but still available, keep it safely.
The official Parivahan guidance specifically mentions the original licence where it is available.
Do not throw away the damaged card before completing the replacement process if the authority may require it.
How to Apply for Duplicate Driving Licence Online
The general Duplicate Driving Licence application process can be started through Sarathi Parivahan.
Step 1: Open the Sarathi Parivahan Service
Open the official Parivahan/Sarathi service and select your state.
The available services can vary according to the state and licensing authority.
Step 2: Select Driving Licence Services
After selecting your state, open the Driving Licence services section.
Choose the option related to Duplicate Driving Licence.
The official Form 2 specifically lists Duplicate Driving Licence among the available Driving Licence services.
Step 3: Enter Your Driving Licence Details
Enter the details requested by the portal.
Depending on the application, you may need information such as:
- Driving Licence number
- Date of birth
- State
- Other verification details
Enter the information carefully.
If you have lost the physical licence, try to locate your licence number from an old photocopy, digital record or other legitimate record before beginning the application.
Step 4: Select the Duplicate Licence Service
Select the duplicate licence option and follow the instructions displayed by the portal.
Make sure you are selecting duplicate licence rather than:
- New Driving Licence
- Driving Licence Renewal
- Address Correction
- Name Correction
The correct service depends on the actual problem with your licence.
Step 5: Provide the Required Information
The application may ask why you require a duplicate licence.
Provide accurate information.
For example, if the licence was lost, do not select damaged if the original is actually missing.
Similarly, if the licence is damaged but still in your possession, retain the original for any verification that may be required.
Step 6: Upload Supporting Documents
If online document upload is available for your application, upload the documents requested by the portal.
Make sure:
- Documents are clear.
- Information is readable.
- The correct document is selected.
- File size meets the specified limit.
- All relevant portions of the document are visible.
Parivahan’s online services can provide document-upload facilities according to state configuration.
Step 7: Pay the Applicable Fee
Pay the prescribed fee and applicable user charges through the available payment facility.
The exact amount should be checked on the official portal during the application.
Save the:
- Payment receipt
- Transaction number
- Application number
- Confirmation details
If the payment is deducted but the application does not immediately show the payment as successful, check the transaction/application status before making another payment.
Step 8: Book an Appointment If Required
Depending on your state and application, you may be asked to book an appointment.
If an appointment is required, note:
- Date
- Time
- RTO location
- Application number
- Appointment reference
Arrive with the documents specified by the portal.
Step 9: Visit the RTO If Required
Some applications may require physical verification.
If instructed to visit the RTO, carry the required documents and application details.
For a damaged licence, take the original damaged licence with you if requested.
For a lost licence, take whatever supporting documentation the licensing authority has specifically requested.
Step 10: Duplicate Licence Is Issued
After successful processing and approval, the duplicate Driving Licence is issued according to the applicable process.
The replacement licence corresponds to the existing Driving Licence record rather than creating an entirely new driving entitlement.
Duplicate Driving Licence for Lost Licence
Losing a Driving Licence is one of the most common reasons for requesting a duplicate.
If your licence has been lost:
- Keep your Driving Licence number if available.
- Check whether you have a photocopy or digital record.
- Start the duplicate licence service through Sarathi.
- Provide the requested information.
- Upload supporting documents where required.
- Pay the applicable fee.
- Complete any verification or appointment requirement.
- Track the application status.
The official Parivahan guidance specifically states that attested photocopies of the Driving Licence may be submitted if available in cases where the licence has been lost.
Duplicate Driving Licence for Damaged Licence
If your Driving Licence is torn, defaced or badly damaged, the duplicate licence service can be used where applicable.
The official Parivahan guidance specifically includes licences that are defaced or torn and licences that are completely written up among the situations for which a duplicate licence may be issued.
If the original damaged licence is available, keep it safely until the replacement process is completed.
Duplicate Driving Licence for Photograph Replacement
A duplicate licence can also be relevant when the photograph attached to the Driving Licence requires replacement.
The official Parivahan guidance specifically lists replacement of the photograph as one of the circumstances for issuing a duplicate licence.
The exact photograph requirements should be checked during the online application because the current process may specify how the photograph needs to be submitted.
Is a Police Complaint Required for a Lost Driving Licence?
Do not assume that the same requirement applies to every state and every lost-licence application.
The official duplicate-licence guidance available from Parivahan specifies Form 2, the original licence if available, attested photocopies if available in case of loss, and prescribed fees/user charges.
If your state/RTO specifically asks for a police report, loss report, FIR or another document, follow that requirement.
The safest approach is to check the documents requested by the Sarathi application for your particular case rather than relying on a generic checklist.
Duplicate Driving Licence Fees
A prescribed fee and applicable user charges are payable for a duplicate Driving Licence.
The amount displayed by the official Sarathi system should be treated as the applicable amount for your transaction.
Fees can change, so avoid relying on an old fee amount found on an unofficial website.
After payment, save the official receipt.
How to Check Duplicate Driving Licence Status
After submitting the application, keep the application number safely.
You can use the available Sarathi services to check the progress of your Driving Licence application.
The status may indicate that the application is:
- Submitted
- Payment completed
- Under processing
- Awaiting verification
- Awaiting appointment
- Approved
- Completed
- Pending for further action
If you need a separate guide for licence status, see Driving Licence Status.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Duplicate Driving Licence?
There is no single processing time that applies to every duplicate licence application.
Processing can depend on:
- State
- RTO
- Reason for replacement
- Document verification
- Application workload
- Appointment requirements
- Whether additional verification is required
- Dispatch arrangements
If the application remains pending, check its status first to see whether any additional action is required.
Can I Get a Digital Driving Licence After Losing the Original?
Digital versions of Driving Licence information can be available through government digital transport services.
Delhi Traffic Police also states that physical Driving Licence documents or their DigiLocker/mParivahan versions can be used when documents are required during driving.
However, a digital copy should not automatically be treated as a substitute for completing the duplicate physical licence process when you specifically need a replacement licence card.
If your physical licence has been lost, proceed with the duplicate licence application according to the applicable process.
Duplicate Driving Licence vs Driving Licence Renewal
These are different services.
| Situation | Appropriate Service |
|---|---|
| Licence lost | Duplicate Driving Licence |
| Licence destroyed | Duplicate Driving Licence |
| Licence badly damaged | Duplicate Driving Licence |
| Licence torn/defaced | Duplicate Driving Licence |
| Photograph needs replacement | Duplicate Driving Licence |
| Licence is expiring | Driving Licence Renewal |
| Licence has expired | Driving Licence Renewal, subject to applicable rules |
| Address is incorrect | Address Change/Correction |
| Name is incorrect | Name Change/Correction |
The current official Form 2 separately lists duplicate licence, renewal, address correction and name correction services.
If your licence is expiring rather than lost or damaged, you should use the Driving Licence Renewal service instead.
Duplicate Driving Licence vs New Driving Licence
A duplicate licence is not a new Driving Licence application.
If you already have a valid Driving Licence but the physical document has been lost or damaged, you generally need the replacement/duplicate service rather than starting the new licence process again.
A new Driving Licence application is relevant when you are obtaining a Driving Licence for the first time after completing the required Learner’s Licence and driving test process.
For information about obtaining a new licence, see Permanent Driving Licence.
What If My Duplicate Licence Application Is Rejected?
If the application is rejected or returned for correction, first check the reason provided by the licensing authority.
Possible reasons can include:
- Incorrect Driving Licence details
- Document mismatch
- Incomplete information
- Unclear document
- Verification problem
- Incorrect service selection
- Additional document required
Do not immediately submit another application without understanding the reason.
If the problem relates to supporting documentation, provide the document requested by the authority before proceeding again.
Common Mistakes While Applying for Duplicate Driving Licence
1. Selecting Renewal Instead of Duplicate
If your licence is lost but still valid, renewal may not be the correct service.
2. Not Keeping the Licence Number
If the physical card is lost, finding the licence number from an old copy or digital record can make the process easier.
3. Throwing Away a Damaged Licence
If the damaged licence is still available, keep it until the replacement process is completed.
4. Uploading an Unclear Document
Make sure every uploaded document is readable.
5. Making Multiple Payments
Check the transaction status before making another payment if the first transaction appears pending.
6. Ignoring an RTO Appointment
If physical verification is required, attend the appointment with the requested documents.
7. Using Unofficial Websites
Use official Parivahan/Sarathi services for applications and payments. Avoid websites that ask for unnecessary personal information or promise instant licence replacement.
Duplicate Driving Licence Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, check:
- Existing Driving Licence number available
- Reason for duplicate licence identified
- Original licence retained if damaged and available
- Copy of licence kept if available
- Required documents ready
- Supporting documents clearly scanned
- Correct service selected
- Application details checked
- Fee paid
- Payment receipt saved
- Application number saved
- Appointment details saved if required
- Original documents kept ready
- Application status checked
Important Tips After Losing Your Driving Licence
If your wallet or documents have been lost, do not simply assume that obtaining another physical card is the only step you need to take.
First check whether you have:
- A photocopy of the licence
- A photograph of the licence
- A digital licence record
- Licence details saved in your documents
- An official digital transport record
This information can make it easier to identify the existing licence record.
Also be careful about sharing your Driving Licence number, Aadhaar details, OTPs or payment information with unknown people offering to arrange a duplicate licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Conclusion
The Duplicate Driving Licence service is useful when your original licence has been lost, destroyed, damaged, torn, defaced or requires replacement for another reason recognised by the licensing authority. The current Parivahan Form 2 specifically includes Duplicate Driving Licence as a separate service.
Before applying, keep your Driving Licence number or an old copy available if possible, select the correct duplicate service, prepare the supporting documents, save the payment and application details, and complete any verification required by your RTO.
For more practical guides related to Driving Licence and government services, visit Sarkari Bakery.
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