Lost your Driving License? Don't panic! You can apply for a duplicate DL online through the Sarathi Parivahan portal. The process is simple and you can get your duplicate license delivered to your doorstep without multiple RTO visits.
This comprehensive guide explains how to apply for duplicate driving license online, documents required, fees, and step-by-step procedure for getting a new DL.
When Do You Need Duplicate DL?
- Lost DL: Original DL misplaced or lost
- Stolen DL: DL stolen from wallet/purse
- Damaged DL: DL torn, faded, or unreadable
- Defaced DL: Photo or details not visible
- Mutilated DL: Card damaged beyond recognition
Documents Required for Duplicate DL
- FIR/NCR Copy: Police complaint for lost/stolen DL
- Affidavit: Self-declaration on stamp paper
- Address Proof: Aadhaar Card/Voter ID/Passport
- Identity Proof: PAN Card/Aadhaar/Voter ID
- Passport Photos: Recent photographs (white background)
- Old DL Copy: Photocopy if available
- DL Number: Must remember your DL number
- Mobile Number: Registered with DL for OTP
Step-by-Step Duplicate DL Application Process
Step 1: File FIR/NCR (If Lost/Stolen)
- Visit nearest police station
- File complaint for lost/stolen DL
- Get FIR or NCR (Non-Cognizable Report)
- Note the FIR/NCR number
Note: For damaged DL, FIR is not required. Surrender damaged DL at RTO.
Step 2: Visit Sarathi Portal
- Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
- Select your State
- Click on "Issue of Duplicate Driving License"
- Read instructions and continue
Step 3: Enter DL Details
- Enter your Driving License Number
- Enter Date of Birth
- Enter captcha code
- Click "Get DL Details"
- Verify your details displayed
Step 4: Fill Application Form
- Select reason for duplicate (Lost/Damaged/Stolen)
- Enter FIR details (if applicable)
- Update mobile number/email if changed
- Update address if changed
- Review all information
Step 5: Upload Documents
- Upload FIR/NCR copy
- Upload affidavit
- Upload address proof
- Upload recent photograph (JPEG, max 200KB)
- Upload signature (JPEG, max 100KB)
Step 6: Pay Fees Online
- Review fee breakdown
- Select payment method
- Pay via Net Banking/Card/UPI
- Save payment receipt
Step 7: Book Appointment (If Required)
- Some states require RTO visit for biometric
- Select RTO office
- Choose date and time slot
- Download appointment slip
Step 8: Receive Duplicate DL
- If no RTO visit needed - DL dispatched to address
- If RTO visit required - collect after verification
- Track delivery via Speed Post
Duplicate DL Fees
| Fee Type | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Duplicate DL Fee | ₹200 - ₹300 |
| Smart Card Fee | ₹200 |
| Service Charge | ₹50 - ₹100 |
| Postal Charge | ₹50 |
| Total (Approximate) | ₹500 - ₹650 |
Note: Fees vary by state. Check Sarathi portal for exact fees.
Affidavit Format for Lost DL
I, [Your Full Name], S/o or D/o [Father's Name], aged [Age] years, resident of [Complete Address], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:
1. That I am the holder of Driving License No. [DL Number] issued by RTO [RTO Name].
2. That the original Driving License has been lost/misplaced on [Date] at [Place].
3. That I have filed an FIR/NCR bearing No. [Number] dated [Date] at [Police Station].
4. That the above DL has not been suspended, cancelled, or revoked by any authority.
5. That I require a duplicate Driving License for the same.
6. That the above statements are true to the best of my knowledge.
DEPONENT
[Signature]
What If You Don't Remember DL Number?
If you've forgotten your DL number:
- DigiLocker: Check DigiLocker for DL copy
- mParivahan App: Your DL might be stored here
- Old Documents: Check vehicle insurance, loan papers
- Sarathi Portal: Use "Know Your DL Number" feature
- Visit RTO: Get DL number from records using ID proof
Know Your DL Number Online
- Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
- Select your state
- Click on "Know Your DL Number"
- Enter Name, Date of Birth
- Enter registered mobile number
- Verify OTP and get DL number
Timeline for Duplicate DL
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Online Application | Same day |
| Document Verification | 1-3 days |
| DL Processing | 3-7 working days |
| Dispatch via Speed Post | 3-5 days |
| Total Time | 7-15 working days |
Check Duplicate DL Application Status
- Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
- Select your state
- Click on "Application Status"
- Enter Application Number
- Enter Date of Birth
- Click "Submit" to view status
Can I Drive Without Physical DL?
Yes, you can legally drive with digital DL:
- DigiLocker: DL in DigiLocker is legally valid
- mParivahan App: Virtual DL is accepted by traffic police
- Soft Copy: Scanned copy on phone may be accepted
- Interim Period: Carry FIR copy + application receipt
Penalty for Driving Without DL
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Driving without license | ₹5,000 (first offense) |
| Not carrying DL while driving | ₹500 (if DL exists) |
| Repeat offense (no DL) | ₹10,000 + 3 months imprisonment possible |
Duplicate DL vs DL Renewal
| Feature | Duplicate DL | DL Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| When Needed | Lost/Stolen/Damaged DL | DL expiring or expired |
| FIR Required | Yes (for lost/stolen) | No |
| Validity Extended | No - Same as original | Yes - Extended |
| DL Number | Same number | Same number |
| Test Required | No | Usually No |
Combine Duplicate DL with Renewal
If your DL is lost AND expired, you can apply for both together:
- Select "Duplicate + Renewal" option on Sarathi
- Pay combined fees
- Get new DL with extended validity
- New expiry date will be applied
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is FIR mandatory for duplicate DL?
Yes, FIR/NCR is required for lost or stolen DL. For damaged DL, surrender the damaged license instead.
2. Can I apply for duplicate DL from any state?
You should apply from the state that issued your original DL. Some services allow inter-state applications.
3. Will my DL number change after getting duplicate?
No, your DL number remains the same. Only a new card is issued.
4. What if my DL is expired and lost?
Apply for duplicate DL with renewal. You'll get new DL with extended validity.
5. How can I track my duplicate DL delivery?
You'll receive Speed Post tracking number via SMS. Track on India Post website.
6. Is driving test required for duplicate DL?
No, driving test is not required for duplicate DL as your license already exists in records.