Apply for Duplicate Driving License Online - Lost DL

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.

💡
Good News: If your DL is in DigiLocker or mParivahan app, you can use the digital copy legally. Physical duplicate is needed only if digital is not available or for international travel.

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)

  1. Visit nearest police station
  2. File complaint for lost/stolen DL
  3. Get FIR or NCR (Non-Cognizable Report)
  4. Note the FIR/NCR number

Note: For damaged DL, FIR is not required. Surrender damaged DL at RTO.

Step 2: Visit Sarathi Portal

  1. Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
  2. Select your State
  3. Click on "Issue of Duplicate Driving License"
  4. Read instructions and continue

Step 3: Enter DL Details

Enter DL Verification Code
  1. Enter your Driving License Number
  2. Enter Date of Birth
  3. Enter captcha code
  4. Click "Get DL Details"
  5. Verify your details displayed

Step 4: Fill Application Form

  1. Select reason for duplicate (Lost/Damaged/Stolen)
  2. Enter FIR details (if applicable)
  3. Update mobile number/email if changed
  4. Update address if changed
  5. Review all information

Step 5: Upload Documents

  1. Upload FIR/NCR copy
  2. Upload affidavit
  3. Upload address proof
  4. Upload recent photograph (JPEG, max 200KB)
  5. Upload signature (JPEG, max 100KB)

Step 6: Pay Fees Online

  1. Review fee breakdown
  2. Select payment method
  3. Pay via Net Banking/Card/UPI
  4. Save payment receipt

Step 7: Book Appointment (If Required)

  1. Some states require RTO visit for biometric
  2. Select RTO office
  3. Choose date and time slot
  4. Download appointment slip

Step 8: Receive Duplicate DL

  1. If no RTO visit needed - DL dispatched to address
  2. If RTO visit required - collect after verification
  3. 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

AFFIDAVIT

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:

  1. DigiLocker: Check DigiLocker for DL copy
  2. mParivahan App: Your DL might be stored here
  3. Old Documents: Check vehicle insurance, loan papers
  4. Sarathi Portal: Use "Know Your DL Number" feature
  5. Visit RTO: Get DL number from records using ID proof

Know Your DL Number Online

  1. Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
  2. Select your state
  3. Click on "Know Your DL Number"
  4. Enter Name, Date of Birth
  5. Enter registered mobile number
  6. 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

  1. Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
  2. Select your state
  3. Click on "Application Status"
  4. Enter Application Number
  5. Enter Date of Birth
  6. 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:

  1. Select "Duplicate + Renewal" option on Sarathi
  2. Pay combined fees
  3. Get new DL with extended validity
  4. 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.