How to Get a Duplicate Driving Licence if Lost or Damaged

Lost your licence? Don't panic - a duplicate DL can be obtained from your issuing RTO in 7–15 days. Here's the exact process, documents, and costs.

May 20264 min read

Key Takeaways

1Apply for a duplicate DL at the RTO that originally issued your licence - not just any RTO.
2Forms required: Form 1 (self-declaration) and Form LLD (application for duplicate DL).
3If the DL was stolen, a First Information Report (FIR) from the police is mandatory.
4Fee: ₹200–300 depending on vehicle category and state.
5Your DigiLocker DL is legally valid while you wait for the physical duplicate - no need to stop driving.

First Step: Determine Whether You Need an FIR

The rules differ based on how you lost your licence: (1) Stolen DL - you must file an FIR at the nearest police station before applying for a duplicate. The FIR provides legal protection in case your DL is misused by someone else, and it is a mandatory document for the RTO application in most states. (2) Lost DL (misplaced, not stolen) - an FIR is recommended but not always mandatory. Many RTOs accept a self-declaration (Form 1 / Affidavit) instead. Check with your specific RTO. (3) Damaged DL - no FIR needed. Submit the damaged card along with your application.

When filing an FIR for a stolen DL, go to the police station nearest to where the theft occurred (or your residence if you don't know where it was stolen). Carry your Aadhaar for identity verification. The FIR receipt you receive is what you'll submit to the RTO.

You can also file a non-cognisable report (NCR) instead of a full FIR for lost items at many police stations - this is faster and often accepted by RTOs for lost (not stolen) DL cases.

Documents Required for Duplicate DL Application

Collect the following before visiting the RTO: Form LLD (Application for Duplicate Driving Licence - available for download on the Sarathi portal and at the RTO), Form 1 (self-declaration of loss/damage, signed), FIR copy or NCR copy (for lost/stolen DL), Aadhaar card (original + photocopy), 2 passport-size photographs, and the fee (pay at the RTO counter or online via Sarathi).

For a damaged DL: additionally bring the damaged card itself. The RTO will take it back when issuing the duplicate.

You do NOT need to re-submit address proof if your Aadhaar is already linked to your DL record in the Sarathi system. The RTO can verify your details directly from the database.

Form LLD - Duplicate DL application form
Form 1 - Self-declaration (loss/damage affidavit)
FIR or NCR copy - Required if DL was stolen; advisable if lost
Aadhaar card (original + photocopy)
2 passport-size photographs
Damaged DL card (for damaged DL cases only)
Fee: ₹200–300 (varies by state and vehicle categories)

The Application Process - Step by Step

Step 1: Access the official Sarathi portal, select your state, then under 'Driving Licence Services' select 'Apply for Duplicate DL'. You can also apply in person directly at the RTO - online is faster for booking an appointment but the RTO visit is usually still required.

Step 2: Enter your DL number and date of birth. Verify your existing record loads correctly. Step 3: Fill Form LLD online, upload your photograph, FIR copy, and Aadhaar. Step 4: Pay the fee online. Step 5: Book an appointment for the RTO visit (biometric re-capture is typically required for a duplicate).

Step 6: Attend the RTO on the booked date. Submit original documents. Your photograph and fingerprints may be recaptured. Step 7: The duplicate DL smart card is dispatched by India Post speed post to your registered address within 7–15 working days.

After submitting your application and receiving the acknowledgement slip, you are legally allowed to drive. Keep the acknowledgement slip + your DigiLocker DL accessible on your phone - this combination is accepted by traffic police as valid identification.

DigiLocker DL - Your Valid Document While Waiting

DigiLocker is a government-backed digital document wallet (digilocker.gov.in). Your driving licence, if issued through the Sarathi system, is automatically available in DigiLocker. The Supreme Court and Ministry of Road Transport have confirmed that a DigiLocker DL is legally equivalent to the physical card.

If you haven't already linked your DL to DigiLocker: open the DigiLocker app or website, search for 'Driving Licence' under Transport, and link it using your DL number and date of birth. Once linked, you can show it on your phone during any traffic check.

Traffic police in most metro cities are now equipped to verify DigiLocker documents. However, in smaller towns or during late-night checks, some officers may not be familiar with the process - in which case your acknowledgement slip from the RTO serves as backup.

Fees and Timeline for Duplicate DL

The fee for a duplicate DL is ₹200 for a licence with one vehicle category (e.g., two-wheeler only), and ₹300 for a licence covering two or more categories (e.g., two-wheeler + light motor vehicle). Fees may vary slightly by state - check the Sarathi portal for your state's exact fee schedule.