How to Apply for a Duplicate DL Online in India
If your driving licence has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for a duplicate online through the Sarathi Parivahan portal. The duplicate DL carries the same number and validity as the original, and most states now process it without requiring an RTO visit.
Quick Info
Fee
₹200 – ₹500 (varies by state)
Processing Time
7 – 15 working days (online)
Form Required
Form LLD / Form 2
When You Need a Duplicate DL
A duplicate driving licence is an exact replacement of your original. It carries the same licence number, vehicle classes, and validity dates. You can apply for one in the following situations:
Lost or misplaced
You have searched thoroughly and cannot find your original driving licence. An FIR or police complaint is required before applying.
Stolen
Your licence was stolen along with your wallet or bag. File an FIR at the nearest police station and keep the copy for the application.
Damaged or torn
The licence is mutilated, soiled, or no longer legible. You will need to submit the damaged card along with your application.
Photograph needs replacement
The photo on your licence has faded or no longer resembles you. You can apply for a duplicate with an updated photograph.
Your original DL must be valid. You can only apply for a duplicate if the original licence has not expired. If your DL has already expired, you need to apply for a renewal instead of a duplicate.
Documents Required
Keep scanned copies of the following documents ready before starting the application. The portal accepts JPEG, PNG, or PDF formats.
Mandatory Documents
If Applicable
No FIR needed for damage. If your licence is damaged but still with you, you do not need to file an FIR. Simply upload a photo or scan of the damaged card as proof.
How to Apply Online
The entire application can be completed on the Sarathi Parivahan portal. If you authenticate via Aadhaar, most states process the duplicate without requiring a physical RTO visit.
File an FIR (if lost or stolen)
Visit the nearest police station and file a First Information Report. Keep the FIR copy ready for upload. You can also file an online complaint through your state police portal in many states.
Go to the Sarathi portal
Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select your state from the dropdown menu.
Select "Apply for Duplicate DL"
Look under "Driving Licence Related Services" or the "Services on Driving Licence" menu. Click on the duplicate DL option.
Enter your DL details
Type in your driving licence number and date of birth. The portal will pull up your existing records. Verify that the details shown are correct.
Fill in the application form
Confirm your personal details, current address, and the reason for applying (lost, stolen, or damaged). Update your photograph if needed.
Upload documents
Upload the FIR copy (if applicable), identity proof, address proof, and a recent passport-size photograph. Make sure files meet the size and format requirements shown on the portal.
Pay the fee and submit
Pay ₹200 to ₹500 (varies by state) via UPI, net banking, or debit/credit card. Save the payment receipt and the application acknowledgement number.
Use the acknowledgement as temporary proof. After submission, the acknowledgement slip along with the FIR copy can serve as temporary proof of your driving licence until the duplicate is delivered.
Track Your Application
After submitting the application, you can track its progress on the Sarathi portal or via the mParivahan app.
Sarathi portal
Go to "Application Status" on the Sarathi portal and enter your application number to check progress from submission to dispatch.
mParivahan app
Download the official mParivahan app and check your DL status under "Application Status". You can also access your digital DL here once it is issued.
Speed post tracking
Once dispatched, the smart card DL is sent via speed post. Track delivery using the consignment number shown in your application status.
Important Points
Keep these things in mind before and after applying for your duplicate DL:
Apply through the issuing RTO
Your application must go through the RTO that originally issued your licence. If you have moved to a new city, transfer your DL address first.
Same licence number is retained
The duplicate DL will carry the same licence number, vehicle classes, and validity dates as your original. It is not a new licence.
Some RTOs may call you for verification
While most states process duplicates fully online, a few RTOs may ask you to visit for biometric verification or original document checks.
Delivery takes 7 to 30 days
Online applications are usually processed in 7 to 15 working days. If you applied offline at the RTO, it can take up to 30 days.
Found your original after applying? If you find your original licence after the duplicate has been issued, you must surrender one of them to your RTO. Holding two copies of the same licence can cause issues during verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an FIR mandatory for applying for a duplicate DL?
Can I drive while my duplicate DL is being processed?
Is the duplicate DL valid for the same period as the original?
Can I apply for a duplicate if my DL has already expired?
How much does a duplicate driving licence cost?
Apply for your duplicate DL now
Head to the Sarathi portal with your DL number and date of birth to start the application. Keep your FIR copy and documents ready.