Complete Guide to Apply for Duplicate Driving Licence
Losing or damaging your driving licence can be stressful, but obtaining a duplicate driving licence in India is a straightforward process. Whether your licence is lost, stolen, or damaged, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about applying for a duplicate driving licence, including the required documents and fees. After applying, you can check your driving licence status through Parivahan Sewa.
What is a Duplicate Driving Licence?
A duplicate driving licence is a replacement for your original driving licence in cases where it has been lost, stolen, or damaged. The duplicate copy holds the same legal validity as the original licence and can be used for all purposes, including driving, vehicle rental, and insurance claims.
You can apply for a duplicate driving licence through the Parivahan Sewa portal or directly at your local RTO (Regional Transport Office).
Why Do You Need a Duplicate Driving Licence?
Lost Driving Licence
If you misplace your licence or it gets damaged beyond recognition.
Stolen Driving Licence
If your licence is stolen, you need to apply for a duplicate immediately to prevent misuse.
Damaged Driving Licence
A physically damaged or worn-out licence can be replaced with a duplicate to ensure it's still legible and valid.
Incorrect Details
If your original licence contains errors, a duplicate with corrected details can be issued.
Eligibility Criteria for Duplicate Driving Licence in India
To apply for a duplicate driving licence in India, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- • You must hold a valid Indian driving licence.
- • The driving licence must have been issued by an Indian RTO. If you need to apply for a new licence, check our guide first.
- • You must provide proof of identity and address (e.g., Aadhaar card, passport).
- • In case of a stolen licence, a police FIR is required.
Documents Required to Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence
The documents required for a duplicate driving licence may vary slightly based on the RTO, but typically include:
- • Application Form DL-6 (available at the RTO or online)
- • Proof of Identity: Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, PAN card, etc.
- • Proof of Address: Utility bill, passport, rental agreement, Aadhaar card, etc.
- • Passport-sized Photograph: 2-3 recent passport-sized photos.
- • FIR (if your licence was stolen): A police report is required for stolen licences.
- • Driving Licence Number (if available)
How to Apply for Duplicate Driving Licence in India
1. Apply for Duplicate Driving Licence Online
Applying for a duplicate driving licence online is a convenient way to replace your lost or damaged licence:
- Visit the Parivahan Sewa Portal: Go to the official Parivahan Sewa website.
- Select "Driving Licence Services": On the homepage, navigate to the "Driving Licence Services" section.
- Choose "Apply for Duplicate Driving Licence": Click on the option for applying for a duplicate driving licence.
- Fill in the Application Form: Complete the form with your personal details, such as your driving licence number, address, and contact information.
- Upload Required Documents: Upload the necessary documents, such as proof of identity, proof of address, photographs, and an FIR (if applicable).
- Pay the Fees: Pay the duplicate driving licence fees online through credit/debit cards, UPI, or net banking.
- Submit and Track Application: After submitting, you will receive a confirmation and a tracking number to monitor the status of your duplicate licence.
2. Apply for Duplicate Driving Licence Offline
If you prefer to apply in-person at the RTO, here's what you need to do:
- Visit the Nearest RTO: Go to the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO).
- Fill out Form DL-6: This is the form used for applying for a duplicate driving licence.
- Submit Supporting Documents: Provide all required documents, such as your proof of identity, proof of address, and a photograph.
- Pay the Fees: Pay the applicable fees for the duplicate driving licence at the RTO.
- Verification Process: The RTO will verify the details and process your application. Once processed, the duplicate licence will be issued.
Duplicate Driving Licence Fees
The fees for a duplicate driving licence can vary by state, but the approximate costs are as follows:
- • Online Application Fees: ₹200 – ₹500
- • Offline Application Fees: ₹300 – ₹500
Additional postal delivery charges may apply if you want the duplicate licence mailed to your address.
Be sure to check with your local RTO for state-specific fees and processing time.
How to Download a Duplicate Driving Licence Online
Once your duplicate driving licence has been processed and approved, you can download a duplicate driving licence online. Here's how to do it:
- Visit the Parivahan Sewa Website: Go to Parivahan.gov.in.
- Click on "Driving Licence Services": On the homepage, click on the "Driving Licence Services" tab.
- Select "Download Driving Licence": Choose the option to download your duplicate driving licence.
- Enter the Required Details: Provide the necessary information, such as your application number or driving licence number.
- Verify via OTP: You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number for verification.
- Download the Duplicate Licence: Once the OTP is verified, you can download your duplicate driving licence PDF.
How to Track Duplicate Driving Licence Status
You can easily track the status of your duplicate driving licence application through the Parivahan Sewa portal:
- Visit Parivahan Sewa: Go to the official website.
- Select "Driving Licence Status": Under "Driving Licence Services", choose the option to track your application status.
- Enter Your Application Number: Input the application number or driving licence number to check the current status of your duplicate licence application.
You can also track the duplicate driving licence delivery status if you have opted for postal delivery.
Tips for a Smooth Duplicate Driving Licence Application
- • Keep a copy of your original licence: If possible, always keep a photocopy or digital copy of your original driving licence to expedite the application process.
- • Check for discrepancies: Before submitting the application, ensure all your details (name, address, etc.) match the original records.
- • Ensure your registered mobile number is active: You'll need it to receive OTPs for verification during online applications.
State-Specific Guidelines for Duplicate Driving Licence
While the process for applying for a duplicate driving licence is generally the same across India, some states may have specific requirements or additional documentation. Always check with your local RTO for state-specific guidelines and fees.
Delhi RTO:
Applicants in Delhi may be required to provide an Aadhaar card for identity verification.
Maharashtra RTO:
In Maharashtra, applicants may be asked to submit a police report (in case of theft) and additional proof of residence if the original was issued in another state.
Conclusion: Get Your Duplicate Driving Licence with Ease
A duplicate driving licence is essential for anyone who has lost, had their licence stolen, or has a damaged driving licence. The process is easy to follow, whether you apply online through Parivahan Sewa or visit your local RTO. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly replace your driving licence and continue driving without any worries.