Duplicate driving license: how to replace a lost or damaged DL online
A duplicate driving license is a fresh card the RTO prints when your original is lost, stolen, torn or unreadable. It keeps the same licence number, classes and validity. Apply on the Sarathi portal: choose your state, open driving licence services, enter the DL number and date of birth, pick the duplicate service, upload a police report and proofs, pay the fee and print the receipt.
Key takeaways
- A duplicate driving license carries the same number and validity as the lost card; it is not a new licence.
- File a police or lost report first; most RTOs want a copy with the application.
- Apply on Sarathi with your DL number and date of birth; Aadhaar OTP can remove the office visit.
- Save a free DigiLocker or mParivahan copy today so you can drive legally while the card is reprinted.
- The duplicate fee is set by your state and is shown on the payment screen before you pay.
- If the licence has also expired, apply for renewal instead; the renewed card replaces the lost one.
On this page · 41 sections
What is a duplicate driving license and when do you need one?
A duplicate driving license is a reprinted card issued by the RTO when the original is lost, stolen, torn, burnt or no longer readable. It is drawn from the same Sarathi record, so your licence number, vehicle classes and validity stay exactly as they were. You are not applying for a new licence.
Situations that call for a duplicate
Apply when the card is missing for good, was stolen with a wallet, went through the wash, cracked, or its photo and chip are unreadable. A faded or peeling card also counts, because officers must be able to read every field and scan the QR code.
What a duplicate does not change
The duplicate does not extend validity, add a vehicle class or correct a name. Those are separate services. If you need one of them, you can usually pick it in the same Sarathi application, which saves you a second fee and visit.
What to do if driving licence is lost?
If your driving licence is lost, report it to the police or through your state’s online lost-report service, save a digital copy from DigiLocker or mParivahan, and then apply for a duplicate on Sarathi. Doing these three things in order protects you from misuse and keeps you legal on the road.
Report first, apply second
The police report proves the card is out of your hands from a certain date. If someone later uses it, that record helps you. Most RTOs also ask for its copy, so getting it first avoids stopping halfway through the online form.
Keep proof of the loss
Write down where and when the card went missing. Save the report number, the acknowledgement and payment receipt in one folder on your phone. Officers and RTO staff ask for these more often than you might expect.
Lost DL: what should you do in the first 24 hours?
In the first day after a lost DL, search your recent places once, block any wallet cards lost with it, file the lost report, and open DigiLocker to fetch your licence. If you do not know your licence number, look for photos, scans, insurance papers or old RTO SMS before anything else.
Hour one: search and secure
Retrace your route once and call places you visited. If your wallet went with the licence, block bank cards and SIM if needed. Fraudsters use licence copies as identity proof, so treat it like losing an ID card.
Before you sleep: go digital
Sign in to DigiLocker or mParivahan and pull the licence. That copy lets you drive tomorrow. It also shows your exact licence number, which you need for the duplicate application.
Do you need an FIR for lost driving licence?
An FIR for lost driving licence is not demanded everywhere. Many states accept a lost-article report filed online with the police, or a signed declaration. A stolen card usually needs a proper police complaint. Your RTO’s checklist on Sarathi is the final word, so read it before you apply.
Lost report versus FIR
A lost report records that an item went missing without a crime. An FIR records a cognisable offence such as theft. For a card that simply fell out of a pocket, the lost report is normally what the RTO wants.
Affidavit on stamp paper
Some offices also ask for a notarised affidavit stating how the licence was lost and that you will return it if found. Ask the RTO before buying stamp paper, because many online applications no longer need one.
How to apply for duplicate driving license online?
To apply for duplicate driving license online, open Sarathi, select your state, go to services on driving licence, enter your DL number and date of birth, choose the duplicate service, upload the report and proofs, pay and print the receipt. The whole form takes about fifteen minutes when your scans are ready.
Before you open the portal
Keep your DL number, date of birth, police report, address proof, age proof and a recent photo and signature scan ready. Keep the mobile registered with the licence nearby for the OTP. A laptop is easier than a phone for uploads.
After you submit
Note the application number. Some states approve online and post the card; others give you a slot to visit the RTO for biometrics or document checks. Track progress with the status option until the card is dispatched.
Duplicate DL online apply on Sarathi: the step-by-step method
For a duplicate DL online apply, the Sarathi flow is the same in nearly every state. Follow these steps in order and do not refresh the page during payment. If a step looks different, read the menu labels carefully; names change slightly between updates.
- Open Sarathi. Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select the state that issued your licence.
- Open driving licence services. Choose services on driving licence and enter your DL number and date of birth.
- Choose the duplicate service. Confirm the details, tick the duplicate licence option and submit to get an application number.
- Upload documents. Add the police report, address and age proof, Form 1, photo and signature as asked.
- Pay the fee. Pay the amount shown through the Sarathi payment gateway.
- Print the receipt. Save the acknowledgement and receipt and track the application.
Confirming your details
When the record appears, check the name, father’s or husband’s name and date of birth. If any of these is wrong, select the correction service as well. Approving a duplicate with a wrong name only prints the mistake again.
Choosing the RTO
Sarathi picks the RTO that holds your record. If you have moved, the screen may let you choose a new RTO. Pick the office where you can reach a counter if the state asks for a visit.
Parivahan duplicate license: which Sarathi menu do you use?
The Parivahan duplicate license service sits on the Sarathi site under online services for driving licence, labelled as issue of duplicate DL or similar. Parivahan Sewa is the umbrella portal; it links to Sarathi for licences and to Vahan for vehicles. Use only the gov.in addresses.
Why the menu looks different by state
Each state switches on the services it offers. Some list duplicate licence, others list replacement or reprint. Pick the option that mentions a lost or damaged card, and read the short description before ticking it.
Avoiding look-alike websites
Search ads often lead to private sites that charge a “service fee” and then use the same Sarathi form. Type sarathi.parivahan.gov.in yourself and check that the payment page is the government gateway.
Can you apply for duplicate DL with Aadhaar and skip the RTO?
Yes, in many states you can apply for duplicate DL online with Aadhaar authentication and get the card by post without visiting. MoRTH made the duplicate licence one of the contactless services from 3 March 2021. Where your state still asks for a visit, you get an appointment slot.
How Aadhaar helps
Aadhaar OTP confirms that you are the licence holder, so staff do not need to see you in person. The details on Aadhaar should match the licence. A different spelling or date of birth can push the request to manual review.
If you do not use Aadhaar
Aadhaar is voluntary. Without it, choose the regular route, upload other ID and attend the RTO when called. It takes longer, but the result is the same card.
Which documents are needed for a duplicate licence apply?
For a duplicate licence apply request, keep your licence number, the police or lost report, address proof, age proof, Form 1 self-declaration, a recent photo and your signature. If the card is damaged, take the pieces to the RTO. The full list for every licence service is on our documents required for driving licence page.
| Document | Why it is asked | Accepted examples |
|---|---|---|
| Licence number and date of birth | Opens your Sarathi record | Old photocopy, DigiLocker copy |
| Police or lost report | Proves the card is lost or stolen | Online lost report, FIR copy |
| Address proof | Matches current address | Aadhaar, passport, ration card, rent agreement |
| Age proof | Confirms date of birth | PAN, birth certificate, class 10 marksheet |
| Form 1 | Self-declaration of fitness | Signed on the Sarathi form |
| Photo and signature | Printed on the new card | Fresh scans within size limits |
| Damaged card | Shows it is unusable | The torn or broken card itself |
Form 1 and the medical certificate
Form 1 is a short self-declaration of physical fitness. Applicants aged 40 and above, and transport licence holders, may be asked for a Form 1A medical certificate signed by a doctor instead.
Scans that upload first time
Scan each paper separately in colour, keep it straight and readable, and stay inside the file size the screen shows. Blurred or cropped scans are the main reason for rejection.
Application for lost license: what goes in the form and affidavit?
An application for lost license on Sarathi asks for your licence details, the reason (lost, stolen or damaged), the date and place of loss and the report number. If your RTO wants an affidavit, it repeats those facts and confirms you will return the old card if it turns up.
Writing the reason clearly
Keep it short and factual: “lost while travelling on 12 October near X market, reported online, report number Y”. Avoid long stories. Staff only need the date, place and report reference.
What are duplicate licence fees?
Duplicate licence fees are the prescribed state fee plus user or service charges, and they differ between states. Sarathi shows the exact amount before you pay. We could not verify a single national figure, so check the payment screen rather than an agent’s quote. For a full fee breakdown, see our duplicate driving licence fees guide.
| Service | Central amount under Rule 32 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Duplicate licence | Shown on Sarathi | State fee plus user charges |
| Renewal on time | ₹200 | Use if the lost licence is near expiry |
| Smart card | ₹200 extra | Added where cards are printed |
| Renewal after grace period | ₹300 plus ₹1,000 per year of delay | Replaces the lost card too |
Charges beyond the fee
States may add postal, card and online convenience charges. The receipt lists each item. If the total looks very high, you may be on a private site; close it and start again on Sarathi.
Paying once only
Sarathi accepts payment against one application number only once. If money leaves your account but the page fails, use Payment Status before paying again.
How to get duplicate license at the RTO office?
To get duplicate license cards offline, visit the licensing section of the RTO that holds your record with the lost report, proofs, photos and fee. Staff enter the request in Sarathi, take your photo and signature if needed, and give you a receipt. The card is then printed and posted or collected.
When the counter is better
Choose the office route if your licence is an old paper booklet, your record is not found online, or your name and date of birth do not match Aadhaar. Staff can fix the record and issue the duplicate in one go.
How long does issue of duplicate DL take?
The issue of duplicate DL has no fixed national timeline; it depends on your RTO’s workload and whether the state approves online. In many places the card is printed within a few weeks of approval. You can print the licence from the portal once approved, while the card is on its way.
What slows it down
Missing reports, mismatched names, unclear scans and old records that need to be digitised all add time. A request that is approved online without a visit is usually the quickest.
Tracking the card
Use the application status option on Sarathi. Some states also send an SMS with the speed post number once the card is dispatched.
Replacement of DL means what?
Replacement of DL means getting a new card in place of an existing one that is still in your hands but unusable, worn out or in an old format. The licence record stays the same. “Duplicate” usually refers to a lost card, “replacement” to a damaged or outdated one, though Sarathi may group both.
Paper to smart card
Holders of a paper licence often ask for replacement to get a smart card. The pillar guide on the driving licence explains smart cards and other card formats.
When the RTO keeps the old card
For a replacement, you usually surrender the old card. That stops two cards existing for one licence.
DL replacement for a damaged or torn card
A DL replacement for a damaged card follows the duplicate route, but you show or hand over the damaged card instead of a police report. Pick the duplicate or replacement service on Sarathi, choose “damaged” as the reason, upload photos of the card if asked and pay the fee.
Replacement driving licence for a broken chip
A replacement driving licence is also needed when the chip or QR code no longer reads. Officers rely on these to verify you, and an unreadable card can delay you at a check.
Keep the pieces
Do not throw away a broken card. The RTO may want to see it to confirm the request and cancel the old card.
DL PSV badge mutilated: how is a badge replaced?
A PSV badge is the public service vehicle badge that drivers of taxis, buses and other transport vehicles carry in some states. When a DL PSV badge is mutilated, apply for a duplicate badge on Sarathi if your state lists the service, or at the RTO with the damaged badge and your licence.
Badge and licence are linked
The badge is tied to your transport licence. Keep the licence valid and the badge readable, because operators and police can ask for both on duty.
What to carry
Take the damaged badge, your licence or its digital copy, ID and photos. Not every state issues badges, so ask your RTO what applies.
DL reprint: how to reprint driving licence?
A DL reprint can mean two things: printing a copy from the portal after approval, or asking the RTO to print a new card. To reprint driving licence copies yourself, use DigiLocker, mParivahan or the print option Sarathi gives after an approved application. For a plastic card, apply for a duplicate.
Reprint driving license as paper
A paper printout of the licence from DigiLocker is useful for offices that want a copy. Print at actual size so the QR code scans.
When a reprint is not enough
Banks and some employers want to see the card. A paper reprint is a convenience; the duplicate card is the legal replacement.
How to reissue driving licence?
To reissue driving licence cards, apply for a duplicate if the card is lost or damaged, or for renewal if validity is ending. “Reissue” is not a separate service on most portals; it is the everyday word for getting the card printed again. Pick the service that matches why you need it.
Reissue driving license after a correction
After a name, address or date-of-birth correction is approved, the RTO reissues the card with the new details. You do not need to file a separate duplicate.
DL copy: how to get license copy online?
To get license copy online, use DigiLocker or mParivahan, or print the copy Sarathi offers after an approved application. A DL copy from these sources is drawn from the government record, which makes it more useful than a photo of the card. All three are free to use.
Licence copy for offices
For a licence copy that a landlord, employer or bank asks for, a DigiLocker PDF or a printout from it is the cleanest option. You can also share it straight from DigiLocker.
Checking the copy is current
A copy shows the record on the day you saved it. If you renewed or corrected anything since, download it again. To confirm the live record, use the online licence check on Sarathi.
Driving licence copy download from DigiLocker
For a driving licence copy download, sign in to DigiLocker, open issued documents, search for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, choose Driving License, enter your DL number and tap get document. The signed licence is saved to your account and opens in the app or website.
Why the DigiLocker copy counts
DigiLocker pulls the licence from the issuer, so it is a digitally signed document. Licences shown in DigiLocker or mParivahan are treated as valid documents under CMVR Rule 139 and a MoRTH advisory.
If the licence does not appear
Check the DL number format and your name. DigiLocker matches your Aadhaar details to the licence, so a spelling difference can stop it. Fix the record on Sarathi first.
DL kaise download kare?
DL kaise download kare, yeh sabse common sawal hai. Simple tarika: DigiLocker app kholo, Aadhaar ya mobile OTP se login karo, issued documents mein MoRTH search karo, Driving License chuno, DL number daalo aur get document dabao. Licence aapke account mein save ho jata hai.
mParivahan app se
mParivahan app mein login karke DL number daalo aur licence apne dashboard mein add karo. Yeh virtual DL police check par dikha sakte ho, aur officer QR code scan karke check kar lete hain.
Card kho gaya to kya karein
Download ki hui copy se aap gaadi chala sakte ho, lekin plastic card ke liye Sarathi par duplicate ka form bharna hoga. Pehle police report zaroor karo.
Duplicate license download: is a downloaded copy enough?
A duplicate license download from DigiLocker or mParivahan is enough for roadside checks, because these are accepted electronic documents. It is not a physical card, so offices that insist on seeing a card, and travel abroad, still need the duplicate the RTO prints.
Duplicate licence download versus the card
A duplicate licence download is instant and free; the card takes time and a fee. Most people do both: download now, apply for the card the same day.
Copy of license on mParivahan: does it work at police checks?
A copy of license shown in the mParivahan app works at police checks because it is drawn from the national record and carries a QR code officers can scan. Add the licence once with your DL number and keep the app signed in, so it opens even on a weak signal.
Driving with no copy at all
Driving without any valid licence copy can bring a fine. Our without licence fine guide explains how that offence is treated.
How to get driving licence if lost and the number is unknown?
To get driving licence if lost and you do not remember the number, look for it in DigiLocker, old photos, scans, insurance or loan papers, and past RTO SMS. Some states let you search Sarathi by name, date of birth and registered mobile. Failing that, the issuing RTO can find the record from your ID.
Where the number hides
The DL number appears on vehicle insurance forms, past challans, job applications and car loan files. Search your email for “DL” or your name with “licence”.
Visiting the RTO
Take ID, address proof and any old copy. Staff can trace the record and then start the duplicate request for you.
I lost my drivers license: can I still drive?
If I lost my drivers license is your situation, you can still drive as long as you carry a valid electronic copy in DigiLocker or mParivahan. The licence itself has not stopped being valid; only the card is gone. Without any copy, you risk a fine at a check.
What to show an officer
Open the licence in DigiLocker or mParivahan and let the officer scan it. If asked, show the lost report and Sarathi acknowledgement too.
Lost driving license India: what if someone misuses it?
A lost driving license in India can be misused as identity proof for SIM cards, rentals or even fraud. Your police report is your protection: it shows the date from which the card was not in your control. Apply for the duplicate quickly so the record shows a current card.
Signs of misuse
Watch for unknown challans against vehicles you do not own, calls from lenders, or SIM activation messages. Report them to the police with your earlier report number.
Reporting online fraud
If the card is used for an online scam, report it on the national cyber crime portal and keep the complaint number with your lost report.
Driving licence missing in another state: what now?
When your driving licence is missing while you are in another state, you do not need to return home. Report the loss to local police, fetch the DigiLocker copy, and apply on Sarathi choosing the state that issued the licence. The card can be posted to the address on record.
Posting to a new address
If you have moved permanently, update the address in the same application. See how to change address on driving licence for that service.
Lost abroad
For a loss outside India, fetch the DigiLocker copy and apply online if your state allows it without a visit. An international permit needs a valid Indian licence, so sort the duplicate before you renew any permit.
Renewing a lost licence online: is it possible?
Yes, you can renew online even when the card is lost, because Sarathi uses your licence number and date of birth, not the card. The renewed card replaces the lost one, so a separate duplicate is usually not needed. Use renewal only when the licence is near expiry or has expired.
When to choose renewal over duplicate
If expiry is within a year, renewing gets you a new card and fresh validity for one fee. Our DL renewal guide walks through the renewal form and documents.
Grace period for licence renewal
The old 30-day grace period for licence renewal was removed in 2019. You can apply up to one year before or after expiry, but the renewed licence is valid only from the renewal date.
How to renew a lost licence that has also expired?
To renew a licence that is both lost and expired, apply for renewal on Sarathi with your DL number and date of birth and add the lost report. The late fee applies after the grace period. If more than one year has passed since expiry, a driving test may be needed.
Late renewal charges
Central rules set ₹300 for renewal after the grace period plus ₹1,000 for each year or part year of delay. States may add service and card charges.
Test after a long gap
A Kerala High Court ruling in 2024 held that renewal sought more than a year after expiry needs a test of competence. Book the slot when Sarathi asks for it.
Can you get a licence without a test?
You cannot get a fresh licence without proving you can drive, but some routes skip the RTO test. People trained at an accredited driver training centre can skip the RTO driving test under MoRTH rules from 2021. Renewals and duplicates within the time limits also need no test.
Training centre route
Accredited centres test you at the end of the course and issue a certificate that the RTO accepts in place of its own test. Confirm the centre is accredited by your state transport department.
When a test is still needed
A test applies for a new class, for renewal more than one year after expiry, and when the authority doubts your driving. Age-based learner rules are covered on our learning licence age page.
How to transfer driving license from one state to another?
You do not need to transfer driving license records to drive in a new state. A licence issued by any RTO is valid across India. What you change is the address, which you can do on Sarathi with new address proof. The RTO may then move your record to the new jurisdiction.
When the address change is needed
Update it when you renew, apply for a duplicate or move permanently, so the card is posted to the right place and notices reach you.
How to change DOB in driving license?
To change DOB in driving license records, apply for the correction of date of birth service on Sarathi with a strong proof such as a birth certificate, passport or class 10 marksheet. Most states ask you to visit the RTO for checks, because a date-of-birth change affects validity and age limits.
Proofs that carry weight
Birth certificates, passports and school-leaving certificates are the strongest. An affidavit alone is rarely enough. Match the new date to Aadhaar to avoid later mismatches.
Combine with the duplicate
If you are applying for a duplicate, add the correction in the same request so the new card prints the right date.
How many days after LLR to license?
You can book the permanent driving test 30 days after the learner licence is issued, and you must pass it before the learner licence expires at 6 months. After you pass, the card is usually dispatched in about two weeks, though this varies by state.
After LLR how many days to get license
So the shortest path is about 30 days from learner licence to driving test, plus dispatch time. If the learner licence expires before you pass, you must apply again.
After giving driving test how long to get license
After you pass, the RTO approves the licence and prints the card. Many people see the licence in DigiLocker before the card arrives.
LLR copy image: how do you get a learner licence copy?
For an LLR copy image, use the learner licence print option on Sarathi with your application number and date of birth. It gives a printable copy you can save as PDF or image. A learner licence is a paper or digital document, so there is no separate card to replace.
Lost learner licence
If the learner licence is lost, simply print it again. No police report is needed for a reprint of a learner licence.
How to get driving licence in AP?
To get driving licence in AP, apply for a learner licence, pass the test, wait the required period, then take the driving test at the RTO. Andhra Pradesh has run some services on its own transport department portal alongside Sarathi, so check which site handles your request before you start.
Apply for LLR AP
To apply for LLR AP, fill the learner application online, upload documents, pay and book the computer test slot. Pass the test to get the learner licence.
Duplicate in Andhra Pradesh
For a lost licence issued in AP, follow the same steps: report the loss, then apply through the state’s online licence services or the RTO.
Duplicate driving licence Delhi: what is different?
A duplicate driving licence in Delhi is applied for on Sarathi with Delhi selected. Delhi moved most transport services to a faceless model in August 2021, so a duplicate usually needs no office visit. The card is posted after approval.
Driving licence lost Delhi report
If your driving licence is lost in Delhi, file the lost report with Delhi Police online and keep its number. Attach the report to your Sarathi application.
Delhi visits
In Delhi, office visits are now mainly for the permanent licence driving test and vehicle fitness. If your record has a mismatch, the zonal office may still call you.
Kerala driving licence duplicate: how does it work?
A Kerala driving licence duplicate is applied for through the Sarathi licence services with Kerala selected, or at the RTO or sub RTO that holds your record. Kerala uses the same national record, so the steps, documents and police report match other states.
Kerala record checks
Older Kerala licences issued before computerisation may need the record checked by the RTO. Take any old copy or number with you.
Duplicate driving licence Haryana and Punjab
A duplicate driving licence in Haryana or Punjab is applied for on Sarathi with that state selected. Both states use the national record, and the same documents apply. State fees and any visit requirement are shown on the Sarathi screen. For other Punjab licence services, see our Punjab driving licence guide.
Haryana tips
Haryana has licensing authorities in districts and sub-divisions. Make sure Sarathi has picked the office that issued your licence before you pay.
Duplicate driving licence Punjab
Punjab applicants follow the same online steps. If your licence is an old record, the licensing office may ask you to visit for verification.
Duplicate licence Gujarat and duplicate driving licence MP
A duplicate licence in Gujarat and a duplicate driving licence in MP are both handled through Sarathi with the right state selected. Gujarat runs all licence services on Sarathi. In Madhya Pradesh, select MP and the RTO that issued your card.
| State | Where to apply | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Sarathi, Delhi selected | Faceless approval; police lost report |
| Kerala | Sarathi or the RTO / sub RTO | Old records may need RTO check |
| Haryana | Sarathi, Haryana selected | Correct licensing authority |
| Punjab | Sarathi, Punjab selected | Visit if record is old |
| Gujarat | Sarathi, Gujarat selected | All licence services online |
| Madhya Pradesh | Sarathi, MP selected | Issuing RTO picked correctly |
| Andhra Pradesh | State portal or Sarathi | Which site handles the service |
Online duplicate DL or RTO visit: which route is better?
An online duplicate DL on Sarathi is faster and saves a trip when your record is clean and your Aadhaar matches. The RTO counter suits old paper licences, missing records and name or date mismatches. Both give the same card.
| Point | Online on Sarathi | At the RTO counter |
|---|---|---|
| Identity check | Aadhaar OTP | Originals checked by staff |
| Visit needed | Usually none | One or more |
| Best for | Clear, digitised records | Old or mismatched records |
| Payment | Online gateway | Online or at the counter |
| Tracking | Application status on Sarathi | Receipt and Sarathi status |
Agents and middlemen
You do not need an agent for either route. If you use one, pay fees only on the government gateway and keep the receipt yourself.
Common duplicate DL errors and how to fix them
Most duplicate DL problems come from a wrong state choice, a mistyped licence number, mismatched date of birth, unclear scans or failed payments. Each has a simple fix. Check the record on Sarathi first, then correct your input or ask the RTO to update the record.
Record not found
Choose the state that issued the licence, enter the number in the format printed on the card, and try the date of birth on Aadhaar. Old records may need the RTO to add them.
OTP not arriving
The OTP goes to the registered mobile. If that number is old, update it first; our update mobile number in driving licence guide explains how.
Official links
Sarathi: licence servicessarathi.parivahan.gov.in ↗Parivahan Sewaparivahan.gov.in ↗DigiLockerdigilocker.gov.in ↗Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (India Code)indiacode.nic.in ↗Duplicate driving license questions
Is a duplicate driving license number the same as the old one?
Yes. The RTO reprints the same record, so the licence number, vehicle classes, issue date and validity do not change.
Can I apply for a duplicate DL from another state?
Yes. Choose the state that issued the licence on Sarathi, not the state you live in now. If you have moved for good, add an address change in the same visit.
Is an FIR compulsory for a lost driving licence?
Rules differ by state. Many RTOs accept an online lost-article report or a declaration, while a stolen card usually needs a police complaint. Check what your RTO lists on Sarathi.
Can I drive while my duplicate is being printed?
Yes, if you carry the licence in DigiLocker or mParivahan, which are accepted as valid electronic documents. Keep your acknowledgement slip as well.
What if I find the old licence after getting a duplicate?
Use only the newest card. Hand the old one to the RTO or destroy it, because two physical cards with one number can cause confusion at checks.
Does a duplicate licence change my renewal date?
No. Validity stays the same as on the original. Only a renewal sets a new expiry date.
Is a photocopy of my lost licence enough at a police check?
A photocopy is not a valid document on its own. Show the DigiLocker or mParivahan version, which officers can verify.
Can I get a duplicate learner licence?
Yes. Learner licences can be printed again from the Sarathi learner licence print option using the application number and date of birth.
My licence was a paper booklet. Can I get a duplicate?
Yes, but older paper records may need to be moved into Sarathi first. Visit the issuing RTO with any copy or number you have.
How do I check my duplicate DL application status?
Use the application status option on Sarathi with the application number and date of birth from your acknowledgement.
Parivahan Sewa (parivahansewa-in.com) is an independent information website and is not affiliated with MoRTH, Parivahan or any state transport department. Confirm fees and rules on the official portal before you pay or apply.