If a physical driving licence is lost, damaged, destroyed or defaced, use the duplicate-licence service available through Sarathi or the issuing state. If you only need immediate access to the existing licence record, first check whether the issued DL is available through DigiLocker or mParivahan.
Apply through Sarathi Driving Licence Services
Verified official position — 23 September 2026: The central route is Driving Licence → Services on DL → Issue of Duplicate DL after the issuing state is selected. A duplicate replaces evidence of the existing entitlement; it does not create a second licence. Police-report, declaration, damaged-card, address-proof and physical-visit requirements vary by state and reason. Do not state that an FIR is compulsory everywhere, and do not quote a national “total fee” without the live state payment demand.
Do You Need a Download or a Duplicate Licence?
| Your situation | Correct action |
|---|---|
| Physical card is at home | Display an official digital DL if appropriate |
| Card is lost but the DL record is active | Fetch the digital record and apply for a duplicate if a replacement card is needed |
| Card is damaged or unreadable | Apply for duplicate/replacement service |
| DL has expired | Use renewal, not only duplicate |
| DL contains incorrect details | Use correction/change service |
| DL record cannot be found online | Contact the issuing RTO about record verification or digitisation |
Downloading a PDF does not create a replacement smart card. Applying for a duplicate does not create a second driving entitlement; it replaces evidence of the existing licence.
When Can You Apply for a Duplicate DL?
Common reasons include:
- The physical licence is lost
- The licence is damaged
- The document is destroyed
- Printed information or photograph is no longer readable
- The card is defaced
Choose the reason truthfully. Requirements can change according to state and circumstance.
Details and Documents You May Need
Prepare:
- Existing DL number or recoverable licence details
- Date of birth
- Issuing state and RTO
- Online Services on DL application
- Copy or details of the existing licence when available
- Evidence or declaration concerning loss/damage when required
- Current address/identity evidence if requested
- Photograph/signature or biometric step if the service requires it
- Government fee and user-charge payment
Some older instructions refer to an LLD form, while current Sarathi/state workflows may generate the application online or use forms available through the current official directory. Follow the form and document list shown for your state rather than downloading an unofficial blank form.
Related guide: documents required for a duplicate driving licence.
How to Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence Online
- Open the Sarathi state-selection page.
- Select the state associated with the licence.
- Open Driving Licence and choose Services on DL.
- Enter the DL number, DOB and verification details.
- Select Issue of Duplicate DL or the equivalent option.
- Choose the correct reason for replacement.
- Complete the application and upload the requested documents.
- Pay the official fee.
- Complete any appointment, biometric, verification or RTO visit shown.
- Save the application number and receipt.
The application is not complete merely because the form was saved. Confirm payment and every required service stage.
What If You Do Not Know the DL Number?
Try to recover it from:
- A photograph or photocopy of the card
- DigiLocker Issued Documents
- mParivahan Virtual DL
- Insurance or employer records where lawfully stored
- Old challans, government SMS or email
- Renewal or previous application receipts
- The issuing RTO
Avoid websites promising to reveal a private DL record using only a name and phone number.
Lost Licence Issued in Another State
Do not apply for a completely new licence in the current state simply because the old card was lost. A licence record remains connected to its issuing authority and history. Start with the Services on DL route for the source record. If the portal does not allow the transaction or an interstate verification/transfer is required, contact the concerned RTOs for the correct process.
How to Track a Duplicate-DL Application
Use the application number generated for the duplicate service:
- Select the state on Sarathi.
- Open Application Status.
- Enter the application number and DOB.
- Check document, scrutiny, approval, printing and dispatch stages.
The original DL number checks the licence record. The application number tracks the replacement request.
Related guide: driving licence forms.
Related guide: Sarathi Parivahan.
How to Download the DL after Losing the Card
If the official source record is available, you may be able to:
- Fetch the issued DL through DigiLocker
- Add the Virtual DL in mParivahan
- Use a state-enabled Print DL or DL Extract service
This gives access to the existing digital record; it does not cancel the need for a duplicate application when a replacement physical document is required.
Common Duplicate-DL Problems
| Problem | Likely reason | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| Submit button does not work | Incomplete field, captcha/session or pending prerequisite | Review the complete form and retry through the official browser session |
| DL record not found | Format/DOB mismatch or legacy data | Verify with issuing RTO |
| Duplicate option unavailable | State workflow or another active transaction | Check Services on DL and application history |
| Old application blocks submission | Pending/cancelled backend transaction | Contact concerned RTO rather than opening repeated applications |
| Card not received | Printing or delivery pending | Check application and delivery status |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download a duplicate driving licence immediately?
You can fetch the existing issued digital record when available. An official duplicate/replacement application has its own approval and production process.
Should I apply for a new DL after losing the old one?
No. Use the duplicate/replacement service for the existing licence record.
Is an FIR required for every lost DL?
Requirements vary by state and circumstances. Follow the document list displayed in the official application and the issuing authority's instructions.
Can I apply in a different state?
The source licence, issuing authority, current address and interstate service rules affect the process. Start with the original record through Sarathi and obtain RTO guidance if the online service does not support the case.
Can DigiLocker replace a duplicate-DL application?
DigiLocker can provide access to an issuer-fetched digital document. It does not itself issue a replacement physical card.
Official Sources
- Sarathi state selection
- Parivahan licence services
- Parivahan forms
- Delhi Transport official DL service directory, including Duplicate DL
Page review and safety note
This guide was reviewed on 23 September 2026. Government menus, state availability and required documents can change. Confirm the live requirement on the linked official service before submitting an application or payment.