Have you lost your learning license? Don’t know how to apply for a duplicate driving license?

It must be a big hassle when you lose or misplace your Driving License (DL). However, since we live in the digital era, acquiring a duplicate DL online is a positive change that is convenient for us.

With this guide, we will discuss the process of applying for a duplicate license within a few steps online or offline. Read further to know what you can do in case of a lost driving license.

What is a Duplicate Driving License?

A Duplicate DL is a duplicate driving license. It replaces the original Dl you have or acts as its direct copy. It can only be authorized by the appropriate authorities, otherwise it’ll be deemed illegitimate.

It serves the same purpose despite being a duplicate copy of the original license. You can acquire this duplicate copy in situations, such as misplacement, theft, damage, or loss.

A duplicate license will carry the same credentials as your original license, such as the validity period and other information of the holder.

An appropriately authorized duplicate license enables the holder to drive a vehicle (with a motor) legally as per the rules and regulations imposed.

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What You Can Do If You Lose Your DL?

In case of a lost Driving License (original), you can take a few necessary steps mentioned below:

• You must File an FIR about the loss of your driving license at your local police station. This will prevent the misuse of your identity by someone else.
• You should look into the documents required for a driving license official duplication process to submit to the authorities concerned. 
• Now you can apply for a duplicate Driving Licence. Contact your respective RTO through offline or online mode, whichever you prefer, to proceed with the application.

How to Apply for a Duplicate Driving License Online?

We are describing the step-by-step guide you can follow to apply for a duplicate driving license in Delhi online. These same steps may follow for any state nationwide subject to specific rules and regulations. Here are the steps below:

Step 1: Visit the authorities online

Firstly, you are required to visit the official authorities at the Parivahan Sewa portal.

Step 2: Select the nature of the Service

Next, you should click on the “ Driving License related Services” tab in the “Services” panel on the home page of the website.

The tab will redirect you to a new page. This is where you will be required to select the state where your residence is.

Step 3: Apply for a Duplicate License

Now, on this new page, you are required to click on the "Apply for Duplicate License" option.

Step 4: Application Filing

This page you’ve been directed to is the application form. Now, you are required to fill out the form carefully with accurate information and personal details. Make sure you’ve completed all the requirements along with the latest contact details.

Step 5: Upload Documents

Now, you’re required to upload your documents in scanned copies. These documents may include a copy of your FIR (if applicable), identity proof, address proof, a photograph, etc.

However, there might be an issue with the file size and format, so make sure you have adjusted them in accordance to support the upload.

Step 6: Pay Duplicate Driving License Fees

This step will ask you to pay an application fee to complete the application process via the online payment mode.

In accordance with the rules and regulations of every state or Union Territory, the fee amount may vary.

Step 7: Appointment Scheduling (If applicable)

In many cases, RTOs require the applicants to visit their offices for a biometric or document verification process. If that is the case for you, follow the appointment schedule instructions mentioned on the portal immediately.

Step 8: Track DL status

You can check the duplicate DL status after submitting your application on the Parivahan Sewa portal by using the unique application number or the reference number you must’ve received.

You will be able to see the progress of your application without being kept in the dark.

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How to Apply for a Duplicate Driving License Offline?

You may apply for a duplicate license with an offline procedure. Here is the step-by-step guide below:

Step 1: Make a Report

If you are convinced your DL has been stolen or lost, you should make a report to your nearest police station about the same. A copy of the FIR will be further required for the application of a duplicate license.

Step 2: Visit your local RTO office

You can visit your local RTO office, from where you will get the hard copy of the application form from the specific counter.

There is also a DL download form on the portal that you can print out from your end.

Step 3: Fill out the Form

You must fill out the application form with accurate details and personal information. Additionally, you will be required to provide details of the lost or stolen DL along with other necessary details.

Step 4: Supporting Documents

You should gather all the required documents in advance and create copies of them to attach to the application form.

These documents may include a copy of FIR, identity proof, address proof, photograph, and other necessary documents.

However, bring the original documents along with copies, in case the authorities need to verify them.

Step 5: Pay Fee

This is the step where the authorities at your local RTO will require you to pay an applicable fee for the DL duplicate application submission.

Don’t forget to get the payment proof as a receipt.

Step 6: Application Submission

Now, you can submit your completed application form for your duplicate DL along with necessary supporting documents, and the applicable fee as per the RTOs requirement.

The authorities will run a verification check on your documents, and after that, your application may be approved.

Step 7: Acknowledgement Receipt

After you’ve submitted your application, you will get an acknowledgment receipt for the same. This receipt will include your unique application number and the date you may expect to get your duplicate license.

Step 8: Collect your Duplicate Driving License

Visit the RTO office on the same expected date mentioned on your acknowledgment receipt. Bring the same along with you as proof and your identity proof.

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Duplicate Driving License Fees

The fee structure may vary depending on the rules and regulations imposed by different states or Union Territory. However, there is usually a fee of Rs. 200 for a duplicate license and a fee of Rs. 400 for the smart card version of the same.

Please note that these fee amounts may vary subject to the rules and regulations of your respective state.

What are the documents required for a Driving License?

Make sure to gather the following documents before applying for a duplicate DL:

• Application form.
• Copy of the FIR (If your original document is lost or stolen).
• Copy of the original driving license.
• Original Driving License (Only in case your original license is damaged)
• Proof of Address.
• DOB proof
• Photographs (Passport-sized)
• Other Documents that are required along with the application.

Conclusion

In conclusion, A driving license is a must if you’re a motor vehicle driver. Losing the same will cease your legal right to drive your motor vehicles, which is why you can apply for a duplicate driving license from the official authorities.

We have discussed how you may apply for the same via an offline and online method legally. Furthermore, you learned about the documents you may need to gather before applying.

However, keep in mind the rules and regulations including the fee applicability may vary according to your respective states.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What to do in case of a lost driving license?

Ans: If you lose your driving license, the first thing you need to do is report it before applying for a duplicate license. You can apply for a duplicate one legally with your local RTO via online or offline modes.

Q. Is it possible to apply for a duplicate DL online?

Ans: Yes, you can apply for a duplicate license online on the Parivahan Sewa portal. Follow the instructions, and you’ll successfully apply for it.

Q. Are there any tests when applying for a duplicate license?

Ans: Usually, there are no tests (written or driving) when you apply for a duplicate of the original. However, it all depends on the verification process conducted by the concerned authorities.

Q. Is the duplicate license for my driving as valid as the original?

Ans: Yes, a duplicate Driving Licence will hold the same validity period as your original driving license. You are just getting a copy of the same document in a sense that acts as an original.