Duplicate Driving Licence Process Explained (India)

Why People Need a Duplicate Driving Licence

Applicants usually need a duplicate DL because:

• The original licence is lost
• The card is damaged or unreadable
• The licence is stolen
• Details are still valid but the card is unusable

A duplicate licence is not a new licence.

It is a replacement of the same legal record.

Who Governs Duplicate Driving Licence Issuance?

Duplicate driving licence requests are processed under systems managed by Parivahan Sewa.

Important points:

• Licence number remains the same
• Driving entitlement does not change
• Verification is mandatory

Duplicate issuance protects against misuse and fraud.

When Can You Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence?

You can apply if:

• Your DL is lost
• Your DL is physically damaged
• The card details are unreadable

You cannot apply for a duplicate if:

• Licence is expired (renewal is required first)
• Licence details are incorrect (correction process applies)

Understanding this difference avoids rejection.

If your licence has expired, you need to complete the renewal process first before applying for a duplicate.

Duplicate DL vs Renewal vs Correction (Clear Difference)

Each process is separate and follows different checks.

To understand more about the correction process, check our detailed guide.

How Duplicate Driving Licence Requests Are Verified

Verification includes:

• Matching licence number
• Matching applicant identity
• Checking licence validity

If records do not match:

• Application is put on hold
• Clarification may be required

Verification ensures only the rightful holder gets the duplicate.

Is FIR Required for Duplicate Driving Licence?

In some cases:

• FIR may be required if licence is stolen

However:

• FIR requirement depends on situation and RTO rules
• Not all duplicate requests demand FIR

FIR strengthens verification but is not always mandatory.

What Happens After Duplicate DL Approval?

After approval:

• Duplicate licence is sent for printing
• Security features are embedded
• Physical licence is dispatched

The duplicate card:

• Carries the same licence number
• Has updated print date
• Your driving rights remain unchanged

To understand more about the delivery timeline after duplicate approval, check our detailed guide.

Time Required to Get Duplicate Driving Licence

Timeline depends on:

• Verification speed
• Printing workload
• Dispatch and postal delivery

Generally:

• Processing takes several days
• Delivery may take additional time

Delays are procedural, not rejection.

Is Digital Driving Licence Valid If Physical DL Is Lost?

Yes.

If your physical licence is lost:

• Digital driving licence remains legally valid
• It can be used until duplicate card arrives
• Digital access reduces inconvenience during waiting

Common Reasons for Duplicate DL Rejection or Delay

Requests may be delayed due to:

• Incorrect licence number
• Identity mismatch
• Expired licence

Most rejections are avoidable with correct information.

What If You Find Your Original Licence Later?

If the original licence is found:

• The duplicate remains valid
• Original card should not be misused
• Only one physical card should be used at a time

Can Agents Speed Up Duplicate Licence Issuance?

No.

Agents:

• Cannot bypass verification
• Cannot change timelines

Duplicate issuance is system-controlled and document-based.

Why Duplicate DL Process Is Strict

Strict checks exist to:

• Prevent identity misuse
• Avoid duplicate circulation
• Maintain legal integrity

Driving licence is a sensitive legal document.

What Happens If Duplicate DL Is Also Lost?

If lost again:

• You may apply again
• Verification repeats
• Repeated loss does not cancel licence but increases scrutiny

Final Summary (Process-Oriented)

• Duplicate DL is for lost/damaged licences
• Licence number remains unchanged
• Verification is mandatory
• Digital DL is valid meanwhile
• Processing includes approval, printing, and delivery
• Duplicate DL restores convenience without changing legal rights

Understanding the duplicate licence process helps you restore your physical card without losing driving privileges.

For comprehensive licence service context, visit our services page. You can also track your duplicate DL status online through official portals.