Independent informational guide · Reviewed: August 2026
Is It Legal to Hold Two Driving Licences in India?
The Motor Vehicles Act restricts a person from holding more than one driving licence except in the limited manner recognised for endorsements or authorisations. A duplicate licence is a replacement against the same record, not permission to maintain two independent active licence identities.
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Official government sources · Independent informational website
Official
Sarathi only
Mobile
Easy to read
Updated
Aug 2026
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Step 1
Identify the exact licence, application, order or vehicle class involved.
- 2
Step 2
Open the correct official Sarathi, Parivahan, India Code or state transport source.
- 3
Step 3
Compare personal details and dates with the official record.
- 4
Step 4
Complete only the service, test, payment or legal response actually required.
- 5
Step 5
Save acknowledgements, receipts, orders and screenshots.
- 6
Step 6
Escalate unresolved record or legal matters to the concerned authority or qualified professional.
Quick Answer
The Motor Vehicles Act restricts a person from holding more than one driving licence except in the limited manner recognised for endorsements or authorisations. A duplicate licence is a replacement against the same record, not permission to maintain two independent active licence identities.
Complete Guide
1. Do not apply for a fresh unrelated licence merely because the original is lost or issued in another state
Do not apply for a fresh unrelated licence merely because the original is lost or issued in another state.
Practical note: Check the current state workflow, order or document before acting because implementation can differ.
Use the duplicate service for a lost, stolen or damaged licence
Use the duplicate service for a lost, stolen or damaged licence.
Practical note: Check the current state workflow, order or document before acting because implementation can differ.
Use addition-of-class or endorsement services to add authorised vehicle categories
Use addition-of-class or endorsement services to add authorised vehicle categories.
Practical note: Check the current state workflow, order or document before acting because implementation can differ.
When moving states, update or renew the existing licence record rather than creating another identity.
Practical note: Check the current state workflow, order or document before acting because implementation can differ.
- 4. When moving states, update or renew the existing licence record rather than creating another identity
- 5. Report conflicting records to the concerned licensing authorities and preserve both record details until resolved
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- 1.Identify the exact licence, application, order or vehicle class involved.
- 2.Open the correct official Sarathi, Parivahan, India Code or state transport source.
- 3.Compare personal details and dates with the official record.
- 4.Complete only the service, test, payment or legal response actually required.
- 5.Save acknowledgements, receipts, orders and screenshots.
- 6.Escalate unresolved record or legal matters to the concerned authority or qualified professional.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting a second application instead of correcting the existing record.
Using an unofficial payment or download website.
Treating a digital screenshot as proof that a licence is currently valid.
Assuming every state uses identical documents or portal labels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have one DL for car and another for bike?
Relevant vehicle classes should be recorded under the lawful licence record rather than separate independent licences.
Is a duplicate DL a second licence?
No. It is a replacement based on the existing record.
What if two states issued licences?
Contact the authorities to reconcile the records; do not continue using both as independent licences.
Can I apply again after losing a DL?
Use the duplicate-licence process.
Does DigiLocker create another licence?
Official Sources and Verification
Source basis: Motor Vehicles Act Section 6 and official duplicate, address-change and class-addition services.
Recheck the official law, portal workflow and state implementation immediately before publication.
- Last reviewed: August 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Can I have one DL for car and another for bike?
Relevant vehicle classes should be recorded under the lawful licence record rather than separate independent licences.
2.Is a duplicate DL a second licence?
No. It is a replacement based on the existing record.
3.What if two states issued licences?
Contact the authorities to reconcile the records; do not continue using both as independent licences.
4.Can I apply again after losing a DL?
Use the duplicate-licence process.
5.Does DigiLocker create another licence?
No. It displays an electronic record of the existing licence.
Related Driving Licence Guides
Official Sources
Official portal for driving-licence and learner-licence services; flow varies by state.
MoRTH/NIC transport-services information and official guidance.
Ministry notifications, rules and fee schedules.
Editorial disclosure
Content should be reviewed whenever MoRTH, Parivahan, Sarathi or a state transport department changes a form, fee, eligibility rule, portal flow or document requirement. Last reviewed: August 2026.