Independent step-by-step guide · Reviewed: August 2026
Duplicate Driving Licence Online: Replace a Lost or Damaged DL
A duplicate driving licence is a replacement issued against an existing licence record. It may be needed when the original is lost, destroyed, damaged, torn, unreadable or requires replacement of the affixed photograph under the applicable process.
A duplicate licence does not extend an expired licence. Use the renewal service when validity has ended.
Independent informational website — not a government portal. This website does not issue licences, book appointments, collect government fees or represent any government authority. Complete transactions only on official portals.
Official government portal · Independent informational website
Lost
Replacement
Damaged
Card reissue
Valid
Record only
When to Use This Service
- ✓Licence lost or stolen.
- ✓Licence destroyed, torn, mutilated or unreadable.
- ✓Physical card damaged while the licence record remains valid.
- ✓Replacement photo required under the competent authority’s process.
Before You Apply
Record the loss with the police when required by the selected state or circumstances. Keep any available licence copy or digital record. If the licence is expired, first review driving licence renewal status. If only a digital copy is needed, review the DigiLocker driving licence guide.
How to Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence
Complete the duplicate request only on the official Sarathi portal for your state.
- 1
Open Sarathi and select state
Open Sarathi and select the concerned state.
- 2
Choose duplicate licence service
Choose Services on Driving Licence or the duplicate-licence option.
- 3
Enter licence details
Enter the driving licence number and date of birth.
- 4
Select Issue of Duplicate DL
Select Issue of Duplicate DL and state the reason.
- 5
Upload documents and declarations
Upload documents where enabled and complete declarations.
- 6
Pay the fee shown
Pay the fee shown on the portal.
- 7
Book appointment or visit if required
Book an appointment or visit the licensing authority if required.
- 8
Save acknowledgement and track
Save the acknowledgement and track the application.
Common Documents
Application / online service request
All applications
Damaged original licence
When available
Copy or digital record of licence
Helpful when the original is lost
Police report / loss declaration
Depending on state rules and circumstances
Identity and address proof
Verification where requested
Photograph/signature
Where recapture or upload is required
| Document | When it may be required |
|---|---|
| Application / online service request | All applications |
| Damaged original licence | When available |
| Copy or digital record of licence | Helpful when the original is lost |
| Police report / loss declaration | Depending on state rules and circumstances |
| Identity and address proof | Verification where requested |
| Photograph/signature | Where recapture or upload is required |
Common Problems
- 1
Old licence number is not found in Sarathi.
- 2
Name or date of birth does not match the licence record.
- 3
Service is unavailable online for the selected state.
- 4
Duplicate request is blocked because renewal or another transaction is pending.
- 5
Payment succeeded but the application stage did not update.
Track progress with check driving licence status. Address-only updates belong on change address on driving licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Is a police report always mandatory?
Requirements vary by state and circumstances. Follow the document list generated by the official portal or licensing authority.
2.Can I use renewal instead of duplicate?
Renewal is for validity. Duplicate is for replacement of an existing record. If the licence is both expired and lost, the portal or authority may require the appropriate combined sequence.
3.Can I download a duplicate licence instantly?
A digital record may be available after official processing, but an informational website cannot generate an official duplicate licence.
Related Driving Licence Guides
Official Sources and External Links
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. Browse all driving licence services.