Lost Your Driving Licence? Here's Exactly What to Do
Losing your driving licence is stressful, but the process to get a duplicate is straightforward. Here's the complete guide.
Immediate Steps After Losing Your DL
1. File an FIR (for theft) or a Police Complaint
If your licence was stolen (wallet theft, vehicle break-in), file an FIR at the nearest police station. Get a copy of the FIR — you'll need it.
If you simply lost it (can't find it), a written complaint to the police station with a complaint number is sufficient at most RTOs. An FIR isn't strictly required for loss, but some RTOs ask for it.
2. File an Affidavit
Get a notarized affidavit (₹50–200 at any notary or court premises) stating:
- Your name and DL number
- That the DL was lost/stolen on [date]
- That you are applying for a duplicate
- That the original will be returned to the RTO if found
3. Continue Driving (Carefully)
Use DigiLocker or mParivahan to access your digital DL. This is legally valid for traffic police checks while you wait for the physical duplicate.
Documents Required for Duplicate DL
- Form LLD (application for duplicate DL) — download from Parivahan
- FIR copy or police complaint
- Notarized affidavit
- Address proof (current)
- Passport photos (4)
- Fee payment
Online Application Process
1. Visit parivahan.gov.in → Your State → Issue of Duplicate DL
2. Enter your DL number and date of birth
3. Fill Form LLD online
4. Upload: affidavit, FIR/complaint, address proof, photo
5. Pay fee: ₹200–500 depending on state
6. Some states require one RTO visit for verification; others process fully online
7. New DL card dispatched by Speed Post within 7–30 days
Offline Process (RTO Visit)
If online isn't available in your state:
1. Download Form LLD from Parivahan or collect at RTO
2. Fill form, attach all documents
3. Submit at RTO counter (DL renewal/duplicate window)
4. Pay fee at cash counter
5. Collect acknowledgement slip
6. DL ready within 7–21 days (collect or delivered by post)
Fee and Timeline
What If Your Old DL Number Is Unknown?
If you don't remember your DL number:
- Check old photos, scan of DL, email from when you first applied
- Log into your Parivahan account with Aadhaar and date of birth — it shows your DL details
- Visit the issuing RTO in person with your Aadhaar — they can look up your record
Can You Drive While Waiting for Duplicate?
Yes — the digital copy on DigiLocker or mParivahan is legally equivalent to the physical card since 2018. Show the app to police if stopped. If they refuse to accept it, you can show them the MoRTH circular that makes digital documents valid.