Having a driver's license is as important as having an ID Card. Not only does it allow you to drive legally, but it is also an important document to prove your identity. Losing a driver's license can lead to grave consequences. As such, if you ever end up losing your license, or if it gets damaged, you need to apply for a duplicate one as soon as you can.
However, there is no need to worry since the process of applying for a duplicate license is quite simple.
What Is A Duplicate Driving License?
A duplicate driving license is a substitution when your current driving license is unable to use. As we know, driving without a driving license is a punishable offense. For this reason, if you lose and damage your driving license, you should apply to get a duplicate copy.
Having a driving license not only allows you to drive, but it also plays an important role in identity and age proof. The government of India issues the driving license.
What Documents Do You Need?
Below is a list of documents required to send to RTO to apply for a duplicate driving license�
For age proof - Birth certificate - PAN card
For address proof - Adhaar card - Utility bills - LIC bond
License details.
Three passport size photographs.
The registered phone number on your driving license.
Things To Do To Get A Duplicate Copy Of Your Lost Driving License
Visit the police station of the area where you lost your driving license.
Lodge an FIR(First Information Report) in case of loss, theft, and damage.
At the same time, visit the Notary office to get an attested copy of your declaration. Your declaration is proof that you took an oath before the concerned official for your lost driving license.
Application ProcessYou can apply for a duplicate driving license offline as well as online. It is a legal process and you need to start by filling out a form with a nominal payment. You need to get ready with all the documents beforehand to avoid any hassles during the process.
Offline method to apply for a duplicate copy of the driving license
First, take your documents and visit the RTO office to get a form for a duplicate driving license.
Second, fill the form with correct details and submit it to the Driving License Branch together with your documents.
Third, make a payment and receive the receipt from the counter. You can use the receipt as a license until you receive the duplicate issue of your driving license.
Online method to apply for a duplicate copy of the driving license
First, visit the mParivahan website to get the LLD form, which is the form to apply for a duplicate license.
Second, choose 'driving license services' and click 'apply online.'
Third, once you open the form, enter your name, state, and date of birth.
Fourth, details of driving license will appear on the screen, click 'confirm' to continue further.
Fifth, select 'duplicate driving license' and click 'confirm'.
Finally, you will receive a NOC after selecting the option for 'issue of NOC'. Click 'confirm' and send the form.
Further, after filling and submitting the form, upload the required documents along with your signature. Choose e-payment and make the payment. After the acceptance of your form, the office will send you a duplicate copy of your driving license by post.
Important Details About Duplicate Driving License
You can file a duplicate driving license only from an RTO which issued your original driving license.
Your details and information will remain the same as the original.
You don't need to take any exams or tests to get a duplicate copy of your driving license.
Once you submit the form and documents and correct details, it will take about 2-3 weeks to mail the license.
Furthermore, if you want to make some changes to your driving license, you can make requests along with the documents to prove the changes.
If you are living outside the state, temporarily, and lost your driving license, file an FIR from the local police station with a copy of your original driving license. However, If you are living outside the state, you should apply for a new driving license instead of a duplicate.
You can apply for a duplicate driving license only if you lose and damage your original license.
In addition, having a photocopy and FIR will enable you to drive. If you don't have your duplicate license, don't wait any longer and quickly apply for a copy. Take your time during the process to avoid any mistakes. But it shouldn't be a problem if you have all your documents ready. Learn more about driving licenses in case you ever need to retrieve your own.