Losing or damaging your original driving licence can be a hassle. Thankfully, obtaining a duplicate driving licence in India is a straightforward process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps involved, documents required, and the fees and charges for obtaining a duplicate driving licence online.
Obtaining a duplicate driving licence (DL) is a common requirement in India due to loss, theft, or damage to the original driving licence. Fortunately, the process for applying for a duplicate licence is quite straightforward. Let us first check who are eligible to apply for a duplicate licence in India.
Who can apply for a duplicate DL in India?
Here’s the list of people who can apply for a duplicate driving licence:
- Individuals who have lost their original driving licence
Those who have misplaced their driving licence and cannot retrieve it can apply for a duplicate version. - In case the driving licence is destroyed, and the photograph needs to be replaced
If the driving licence is physically damaged to the extent that the photograph is no longer recognisable, a duplicate can be issued. - Individuals who do not have the original driving licence and require reissue from the RTO or RTA
This includes cases where the original document is stolen or misplaced, and the RTO/RTA needs to issue a duplicate. - Individuals whose driving licence has expired
A duplicate licence can be requested alongside renewal in such cases. - Individuals who wish to update their personal details
Name, address, or other detail changes may necessitate a new licence, which can be issued as a duplicate. - Drivers whose original driving licence has become illegible due to wear and tear
Excessive use or environmental exposure may lead to a licence becoming unreadable, requiring a duplicate. - Drivers who have relocated and require a duplicate licence issued under the new jurisdiction
A duplicate licence may be applied for when updating the issuing authority’s jurisdiction. - Individuals requiring digital upgrades to their physical driving licence
Those who want to convert their licence into a digital format can apply for a duplicate version.