Steps to follow in case you lose your driving licence

Every driver in India needs to have a driving licence. Without this document you are not allowed to drive in the country. If you lose your driving license, you will have to apply for a duplicate one to be able to drive.

Things to do if you lost your driving licence:

• Go to the police station that has jurisdiction over the area where your driving licence lost.
• Lodge a complaint and make sure you get a copy of the First Information Report (FIR).
• Visit the Notary office to get an affidavit on a stamped paper. The affidavit will act as a proof that you took an oath before the concerned officer (executive magistrate/notary public/first class judicial magistrate) that your license is lost.

You will have to pay a small fee for the notary service and the stamped paper.

Duplicate driving licence application process:

• Go to the RTO. Make sure that you take 3 passport-sized photos, copy of the F.I.R and the affidavit with you.
• Go to the enquiry counter at the RTO and collect the application form for a duplicate license.
• Complete the application form and submit it at the Driving License Branch along with the other documents.
• After this, you will have to go through the Biometrics section. Here, your photo will be clicked and thumbprint will be taken.
• Your duplicate driving licence will be delivered within the time period stated by the Asst. RTO officer.

You will have to pay a certain amount of fee for the new DL Book or the Smart Card.

Once you get your new driving license, make a laminated copy of it. If you have a duplicate copy of your license, it will be easy for the RTO to track your details using your DL number.