Importance of Renewing your Driving License

When someone loses his or her driving license, the first thoughts could be panic, overwhelming fear, and cluelessness. The thoughts that could race through one’s minds are standing in the long queue, visiting government office after office, and more. Relax, getting a duplicate license is easier than you think.

Transport and RTO offices across the country provide duplicate licenses to those who have lost or had their licenses stolen.

What are the steps to be followed to get a duplicate license if you have lost a driving license?

Go to the police station and register a first information report (FIR). Take the FIR report to the local RTO office. Download a copy of the application form LLD available at the local RTO office. Fill it up and attach a copy of your aadhar card, passport size photographs, and age proof documents for reference.

Challan clearance report will have to be applied separately and submitted.

Also make sure to take your old driving license in case the old copy is torn or destroyed.

The exact series of steps are as under:

• 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 thumb print will be taken.
• 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.
• Go to the RTO. Carry three passport sized photographs, copy of the FIR and the affidavit with you.
• Go to the enquiry counter at the RTO. Collect the application form for a duplicate license.
• Complete the application form and submit it at the driving license branch along with other documents.
• Once you have done this, you will need to go to the biometrics section, have your photo clicked and your thumb print will be taken.
• You will need to pay the requisite fees for the new Driving license or the smart card.
• Application form LLD (for intimation of loss or destruction of driving license and application for duplicate)

Online steps to getting a duplicate driving license

• To obtain a replacement license through the internet, one has to go to RTO website and download the application form LLD.
• Go to the RTO website and download the application form LLD. Fill the form and upload it.
• Upload all other necessary documents along with the application form LLD.
• Once all formalities are completed, the RTO office will send the duplicate driving license to your registered home address via post.
• You will get a receipt which you can use till you get a duplicate driving license.
• The best part is, you will not be required to take the driving test again to get a duplicate license.

What are the conditions for a duplicate driving license to be issued?

The criterion is that the original license should have been stolen, lost or destroyed. If the driving license is torn or spoilt, or if there are ink marks or writings all over the copy, then the duplicate driving license will be issued. In case the reasons cited for the application are found to be false, the duplicate license will be revoked.

What is the validity of the duplicate driving license?

Duplicate driving license can be used in the same way as the original driving license.An original driving license is valid for 20 years from the date of issue or 50 years of age, whichever is earlier. It is the same with the duplicate driving license. You can renew or buy car insurance from ICICI Lombard General Insurance. Car insurance policy to protect yourself from financial losses arising.

If my driving license was issued in another state, how do I apply for the duplicate driving license in this state?

One of the most important things to remember in the duplicate driving license issuing system is that the RTO which issued your original license can provide you the duplicate driving license. Hence, if your original license was issued in Gurgaon but you live in Bengaluru now, you will have to make a trip to the local RTO office in Gurgaon to get your duplicate copy.

The list of documents that one needs to carry for the same includes the following:

• An FIR (first information report) referring to the loss of the license.
• Surrender of the original one (if the same is in a torn, mutilated or soiled state)
• Challan clearance report which you would have to apply for and submit separately. This states that the individual didn't have any outstanding bill or ticket connected to the driving license in question.
• Application Form LLD (for intimation of loss or destruction of driving license and application for duplicate).
• Old driving license in India (if damaged copy is available with you)

Is the process for getting the duplicate driving license the same throughout the country?

Yes, the process for getting the duplicate driving license is the same throughout the country.

What are the charges for getting a duplicate driving license?

You will have to pay the nominal fees of Rs. 200 for your duplicate driving license application to be processed. A minor fee of Rs 20 needs to be paid for getting the DL extract.

How many days does it usually take to get duplicate driving license copy to your house?

A duplicate driving licence takes 3 weeks to arrive at your registered address.

Is there a way to differentiate an original driving license from a duplicate driving license?

Once your duplicate driving license arrives, it will have the word “DUPLICATE” written in bold on top. If you want it to be removed, then you will have to visit the local DTO centre. There you will have to fill up a form a form and pay the required fees. Once paid, you will have to apply to upgrade your license to an LTV (light transport vehicle) license or, if it is already an LTV transport vehicle license, you can upgrade it to a HTV (heavy transport vehicle) license.

Are there new features being introduced into the duplicate driving license application system?

SMART CARD is a renewed license system based on a software called version 4. The smart card looks like a credit card with an embedded chip inside it. This technology is just making inroads in India. Please enquire with your local RTO office as to what the technology is.

Just apply with your application and the basic fees, your new driving license will be immediately processed.

If you want to know more information, log on to ICICI Lombard General Insurance.

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