Affidavit and Guide to Get a Duplicate DL

Affidavit for Application to issue Duplicate Driving Licence from Transport Authority

BEFORE THE REGIONAL TRANSPORT OFFICER_________________

CASE NO ___ OF _____

Affidavit of Mr ____________________, aged approximately __________ years, son of Shri ____________________, resident of ____________________

I, ____________________, aged about __________ years, son of Shri ____________________, residing at ____________________, do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:

1. That I am the applicant seeking the issuance of a duplicate driving licence and am fully aware of and acquainted with the facts mentioned herein.
2. That I was granted a driving licence bearing No. ____________ on ____________ by this authority for driving a Heavy Vehicle.
3. That the aforesaid driving licence No. ____________ was lost on ____________, and in respect of this loss, I have lodged a First Information Report at Police Station ____________, recorded as FIR No. ____________, dated ____________.
4. That I have not deposited the said licence before any court or authority, nor has it been cancelled.
5. That my driving licence has not been confiscated by the police, the Regional Transport Office, or any other competent authority.
6. That I have never been convicted of any offence by any court of law.
7. That no charge sheet has been filed against me for any alleged violation of the Motor Vehicles Act, its Rules, or any other applicable law.
8. That I am not addicted to alcohol and do not suffer from any illness that could disqualify me from holding a driving licence.
9. That in the event my original driving licence is recovered, I undertake to promptly deposit it with the office of the Regional Transport Officer.
10. That, based on the facts stated above, it is just and necessary that a duplicate driving licence be issued in my favour.

DEPONENT

VERIFICATION

I hereby verify at ____________________ on this ___ day of ____________ that the statements contained in paragraphs 1 to 10 of this affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and that nothing material has been concealed therefrom.

Verified at _____________ on this _________ day of ________20 ______

DEPONENT

__________________________________________

Why and When is this required?

Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, prohibits a person from driving without a driving licence. This affidavit format above is for if a licence is lost or stolen or even damaged; the person whose licence was lost or stolen is bound to apply for obtaining a duplicate licence by using the above affidavit.

The Affidavit is proof that the:

• That the licence is not misused, confiscated or cancelled.
• That there is no criminal or traffic case pending.
• That the applicant undertakes to surrender the old licence if found.

For instance:

• A truck driver lost his licence while driving across states.
• A person's licence becomes damaged because of a rain-soaked wallet. Both have to file this affidavit and apply for a duplicate DL to continue driving legally.

Step by Step Procedure (Parivahan Portal)

1. File an FIR, register the complaint and obtain the FIR/Lost Report.
2. Prepare Affidavit: As per format, notarised.
3. Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
4. Select a state.
5. Click Driving License Services > Apply for Duplicate DL.
6. Enter Details: Fill in the DL number and DOB, and complete the form.
7. Upload Documents:
   • FIR/Lost Report.
   • Affidavit.
   • Age & address proof (Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID).
   • Passport-size photos.
   • Old DL (if damaged).
8. Pay Fees: ₹200–₹500 (varies by state).
9. Book Appointment (if required): For biometrics.
10. Submit at RTO: Carry acknowledgement and originals.
11. Processing: RTO verifies records + police report.
12. Issuance: Duplicate smart card DL issued within 2–3 weeks.

Documents needed

• FIR copy / Lost Report.
• Affidavit of loss (as above).
• Original DL (if damaged).
• Age proof (Birth Certificate, Passport, Aadhaar, 10th certificate).
• Address proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Ration card, Utility bill).
• Passport-size photos.
• Application fee receipt.

Legal point you should know

• According to Section 6(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: No person should have more than one driving license.
• Section 181, MV Act: You can be fined ₹5,000 for driving without Driving License.

Thus, the affidavit is a mandatory self-declaration suggesting the genuineness of loss/damage and safeguarding against misuse. It is the fundamental document, if any, for the RTO to issue a duplicate driving license.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. When do I need a duplicate driving licence?

When your original DL is lost, stolen, damaged, or torn.

Q2. Is an affidavit always required?

Yes, if DL is lost or stolen. 
No, if DL is only damaged, then surrender the damaged licence to RTO instead.

Q3. Do I need an FIR for a duplicate DL?

Yes, if the DL is lost/stolen. Lost Report or FIR copy must be attached.

Q4. Can I apply online?

Yes, through sarathi.parivahan.gov.in. But final submission/biometrics may need a visit to RTO.

Q5. How much is the fee?

Generally, ₹200–₹500. State rules may vary.

Q6. How long does it take?

Usually 2–3 weeks after verification. Some RTOs issue faster if the smart card printing facility is local.

Q7. What if I find my original DL later?

You must surrender it to the RTO, as per your affidavit undertaking. Holding two licences is illegal.

Q8. Can I drive while my duplicate licence is being processed?

No. You must have a valid DL while driving. Keep the application receipt/acknowledgement – it may help if checked by police, but technically driving without licence attracts a fine under Section 181, MV Act.

Q9. What if my DL was lost abroad?

Report it at your local police station there. Apply online through Parivahan. Submit copies of the foreign police complaint, along with the affidavit and passport specifics, to the Indian RTO.

Q10. Is a medical certificate required?

Usually not required for duplicate DL, but required when renewing for transport vehicles or above the age of 50 years.

Q11. Can I apply for a duplicate DL in another state?

Yes, but only if your licence data is available in the national Sarathi database. Otherwise, you must apply where it was originally issued.

Q12. Do I need to appear for a driving test again?

No. A duplicate DL does not require a re-test.