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Application for Lost Driving Licence: Police Report, Duplicate DL and 6 Samples

Updated

How to write an application for lost driving licence to the police and RTO, with six samples, documents and online duplicate DL steps.

By · Editorial policy

Bank & Official LettersEnglish
Application for lost driving licence format
Contents show

An application for lost driving licence usually has two parts. First, report the loss to the police (many states offer an online lost-article report) and keep the report copy. Next, apply to the RTO (Regional Transport Office) that issued your licence for a duplicate DL, now mostly through the Parivahan Sarathi portal. In your letter, give your full name, father’s or husband’s name, address, driving licence number, date of issue, the date and place of loss, and attach the police report, ID proof and fee receipt.

This guide gives the format, six samples, the documents list and the online steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Report the loss to the police first and keep the report number.
  • Apply for a duplicate DL to the RTO that issued the licence.
  • Mention the DL number and date of issue; find them in DigiLocker or old records.
  • Attach ID and address proof, the police report and the fee receipt.
  • Until the duplicate arrives, a digital DL in DigiLocker or mParivahan is widely accepted.

Step-by-Step: Getting a Duplicate DL

  1. File a lost report at the police station or on your state police website.
  2. Open the Parivahan Sarathi portal and choose your state and the duplicate DL service.
  3. Enter your DL number and date of birth, then fill in the form.
  4. Upload documents, such as the police report and ID proof, and pay the fee.
  5. Book a slot at the RTO if your state requires a visit, and carry the originals.
  6. Receive the duplicate by post or collect it, as your RTO decides.

Processes and fees vary by state. Therefore, check the Sarathi portal or your RTO for the current steps before you submit your application for lost driving licence.

Application for Lost Driving Licence: Format

PartWhat to write
To,The SHO (for police report) / The Licensing Authority, RTO (for duplicate)
DateDate of writing
SubjectReport of lost driving licence / Application for duplicate driving licence
Your detailsName, parent’s or spouse’s name, address, phone
Licence detailsDL number, date of issue, issuing RTO, vehicle classes
Loss detailsDate, place and circumstances of loss
RequestRecord the loss / issue a duplicate DL
EnclosuresPolice report, ID proof, photos, fee receipt
ClosingYours faithfully, signature
Application for lost driving licence: format

Write Your Application

Fill in the fields on the right. The letter updates as you type; print and sign it.

To,
[The Licensing Authority],
[Regional Transport Office],
[City]

Date:

Subject: Application for duplicate driving licence

Sir/Madam,

I, [your name], [son/daughter of ___], residing at [address], hold driving licence No. [DL number], issued on [date of issue] by your office.

My licence was lost on [date] at [place]. [I have reported the loss to the police (report No. ___).] Kindly issue a duplicate driving licence. The required documents and fee receipt are attached.

Yours faithfully,
[your name]
Phone: [phone]

Fill your details

The letter updates as you type. Nothing is saved.

6 Application for Lost Driving Licence Samples

Names, numbers and places below are fictional or masked. Each application for lost driving licence gives the DL number and loss details.

1. Lost report to police

To,
The Station House Officer,
Kothrud Police Station,
Pune

Date: 26 October 2026

Subject: Report of lost driving licence

Respected Sir,

I, Rohan Pawar, son of Shri Suresh Pawar, residing at Flat 12, Shivam Apartments, Kothrud, lost my wallet containing my driving licence (No. MH12 2019XXXXXXX) while travelling by bus from Swargate to Kothrud on 25 October 2026, around 6 pm.

Kindly record the loss and give me a copy of the report, which I need to apply for a duplicate licence.

Yours faithfully,
Rohan Pawar
Phone: 98XXXXXX34

2. Application to RTO for duplicate DL

To,
The Licensing Authority,
Regional Transport Office,
Pune

Date: 26 October 2026

Subject: Application for duplicate driving licence

Sir,

I, Rohan Pawar, hold driving licence No. MH12 2019XXXXXXX, issued by your office in 2019 for LMV and MCWG. The licence was lost on 25 October 2026, and I have reported the loss at Kothrud Police Station (report No. XXXX).

Kindly issue a duplicate driving licence. The police report, Aadhaar copy, photographs and fee receipt are attached.

Yours faithfully,
Rohan Pawar

3. Licence stolen with a bag

To,
The Station House Officer,
Civil Lines Police Station,
Kanpur

Date: 26 October 2026

Subject: Theft of bag containing driving licence and documents

Respected Sir,

On 24 October 2026, around 8 pm, my bag was stolen from the waiting area of Kanpur Central station. It contained my driving licence (No. UP78 2015XXXXXXX), PAN card and ₹3,000 in cash.

Kindly register my complaint and give me a copy, which I need for duplicate documents.

Yours faithfully,
Neha Sinha

4. Damaged licence (not lost)

To,
The Licensing Authority,
Regional Transport Office,
Jaipur

Date: 26 October 2026

Subject: Duplicate driving licence for damaged card

Sir,

My driving licence (No. RJ14 2017XXXXXXX) has been damaged by water, and the details are not readable.

Kindly issue a duplicate licence. The damaged card and fee receipt are attached.

Yours faithfully,
Sunita Sharma

5. Lost licence while living in another state

To,
The Licensing Authority,
Regional Transport Office,
Lucknow

Date: 26 October 2026

Subject: Application for duplicate driving licence

Sir,

My driving licence (No. UP32 2016XXXXXXX) was issued by your office. I now live in Bengaluru, where I lost it on 20 October 2026. I have filed an online lost report with Karnataka Police (report No. XXXX).

Kindly issue a duplicate licence and send it to my current address. My address proof is attached.

Yours faithfully,
Aditya Saxena

6. Short email to RTO helpdesk

Subject: Duplicate DL request – DL No. MH12 2019XXXXXXX

Dear Sir/Madam,

I have applied online for a duplicate driving licence (application No. XXXX) after losing my licence on 25 October 2026. Kindly let me know if any further document or visit is needed.

Regards,
Rohan Pawar
Phone: 98XXXXXX34

Documents Usually Required

DocumentWhy
Police lost report or FIR copyProof that the loss was reported
ID and address proofIdentity verification
Passport-size photographsFor the new card, if asked
Application form and feeAs prescribed by the state
Damaged licenceIf the card is damaged, not lost
Documents with an application for lost driving licence

Digital Licence While You Wait

You can download your driving licence in DigiLocker or the mParivahan app using your DL number. Digital copies from these official apps are widely accepted for checking. However, some offices may still ask for the physical card. Consequently, keep the police report and your duplicate DL application number with you until the new card arrives.

Useful Phrases

PurposePhrase
Licence detailsI hold driving licence No. ___, issued on ___ by your office.
LossThe licence was lost on ___ at ___.
ReportI have reported the loss at ___ Police Station (report No. ___).
RequestKindly issue a duplicate driving licence.
Phrases for an application for lost driving licence

Mistakes to Avoid

  • No DL number. Find it in DigiLocker, old photos or RTO records before you write.
  • Skipping the police report. Most RTOs ask for it.
  • Wrong RTO. Apply to the office that issued the licence, or as the portal guides.
  • Driving without any licence copy. Keep the digital DL ready.

Related Official Letters

To report the loss, follow our guide on how to write a police complaint letter. If the police do not act, you can write to the SP; see the SP ke pass application in Hindi. For layout rules, read formal letter writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I write an application for lost driving licence?

Report the loss to the police first. Then write to the RTO with your name, address, DL number, date of issue, date and place of loss, the police report number, and attach ID proof and the fee receipt.

Is a police report necessary for a duplicate DL?

Most states ask for a police lost report or FIR copy. Check your state’s requirement on the Sarathi portal.

Can I apply for a duplicate DL online?

Yes. Most states offer the service on the Parivahan Sarathi portal.

How long does it take to get a duplicate licence?

It varies by state and RTO, often from a few days to a few weeks.

Can I drive with a digital licence?

A licence shown in DigiLocker or mParivahan is widely accepted for checking. Keep your phone and the app ready.

What if I do not remember my DL number?

Search in DigiLocker or mParivahan, check old photos or documents, or ask the RTO.

Where should I apply if I have moved to another state?

Usually through the Sarathi portal to the issuing RTO. Some states allow transfer; check the portal.

Do I need an affidavit for a duplicate driving licence?

Some RTOs ask for one, especially when no police report is available. Check the current checklist on the portal.

Before You Submit

Check your application for lost driving licence for the DL number, loss details, report number and attachments. More formats are in our bank and official letters section.

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