How to Get a Duplicate Driving Licence in Telangana?

If your driving licence has been lost, stolen, damaged, or become illegible due to wear and tear, obtaining a duplicate driving licence is essential to stay legally compliant. Telangana residents can apply for a duplicate driving licence through both online and offline methods via their respective Regional Transport Offices (RTOs). In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process, eligibility, required documents, costs, and more.

Who Can Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence?

A duplicate driving licence is not just for someone who has lost it. Multiple scenarios qualify a person to apply:

If your driving licence is:

• Lost or stolen, and you no longer possess it
• Torn, damaged, or illegible
• Expired, and you wish to revalidate it
• Missing an updated photo or personal detail change
• Affected by faded printing

Additionally, if you’ve upgraded your vehicle category, a new duplicate with updated classification is needed. These cases ensure that drivers maintain valid credentials for lawful driving in Telangana. Importantly, the request must be made to the same RTO that issued the original licence.

Documents Required for a Duplicate Driving Licence:

To successfully apply for a duplicate driving licence, you must gather the following documents:

• Form LLD: Application form for a duplicate licence
• FIR or NCR copy (only if licence is lost or stolen)
• Original licence, if available (torn/mutilated copy)
• Photocopy of lost licence (if applicable)
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Valid address proof (Aadhaar, utility bills, etc.)
• Driving licence details (number, class, issuing RTO)
• Challan clearance certificate (from traffic department)

Ensure that all documents are self-attested and submitted either in physical form (offline) or uploaded online with clear scans.

When Can You Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence in Telangana?

A duplicate driving licence in Telangana can be issued under specific conditions where the original licence is no longer usable or available. You can apply for a duplicate if your licence has been lost, stolen, defaced, torn, or is completely illegible. It is also valid in cases where the photograph on the licence needs replacement. The Telangana Transport Department requires applicants to submit supporting documents and a completed Form LLD. Whether the licence was physically damaged or misplaced, the duplicate ensures you retain legal permission to drive and helps prevent unauthorized misuse of the original.

How to Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence Online?

For those preferring convenience, Telangana RTOs allow online applications through the Parivahan portal. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Visit the official Parivahan Sewa Portal
2. Select “Services on Driving Licence” and choose Telangana
3. Click on “Apply for Duplicate Licence”
4. Complete the application form with your DL number, name, and details
5. Upload supporting documents like FIR, address proof, etc.
6. Pay the prescribed fee (Rs. 200 or Rs. 400 for smart card)
7. Submit the application and save the application reference number
8. Track the status periodically from the same portal

The online process is time-saving, especially when combined with doorstep document collection or courier service (if provided).

How to Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence Offline?

Offline application is still widely used, especially by those less familiar with digital procedures. Follow these steps:

• Visit your issuing RTO in Telangana.
• Report the loss or theft at your local police station and get an FIR
• Collect Form LLD from the RTO or download and fill it in advance
• Attach all required documents, including FIR, address proof, photos
• Pay the application fee at the RTO counter
• Submit your documents and form to the designated window
• Receive an acknowledgement receipt with application number

This method provides direct human interaction and is preferred by individuals seeking assistance or clarification.

Reasons to Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence:

Various real-life situations demand a duplicate driving licence. Below are the primary reasons why someone might apply:

• Lost or Stolen Licence: Helps avoid misuse and stay legally compliant
• Physical Damage: Torn, burned, or water-damaged licence needs replacement
• Faded Details: If text or photo fades, you must reissue for legibility
• Personal Updates: Name, address, or photo change require an updated licence
• Vehicle Category Upgrade: E.g., moving from a two-wheeler to a four-wheeler
• Expired Licence: Treated like reissue/duplicate if within a grace period

In each case, retaining an up-to-date licence helps avoid fines, legal complications, or identity misuse.

Cost of a Duplicate Driving Licence in Telangana:

The cost of issuing a duplicate driving licence is quite minimal, which makes it easy for anyone to apply. Here’s the fee structure:

• Regular Duplicate Licence: ₹200
• Smart Card Licence: ₹400

These fees are standard across Telangana and can be paid online or in cash at the RTO, depending on the application method chosen. Always retain the payment receipt as it serves as proof during follow-ups.

Tracking Application Status of Your Duplicate Licence:

Keeping tabs on your application is easy and crucial to avoid missing updates. Here’s how:

• Go to the Parivahan Sewa website
• Select “Driving Licence Related Services”
• Choose Telangana from the state dropdown
• On the top-right, click “Application Status”
• Enter your application number and DOB
• Submit the Captcha and hit Submit

You’ll instantly see the progress—whether it’s under review, approved, or dispatched. This feature adds transparency and reduces unnecessary RTO visits.

Downloading the Soft Copy from DigiLocker:

Once your duplicate licence is issued, you can access a digital version via the DigiLocker app:

• Download DigiLocker and register with your mobile number
• Link your Aadhaar card
• Navigate to ‘Issued Documents’ section
• Search for “Driving Licence” and retrieve it

This digital version is legally accepted by traffic authorities and useful in emergencies when the physical card is unavailable.

Important Tips Before Applying:

Before proceeding with your application, consider these helpful pointers:

• Ensure the RTO you apply to is the same as the issuing authority
• Keep both original and photocopies of documents ready
• Do not delay FIR filing if your licence is lost
• If you’ve applied online, don’t forget to submit hardcopy to RTO
• Use registered mobile number for application tracking and DigiLocker access

These practices help speed up the process and reduce errors or rejections.

Conclusion:

Applying for a duplicate driving licence in Telangana is a streamlined process with online and offline options. Whether you’ve lost your licence, it’s damaged, or you need an update, the procedure ensures you remain legally authorised to drive. With minimal documentation and affordable fees, residents can quickly replace their licences by following the right steps. Ensure that all documents are accurate and submitted promptly to avoid delays. Driving with a valid licence is not just a legal requirement but also a mark of responsible citizenship.

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