How to Report a Lost or Stolen Driving Licence or Vehicle RC in India

Losing your Driving Licence (DL) or Registration Certificate (RC) can be a stressful experience, especially when you rely on these documents for daily commuting or legal purposes. Whether your documents were stolen or misplaced, it is essential to report the loss immediately and initiate the process for replacement. The good news is that both offline and online procedures are available to help you recover or reissue these critical documents.

Why You Must Report a Lost RC or DL

RC and DL are government-issued identity and ownership documents. If lost or stolen, they may be misused or lead to complications during traffic checks or legal procedures. Reporting the loss not only protects you from misuse but is also necessary for applying for a duplicate document.

Step 1: File a Police Complaint (FIR)

The first step in case of a lost or stolen DL or RC is to file a police complaint at your nearest police station.

• Visit the local police station where the loss occurred.
  
  
• Provide details of when and where you lost the document.

You will be asked to submit a written application.

The police will issue an acknowledgment or FIR copy which you must keep safe. This will be required for the duplicate application process.

Step 2: Get an Affidavit (If Required)

In some states, you may also need to submit an affidavit on a non-judicial stamp paper stating the details of the loss and affirming that the information is true. This may need to be notarised.

Step 3: Apply for Duplicate DL or RC Online or Offline

Once the police report is filed, you can apply for a duplicate Driving Licence (DL) or Registration Certificate (RC).

For Duplicate Driving Licence:

Online Method (via Parivahan Portal)

1. Visit the Parivahan Sewa portal
   
   
2. Click on 'Driving Licence Related Services' and select your state
   
   
3. Choose 'Apply for Duplicate DL'
   
   
4. Fill in your DL number, date of birth, and other details
   
   
5. Upload scanned documents like:

• FIR copy
  
  
• Address proof
  
  
• Age proof
  
  
• Passport-size photo
  
  

Pay the prescribed fee (varies by state)

Submit the application and note the application number for tracking

Offline Method

• Visit your Regional Transport Office (RTO)
  
  
• Fill Form LLD (for duplicate DL)
  
  
• Attach the FIR, ID proof, and photographs
  
  
• Pay the fee and submit your documents

Collect the receipt for tracking

For Duplicate RC (Registration Certificate):

Online Method

1. Visit the Parivahan portal
   
   
2. Click on 'Vehicle Related Services'
   
   
3. Select your state and choose 'Apply for Duplicate RC'
   
   
4. Enter vehicle registration details

Upload required documents:

• FIR copy
  
  
• Address proof
  
  
• Insurance certificate
  
  
• PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate

Pay the applicable fee

Submit the form and save the acknowledgement

Offline Method

• Visit your respective RTO with Form 26 (application for duplicate RC)
  
  
• Submit FIR, ID proof, insurance, PUC, and photographs
  
  
• Pay the prescribed fee

Submit the documents and collect the receipt

Documents Typically Required

• Copy of FIR or police complaint
  
  
• Proof of identity and address (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.)
  
  
• Passport-size photographs
  
  
• Vehicle insurance and PUC (for RC)

Form LLD or Form 26, depending on DL or RC

Fee Structure

The fee may vary based on the state and the transport office. As of now:

• Duplicate Driving Licence fee: Rs. 200 to Rs. 500
  
  
• Duplicate RC fee: Rs. 300 to Rs. 500 for two-wheelers; higher for four-wheelers
  
  

Track Application Status

You can track the application status online using the application number provided after submission. Most transport departments also send SMS or email notifications for updates.

Losing your DL or RC is unfortunate but not uncommon. The process to report and recover these documents has been streamlined, with online portals offering a convenient solution. Reporting the loss immediately and following the prescribed steps ensures legal compliance and peace of mind. Always keep digital or photocopies of important documents to avoid unnecessary delays in such situations.