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Published on: Aug 11, 2026

Lost Drivers License - Tamilnadu

A lost driver's license from the Tamilnadu Government can be easily replaced with a duplicate license by applying with the concerned Regional Transport Office (RTO). The respective State Governments handle drivers' licenses in India through the Regional Transport Offices set up across the State. Hence, in case of a lost Driver's license, the concerned RTO office must be approached with the following application and documents.

Lost Drivers License - Reapplication

Step 1: The holder of the license must reapply for a duplicate license. While reapplying, the license holder should not have been disqualified. Step 2: Prepare the application for a duplicate license in Form LLD, which is for the Intimation of loss or destruction of driving license and application for duplicate. A copy of the application form is below for reference. Click here to download Lost Tamilnadu Drivers License Application Form. Lost-Drivers-License-Application-Form-Tamil-Nadu Lost Drivers License Application Form - Tamilnadu
      1. The license should not be disqualified.
 Step 3: Along with the application, attach the following documents:
  • Application and Intimation of loss or destruction of driving license in the Form shown above.
  • Details of lost Driving Licence
  • Police FIR copy (in case of theft of drivers license)
  • Passport size photos-2 copies
Step 4: Submit the application and documents in person at the concerned RTO office. The applicant must appear in person while making the application. Step 5: Pay the fee for the application. The cost for obtaining a duplicate driver's license in Tamilnadu is Rs.15 + service charge of Rs.50. Hence, the total price is Rs.65. Step 6: The maximum processing time for getting a duplicate license is 15 days on submission of the required documents and application.

Tamilnadu Motor Vehicle Rules on Lost Drivers License

The following are the rules relating to the issue of duplicate license for a lost driver's license. However, these rules are provided in the Tamilnadu Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

Licenses lost or destroyed - Intimation

If at any time a driving license is lost or damaged, the holder of the driving license shall forthwith intimate the fact in writing in Form LLD in duplicate to the Licensing Authority having jurisdiction over the area in which he has his place of residence at the time.

Duplicate License

Upon the receipt of the Intimation specified in rale 25, the licensing authority shall, if satisfied after making such inquiries as it thinks fit that a duplicate driving license may properly be issued, issue a duplicate driving license. The fee for a duplicate driving license issued under this rule shall be as specified in the Table under rule 49: Provided that where the driving license concerned was issued by some other licensing authority, the particulars of the driving license and any endorsement thereon shall be obtained from that authority before granting the duplicate driving license.

License Lost - Delivery

When a duplicate driving license has been issued upon the representation that a driving license has been lost and the holder afterward finds the license, it shall be delivered to the licensing authority. Any other person finding a driving license shall provide to the holder of the license or the nearest police station.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Lost Driving Licence Tamil Nadu.

If you lose your driver's license in Tamil Nadu, you should immediately apply for a duplicate license at the concerned Regional Transport Office (RTO). You need to submit an application in Form LLD, along with supporting documents like police FIR, passport size photos, and pay the prescribed fee.
According to the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicle Rules, the maximum processing time for getting a duplicate driver's license is 15 days after submitting the required documents and application at the concerned RTO office.
To apply for a duplicate driver's license in Tamil Nadu, you need to submit the following documents: Application in Form LLD, details of the lost driving license, police FIR copy (in case of theft), and two passport size photographs.
No, you cannot apply for a duplicate driver's license if your license has been disqualified. The Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicle Rules clearly state that the license holder should not have been disqualified while reapplying for a duplicate license.
The cost for obtaining a duplicate driver's license in Tamil Nadu is Rs.15 plus a service charge of Rs.50, making the total cost Rs.65.
You need to submit the application for a duplicate driver's license in person at the concerned Regional Transport Office (RTO) that has jurisdiction over the area where you reside.
If you find your original driver's license after getting a duplicate, the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicle Rules state that you must deliver the original license to the licensing authority that issued the duplicate.
Yes, if someone else finds your lost driver's license, they are required to either return it to you or submit it to the nearest police station, as per the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicle Rules.
It is not mandatory to file a police complaint if you lose your driver's license, but it is recommended to do so, especially in case of theft. The police FIR copy is required as a supporting document when applying for a duplicate license.
Providing false information while applying for a duplicate driver's license can lead to legal consequences, as it is considered a violation of the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicle Rules. The licensing authority may take appropriate action after verifying the facts.