How to Get a Duplicate Driving License Nepal 2026: Replace a Lost or Damaged Card
Lost or damaged your smart card and need a duplicate driving license Nepal replacement? You report the loss to the traffic police, get a recommendation letter, then apply through DOTM, pay a small fee, and drive on a temporary slip until the new card prints. Here is the full 2026 process, step by step.
Table of Contents
Lost vs Damaged: Which Process Applies?
The path splits right at the start, so know which one you are on before you do anything else.
You no longer have the card, so you must report it to the traffic police within 7 days and get a recommendation letter (siparish) before you can apply.
You still have the card, so you surrender the damaged one at the office. A police report is usually not needed, though some offices may still ask.
If you are unsure which one you are in, use a simple rule: if the physical card is still in your hand, it is a damage or reprint case, and if the card is gone, it is a lost case where the police letter has to come first.
How to File a Police Report (for a Lost License)
This is the step people miss. For a lost or stolen license, the traffic police letter is what unlocks the whole duplicate application.
Report within 7 days. Visit your nearest Traffic Police Office, report the lost licence with your citizenship and licence number if you have it, and collect the recommendation letter (siparish). Keep it safe, you upload it in the next section.
The police report itself is free, and the recommendation letter is usually issued the same day or the next. Some applicants also file the loss report online through the Nepal Police system, but you still collect a signed copy to upload and submit. Do not let the 7-day window pass, since a late report can hold up your duplicate application at the transport office.
Documents Required for a Duplicate
Upload your documents as PNG or JPG images under 1 MB each, and bring the originals when you visit to collect.
Step-by-Step: Apply for a Duplicate Online
The online part takes only a few minutes once your documents are scanned. You still make one visit to the office to finish.
Log in to the DOTM Portal
Open applydlnew.dotm.gov.np and sign in, or create an account with your mobile number and citizenship details.
Select Duplicate / Reprint Licence
Choose the duplicate option and enter your existing licence number so the system pulls up your record. Check that the name and category shown match your old card.
Upload Documents & Police Report
Attach your citizenship, the recommendation letter for a lost licence, and a copy of the old card if you have one, each as a PNG or JPG under 1 MB. Blurry or oversized uploads are the top reason a duplicate application is returned, so use a clear, well-lit scan.
Pay the Duplicate Fee
Pay online through eSewa, Khalti, ConnectIPS, or at the counter, and keep the payment receipt with your licence number on it.
Visit the Office & Collect
Attend for a quick biometric check and collect your temporary slip. Pick up the new smart card when notified, usually in 5 to 7 working days, or about 3 days if you paid for the urgent service. Test the QR code at the counter before you leave.
Duplicate Licence Fees
- Standard duplicate / reprint feeRs 500
- Urgent / expedited service (where offered)Extra
Rs 500 is the commonly quoted duplicate fee. Some offices add a smart-card charge and a few provinces have raised rates in the recent revision, so confirm the exact amount on the portal before you pay.
Can You Drive While Waiting?
Yes, with your temporary slip. After you apply and pay, the slip and your payment receipt are legally valid to drive until the new smart card is printed. For a lost licence, carry the police recommendation letter too during traffic checks.
Applied for your duplicate? Track when your new smart card is printed and ready to collect. Free, no login.
Check Print StatusFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a duplicate driving license cost in Nepal?
The standard duplicate fee is around Rs 500. Some offices add a smart-card charge or a small urgent-service fee, so confirm on the portal before paying.
Do I need a police report for a lost license?
Yes. For a lost or stolen licence you must report it to the traffic police within 7 days and get a recommendation letter (siparish) to apply. A damaged card usually does not need one.
How long does a duplicate license take?
Usually 5 to 7 working days, and about 3 days with the urgent service where it is offered.
Can I drive while waiting for my duplicate?
Yes. Your temporary slip and payment receipt are legally valid to drive until the new smart card arrives.
What if my license is only damaged, not lost?
You surrender the damaged card at the office and apply for a reprint. A police report is generally not required, though some offices may still ask for one.
Can I get a duplicate if I don’t remember my license number?
Yes. The office can trace your record from your citizenship, but bring any old photocopy or photo of the licence to speed it up.
Conclusion
Getting a duplicate licence in Nepal is simple once you follow the order. Report a lost licence to the traffic police within 7 days and collect the recommendation letter, then apply on the DOTM portal with your citizenship and documents, pay around Rs 500, and drive on the temporary slip until the new card prints. Keep your receipt and letter safe, and check your print status online so you know exactly when to collect your new smart card.
