How to Get Duplicate Driving License if Lost
Renew an expired license at a DLIMS office with your CNIC, expired license, and fee. If expired less than 1 year: standard renewal process. If expired 1-5 years: renewal with penalty fee. If expired 5+ years: you may need to retake the driving test.
Renewing a Long-Expired Driving License
The good news: an expired license doesn't mean starting from scratch — in most cases. The consequences depend on how long it's been expired. A license expired by 3 months is trivially renewed. One expired by 7 years may require you to prove you can still drive.
| Expiry Duration | Process | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 0-6 months | Standard renewal — no penalties | Just fee and biometrics |
| 6-12 months | Renewal with small late fee | Late penalty + standard renewal |
| 1-3 years | Renewal with penalty | Increased late fee + eye test |
| 3-5 years | Renewal with significant penalty | May require written test retake |
| 5+ years | Possible full re-examination | Written + practical test may be required |
For standard (not expired) renewal: DLIMS renewal guide. Check your license status: DLIMS verification. Lost your expired license? duplicate license process.
Avoiding the Problem
Set a phone calendar reminder 3 months before your license expires. Punjab licenses are valid for 5 years — that's easy to forget. Proactive renewal avoids late fees, avoids the risk of driving with an expired license (illegal), and ensures you're always covered if stopped by police or involved in an accident.
Driving with an expired license is illegal. Police can challan you, your vehicle can be impounded, and your insurance may be voided in an accident. Don't risk it — renew promptly.
Expired License — Renewal After Lapse
Visit dlims.punjab.gov.pk and enter your CNIC number. The system shows your license categories, issue date, expiry date, and current status. See DLIMS verification guide for details.
Fees vary by category: Motorcycle Rs. 600-1,000, LTV (car) Rs. 1,000-1,500, HTV Rs. 1,500-2,000. These are approximate — verify current fees at your DLIMS office or the online portal.
5 years from the issue date, regardless of category. Renewal must be done at a DLIMS office before or shortly after expiry.