How to Get a Duplicate Vehicle Registration Certificate in Sri Lanka

The vehicle registration certificate (commonly known as the vehicle book) is an essential document that contains all the official details about your vehicle. It is required when selling a vehicle, applying for a lease, or obtaining a loan by pledging the vehicle. If this certificate is lost, damaged, or destroyed, you cannot complete these important processes. That’s why today, MotorGuide explains how to obtain a duplicate registration certificate in Sri Lanka.

Situations Where a Duplicate is Required

• If the original registration certificate is misplaced
• If the certificate is completely destroyed
• If the certificate is damaged and unusable

Where Can You Obtain a Duplicate?

You can obtain a duplicate registration certificate at the following places:

• Narahenpita Head Office of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) – for all vehicle types.
• District offices – Gampaha, Hambantota, Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, and Jaffna.
  Note: District offices only issue duplicates for motorcycles. For other vehicles, you must visit Narahenpita.

Documents Required

When applying for a duplicate registration certificate, you must bring the following documents:

• Copy of the police complaint (if lost or destroyed)
• Receipt issued by the police station
• Your National Identity Card (NIC)
• Valid Revenue License of the vehicle
• Completed Form CMT65 – application for duplicate registration certificate
• Certificate of weight (Form CMT130) – only for heavy vehicles
• Proof of identity of the owner
• Form CMT75 (issued after inspection at DMT)

Process of Obtaining a Duplicate

1. Visit the Narahenpita head office (or relevant district office for motorcycles) with the required documents.
2. Submit the police complaint, NIC, and valid revenue license at the correct section.
3. You will be given Form CMT65 to fill and submit.
4. If required, get the vehicle weighed (for heavy vehicles) and obtain the CMT130 form.
5. Present the vehicle for inspection. After inspection, you will receive Form CMT75.
6. Submit all completed documents (CMT65, police report, NIC, revenue license, etc.) to the DMT office.

How Long Does It Take?

Unlike other services, duplicates of registration certificates are not issued under one-day service. It usually takes about one month from the date of submission to receive your duplicate certificate. Always keep photocopies of all submitted documents for future reference.

Losing your vehicle registration certificate can cause unnecessary stress. But by following the correct procedure, you can easily obtain a duplicate registration certificate from the Department of Motor Traffic. Ensure that you keep your documents safe, and in case of loss, act quickly by lodging a police complaint and visiting the relevant DMT office.