Pune: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Regional Transport Office (RTO) has raised the fee for duplicate vehicle licenses by ₹400, bringing the total cost to ₹658. Despite the hike, the number of applications for duplicate licenses has not decreased.

In the past six months, nearly 4,500 applications for duplicate vehicle licenses have been filed.

Although there was initial concern that the fee hike would discourage applicants, the trend of people applying for duplicate licenses due to lost or additional licenses has remained consistent.

Previously, the fee for a duplicate vehicle license was ₹258. However, it was increased to ₹658 following a letter from the transport department received on May 22, 2024, outlining the decision to hike the fee.

In the past two months alone, 1,500 applications for duplicate licenses have been submitted, with 817 applications in October and 600 in November.

The fee hike of ₹400 came into effect in August 2024, after being announced in a 2021 notification. The fee increase has sparked dissatisfaction among some applicants, but it was introduced as part of an effort to regulate the issuance of duplicate vehicle licenses.

In addition to the fee, applicants must also submit two copies of police complaints. However, there is no verification of these complaints before issuing the duplicate license.

After the application and fee payment, the duplicate license is issued to the applicant.

Rahul Jadhav, Assistant Regional Transport Officer, stated, "The increase in the fee for duplicate vehicle licenses was implemented in May, and the current fee is ₹658."