Vehicle Document Checks
& Duplicate Books
Lost your log book? Buying a used vehicle? Understand the official verification steps, portal links, and security processes in Sri Lanka.
Written by
Legal & Gov Affairs Editorial
Updated
May 2026
Reading Time
6 min read
Lost log book? Buying a used vehicle? Here is the complete official breakdown of document verification, duplicates, and avoiding common SMS scams.
Quick Summary Reference
| Document / Service | Handling Authority | Official Method |
|---|---|---|
| 📘 Registration Certificate (Log Book) | Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) Regional Office | In-person Application Only |
| 🪪 Revenue License Duplicate/Check | DMT & Department of Motor Vehicles System | Online Portal or Bank/Agents |
| 🛡 Insurance Certificate Duplicate | Your Specific Insurance Insurer | Contact Insurer (Instant Online/In-person) |
| 🚘 Vehicle Registration Verification | DMT Official e-Services | Official Web Portal (https://eservices.motortraffic.gov.lk) |
| 🚢 Customs Import Verification | Sri Lanka Customs | Official Web Portal (https://services.customs.gov.lk) |
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: Beware of SMS Scams!
There is absolutely NO SMS method to request or obtain duplicate log books in Sri Lanka. Any websites, social media posts, or agents claiming that you can 'send NIC to 1919' or any other shortcode to receive a duplicate log book copy are fraudulent. 1919 is only a basic government information helpline. Always use the official DMT regional offices and verified online portals.
1. Duplicate Registration Book (Log Book)
If your vehicle's registration certificate (log book) is lost, damaged, or stolen, you must follow the official DMT process to get a replacement duplicate certificate. There is no shortcut.
What you need to do:
- 1Visit a Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) Regional Office in person.
- 2Submit a Police Report (mandatory if lost or stolen).
- 3Provide a copy of your National Identity Card (NIC).
- 4Provide full vehicle details (chassis/engine numbers, registration plate).
- 5Fill and submit the official DMT duplicate application form.
2. Revenue License (Duplicate / Renewal)
Revenue licenses are managed by the Department of Motor Traffic Sri Lanka along with the Department of Motor Vehicles system.
Online Renewal: You can renew your revenue license online via the official government portal.
In-Person: Renew at designated banks, district secretariats, or approved agents.
Reprinting/Replacement: If your revenue license is damaged or faded, you can request a reprint through the official DMT replacement process.
3. Insurance Certificate (Verification / Duplicate)
Vehicle insurance is handled entirely by private and state insurance companies, not directly by the DMT.
To verify or request a duplicate:
- 1Directly contact your current motor insurance provider (e.g., SLIC, Ceylinco, Allianz, People's Insurance).
- 2Provide your Vehicle Number and National Identity Card (NIC) number.
- 3They will verify and reissue your insurance certificate instantly. This is usually free of charge or for a nominal administrative fee.
4. Vehicle Registration Verification (Genuine Check)
Before purchasing a used vehicle, it is critical to verify if the registration is genuine and the details match the seller's claims.
Use the official DMT e-service portal:
https://eservices.motortraffic.gov.lk/Verify registration validity and active status.
View official vehicle details (limited or full info depending on access tier).
Match engine and chassis numbers to detect legal issues or identity fraud.
5. Customs Import Verification (For Imported Vehicles)
To ensure that a used or newly imported vehicle was legally brought into Sri Lanka, verify it directly with Customs.
Use the Sri Lanka Customs vehicle verification portal:
https://services.customs.gov.lk/vehiclesVerify if the vehicle was legally imported and custom duties were paid.
Check the authenticity of the chassis number against the import manifesto.
Prevent purchasing smuggled, assembled, or illegally cloned vehicles.
Official Verification Directory
DMT Vehicle Info Portal
Verify vehicle registration status, chassis, and ownership data.
Ongoing Registration Numbers
Check the latest vehicle registration series numbers.
Customs Import Verification
Check legality and import records of any chassis number.
National Fuel Pass (QR)
Check vehicle fuel quota registration and NIC link status.
Government Information Center (Hotline: 1919)
Official support helpline for general inquiries and guide services.
Buying or selling a vehicle in Sri Lanka?
Make sure all documents are fully verified before making any financial transactions. Browse premium, verified listings on Sale Hub today.
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