Why Smart Card Driving Licences Are the Future

Traditional driving licences are being replaced by Smart Card Driving Licences (SCDLs), which is more reasonable. SCDLs are Microchipped plastic cards that offer increased functionality, security and also restore valuable information (e.g., finger prints and blood type), they are described in ciphertext mode, which can significantly expedite the process of identity verification.

Yet, what is the pathway to receiving one of the things, and what is making them so much more appealing than the traditional paper version?  All Questions will be answered in this blog, from eligibility criteria to costs and the steps of applying for it.

What is a Smart Card Driving Licence?

Smart card driving licence is a new generation licence card for driving licence format of a small plastic smart card carrying a 64KB microprocessor. In this microchip it is also feasible to store confidential information for a driver (name/address/blood type/finger print and data of photo retina scanned) in an encrypted way. Licensed devices can read that data very fast and very accurately and with great efficacy. Usually, Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) and Assistant Regional Transport Offices (ARTOs) are tasked with the duty of checking the contents of such smartcards, thus strengthening security, and making processes easier. Not only does this intelligent system maintain license more stabilized but also it is practically useful for decrease vulnerabilities to the fraud or duplication and thus shows why it is beneficial to have a smart card driving licence.

Eligibility For Smart Card Driving Licence 

Eligibility Criteria for a DL

The appropriate learning outcomes have to be reached in order to obtain a DL, and these are defined by a specific range of requirements. The below are a series of general guidelines that will need to be met in any DL on a privately owned motor vehicle.

For a two-wheeler equipped with a gear and an engine capacity greater than or equal to 50cc, mandatory SCDL and age of at least 18 years is required.

In the field of study, in the age of lower boundary of non-geared two wheeler in the subject is 16 years and the parent’s letter of consent is needed.

For cars, the age limit is 18 years.

Required Documents for DL

There may well be more than one document type required at different stages of the DL application.

Documents Required for DL for Indian Citizens:

• Aadhaar Card.
• Age proof – passport, birth certificate.
• Address proof – utility bills, bank-related pieces (passbook).
• Application form.
• Medical certificate.
• Declaration of physical fitness.
• Physically challenged certificate in case of disability.
• Current proof of residence.

Documents required for DL for Foreign citizens/Diplomats/Refugees:

• Passport copy.
• VISA copy.
• Medical certificate.
• Learner’s license.

Smart Card Driving License Form:

• Visual Inspection Zone (VI) is a preliminary information of applicant as well as vehicle.
• Machine-parsable Zone- data, such as as much data as possible concerning DL as what chip Serial No., issuing body, etc.
• Details of fines, penalties, endorsements etc as per Central Motor Vehicles Rules.

Steps To Apply For a Smart Card Driving License Online

• Step 1: Go to the official website of Parivahan Sewa.
• Step 2: Select an appropriate online service on the ribbon and click on a service for a driver’s license.
• Step 3: Select your present residential location and choose the closest RTO.
• Step 4: The recovering of the driving license menu and then the selection of the new driving licence menu item.
• Step 5: If any learner license number, it will need to be intervened to get learner license (i.e.
• Step 6: Complete the application, upload all necessary documents, schedule a DL appointment “swab test” if required), and pay.
• Step 7: However the RTO visit is compulsory only in case of DL applicable.
• Step 8: The driver’s (minimum) driving license will be issued by the issuing authority by mail to the applicant’s domicile (residential address) up to 2-3 weeks after the application is submitted and the application procedures are observed.

Following is the procedure for Checking the status of your smart card DL Online application.

• Step 1: (See the website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway.
• Step 2: Tap “Online Services” in the home screen and select “Driving Licence Related Services” in the menu.
• Step 3: Select a state and it will take you to the RTO page for that state.
• Step 4: Click on the “Application Status” option in the menu bar
• Step 5: Application number entry and Date of birth entry as well as captcha solving.
• Step 6: Click on the “Submit” button
• Step 7: The system will display the application status (e.g., Application Submitted, Under Processing at RTO, Test scheduled/Passed, Approved, Dispatched, and Delivered).

Steps To Apply For a Smart Card Driving License Offline

• Step 1: At this nearest RTO office, the application form of the application of new smart card driving license (SCDL) is seen from this point. It is also captured for all the task groups.
• Step 2: All of the required questions and documents need to be completed and uploaded after submission.
• Step 3: Pay a fee to use of SCDL application and get a receipt.
• Step 4: Under this setup, however, users have to sit in the DL test.
• Step 5: After a test is completed a subject has to provide biometric authentication at a biometric acquisition facility.
• Step 6: Replacement smart card licence applicant card mail will be dispatched to the applicant with a time frame of 2-3 weeks from application processing and all requirements being completed.

Smart Card Driving Licence Fees

How to Convert Old DL to New DL:

• Step 1 – Visit the nearest RTO.
• Step 2 Apply for a license upgrade or Smart Card DL form.
• Step 3  Complete the form and select supporting documents.
• Step 4 – Submit biometric information.
• Step 5 – Payment of applicable fees.
• Step 6 Obtain the receipt and retain it for delivery of SCDL.
• Step 7  Arrival of SCDL on the registered address.

Documents Submitted in the Transfer of Driving Licence to Smart Card Driving Licence:

• Current driving license.
• Address proof.
• Other specific documents asked by the RT official.

Also Read – Types of driving licences in India

Pros and Cons of Having a Smart Card DL Instead of a Normal DL

Check this out – No Need to Carry your Driving License or RC while Driving!

Secure, Efficient, and Convenient: Why You Should Get a Smart Card DL

Smart Card Driving Licence provides a new generation of driving security and practicality. Posing the challenge of how to securely store your personal and biometric information in one simple device, it prevents fraud and forgery which leads to a more efficient and accurate verification process. Whether you’re upgrading from a paper licence or applying for a new one, a smart card driving licence is worth considering for its durability, ease of use, and increased protection. The process for the application is straightforward, and with the benefits that it provides, converting to Smart Card DL is an investment in safer, hassle-free motoring.

Also Read – How to Download Your Driving Licence in India – And Why You..

FAQ’s

1. How long does a Smart Card version of a driving licence stay valid?

The validity range of a Smart Card Driving Licence (SCDL) is similarly dependent on licence type and territory. In general, the public driving license for private car driving, heavy vehicle driving license and learner licence is all 15 years, 5 years and 6 months respectively.

2. Are the old DL booklet still valid in India?

Yes, out-of-date/old booklet type DL are still valid in India, provided that they are not expired.

3. What one can do when they lose their SCDL?

If a smart card driving license (SCDL) is lost, file a police complaint and apply duplicate license online or offline and provide the required documents.

4. What if my application for a Smart Card DL is refused?

If your application is refused, you will be provided with a reason for the refusal. You may rectify the mistake and either accept or reject the decision in accordance with the RTO rule.

5. Is a Smart card driving licence necessary for International driving?

A Smart Card DL may not be successfully recognized for international driving. May need to” to drive vehicles in another country with an International Driving Permit (IDP).

6.How long does it take to print the DL in Form 7?

The process is usually completed within a month. After completion of the new SCDL, it is automatically sent to the address entered. The printing time for DL in Form 7 is to a large extent dependent on the workload borne by the RTO.

7. Is my smart card driver’s licence in the state valid in India, no matter what state I am currently in?

Yes, absolutely. Your DL smart card is mobile across the nation, i.e., all states and union territories.

8. Is it necessary to provide any doctor’s certificate when applying for a smart card driving licence?

Medical fitness certificates (Form 1A) may be needed to get an SCDL if you are 40 years or older. Nevertheless, it is compulsory to obtain a commercial driving licence.