Smart Card Driving License

A smart card driving license (SCDL) is a driving license that comes in the form of a plastic card, so that it cannot be changed. It has a 64 KB microprocessor chip embedded in it. It will have all the information about the driving license holder stored in it. Though not applicable in all the Indian states yet, this smart card driving license is far better and feasible than the normal driving license. It holds the license holder information on one single card. All the biometric data of the applicant like their blood group, thumb and fingerprint, body markings, retina scan etc. are recorded on the smart card driving license. These details are also held by the RTO/RTA office. For this purpose, the RTO department of each state, where these types of licenses are issued, has special software installed that can read the embedded information in SCDL.

What Are The Benefits Of A Smart Card Driving License?

• The smart card driving license will contain information about the signature, photographs, biometrics, and personal details.
• Since these details will be held in electronic form readable only by special devices, there will be no way to change these details or fake identity.
• The state transport departments that offer smart card driving licenses will also provide mobile handheld terminals to traffic policemen. They will be able to decode the information held by the card in a moment.
• The information carried by the smart card including the date of issue can only be changed.
• The information carried by the smart card driving license cannot be erased. This provides for a permanent audit trial.
• By using smart card driving licenses, the distribution of fake registration certificates and bogus driving licenses will be prevented.
• The data in a smart card driving license is stored in an optical strip, which is designed to prevent unauthorized access and data tampering.
• Smart card driving licenses will have a positive impact on road safety. Since the driving licenses cannot be tampered and all the information will be recorded, it will also enhance law enforcement.
• You can avoid the hassles of tearing, getting cut, getting wet, etc of your driving license. It is thus comfortable and convenient to carry.
• It will help the transport department safeguard the data of license holders. This will help them track defaulters with the help of their biometric data.

Eligibility Criteria for a Driving License

The eligibility criteria to obtain a driving license are as follows. This holds good for privately owned vehicles.

• If you want an SCDL for a geared two wheeler with an engine capacity greater than 50cc, then your age must be at least 18 years.
• For a non-geared two-wheeler, the minimum age limit is16 years along with a letter of consent from the parents.
• The age limit is 18 years for cars.

What Are The Steps To Apply For A Smart Card Driving License Online?

These are the steps to apply offline for a driving license:

Step 1: Go to the official portal of your State’s Transport Department.

Step 2: Download the “Smart Card Driving License” application form from the portal.

Step 3: Go to the nearest RTO and submit it along with the required documents after completing the form.

Step 4: Pay the fees for a smart card and apply for a driving test.

Step 5: If you pass the driving test, the authorities will take your biometric data and record it.

Step 6: You will get the smart card driving license to your registered address post processing and verification of the information.

What Are The Steps To Apply For A Smart Card Driving License Offline?

The following are the steps to apply for a smart card driving license offline:

• Step 1: Go to your nearest RTO and ask for a smart card driving license form.
• Step 2: Input the data completely and accurately and let the authorities record your biometrics.
• Step 3: Pay the requisite fees and you are free to leave.
• Step 4: You will receive the smart card driving license to your registered address.

What Are The Documents Required To Apply For A Smart Card Driving License?

There are some essential documents that you will need to provide to get a smart card driving license. They are:

1) Application fees

4) Passport-size photographs

5) Medical certificate forms 1A and 1, which are duly signed by the government doctor.

6) The application form for the smart card driving license

If you are converting your old driving license to a smart card, these are the documents you will need to furnish:

1) Address proof: passport, voter ID, Aadhaar card, electricity bill, ration card.

2) Age proof: passport, birth certificate, school transfer certificate etc.

3) copy of the original book type driving license.

What Are The Various Sections of The Smart Card Driving License Form?

The smart card driving license form has 3 parts. They are:

• The visual inspection zone: Here, the applicant information such as name, address, date of birth, type, vehicle class, and signature are to be entered.
• The machine readable zone: Here, the chip serial number and driving license details such as date of issue, applicant name, license validity, and issuing authority are to be given as input.
• The Central Motor Vehicle Rules: endorsements, fines, disqualification, period 9, settlement review, and date (if any) details are to be entered in this section.

What Is The Smart Card Driving License Fee?

The smart card driver license will be issued to applicants on paying the application fee of Rs. 200. The applicant will have to make the payment at the time of submitting the documents and application form for the Smart Card Driving License.

FAQS of Smart Card Driving License