Traditionally, a driving license was only issued in a book form, but with technological advancement, getting a smart card driving license has become easy. As opposed to the old book model, the smart card driving license has gained immense popularity/has become a preferred choice all due to its durability, portability/movability (portable or mobile nature).
Often with regular usage of driving license in a book model, the pages of the book tend to fall apart and at the end, people are stuck, waiting for a duplicate driving license to be issued.
Getting a smart card license is hassle-free and easy to carry as opposed to the conventional book form. So, mainly due to this reason, traditional driving licenses are slowly being replaced with the smart card one.
The Regional Transport Department has been given the authority to issue smart card driving licenses. However, a smart card driving licence is not issued in all the Indian states. So first, it’s necessary for you to find out if your state issues a smartcard driving license or not.
A car insurance policy is mandatory for every vehicle registered as per The Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.
A smart card driving license is an upgraded/modern version of a driving license. All the information about the driving license holder is stored electronically in a plastic, tamper-proof card that has a microprocessor chip of 64 kb memory. The data of an individual is computerised using biometrics and includes details such as blood group, fingerprints, a scan of the retina, body marks, etc.
The biometric data can be accessed by RTO/ARTO office via their office servers and provide a unique identity to each driving license holder. Thus, having a smart card license proves beneficial for the DL holder as well as the traffic police department to track an individual’s information. Also, using this card negates the risk of it being torn, getting wet or getting mutilated.
Another useful advantage of having this smart card is that an individual’s data is kept safe and it also helps the transport department keep a trace and track any traffic rule defaulters.
Having a smart card driving license is one of the best identity documents one can avail as it’s easy to carry and can hold all the information about an individual.
Here are a few advantages of having a smart card driving license:
The eligibility criteria for getting a smart card driving license is the same as getting a traditional driving licence.
While applying for a smart card driving license, you will have to submit the below-mentioned documents:
Address proof: For getting a smart card license, you can submit any of the below documents for submitting your address proof:
Age proof: For getting a smart card licence, you can submit any of the below documents as your age proof:
Other documents:
Passport size photographs Duly filled form 4 (permanent license form), Form 1 (application cum declaration of physical fitness) form and 1A(medical certificate) and smart card licence form.
You can get the forms from your nearest RTO office or can download it online.
In India, you can apply for smart card driving license offline and online too. The application process becomes easier when you know about the step-by-step process involved in getting a smart card driving license online or offline.
The application process for getting smart card driving license online
With technological advancement, getting a smart card driving licence online has become a simpler process. If smart card driving licenses are offered in your state, then you can apply for it online.
All you need to do is follow the below steps that can help you get a smart card driving license in a simple way.
The application process for getting smart card driving license offline
If you don’t wish to go through the smart card driving license online process, then you can get one offline without any hassles.
Follow the below steps to get your driving license offline at your RTO
Anyone who qualifies to get a permanent driving license is eligible to get a smart card driving license. While applying for a smart card DL, it’s necessary to understand what all is covered in the application form.
The application form contains 3 parts mentioned below:
The visual inspection zone: Basic details such as the applicant’s name, address, date of birth, vehicle class, vehicle type and signature are mentioned under this section.
The machine-readable zone: This section contains details such as date of the issue of the DL, serial number of the chip, issuing authority details and license validity details.
The central motor vehicles rule: This section displays details such as qualification, endorsements, fines and other information. In case of a penalty, it also shows the date on which the DL owner was fined and the date on which the dues were settled.
What is the fees for smart card driving licence?
The fees for smart card driving license is Rs. 200. The applicant will have to make the payment at the time of submission of the documents and the smart card DL form.
Do I have to give a driving test while applying for a smartcard driving license?
No, you don’t have to give a driving test while applying for a smart card driving license. If you already have a driving license in a book form, then you just have to fill and submit the smart card application form along with the relevant documents.
Does every state RTO offer smart card driving license?
No, only a few states in India offer a smart card driving license. To know whether the state which you reside in offers smart card DL, you will have to visit the RTO office and enquire about the same.
Is it mandatory to get a smart card driving license?
No it is not mandatory to get a smart card driving license, but today generally every state RTO issues a smartcard driving license as it’s easy to carry and maintain too.
How can I check if my state offers smart card driving license?
You can visit your state transport department’s website and check if your state offers a smart card driving license.
