Process To Upgrade Old Driving License To Smart Card

These days, the Department of Motor Vehicles in India is issuing Driving licenses in the form of a smart card. It was earlier available in the form of a conventional book model which has been upgraded to a chip-enabled smart card. Applicants are encouraged to visit the official website of their state's transport department to apply for a smart card driving license. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) of every district is provided with the authority to issue these smart card driving licenses.

What is a Smart Card Driving License?

A smart card driving license is just a modern and advanced version of the traditional driving license. These smart cards have a microchip that stores all the information of the individual electronically. Even the biometric data of the license holder, such as fingerprints, is computerized and stored in these chip-enabled smart cards. The RTOs and the ARTOs can access the information through their office servers managed by NIC (National Informatics Centre). An applicant's biometric data includes details such as their fingerprints, blood group, a scan on their retina, etc. This information is stored in the office server of the RTO or ARTO. It is also sent to the head office of the transport department of each state.

Storing this information electronically helps to ensure the safety of the information provided by the holders. It is also extremely useful for the traffic police department since it makes relatively easier to track any license holder in the state using their biometric data. The smart card is hardy, durable and easy to carry, devoid any risk of getting torn, cut or wet.

The Process to Obtain a Smart Card Driving License

Cases of fraud and brokerage are rampant in the various RTO offices and thus the Central Government decided to issue the smart card driving license to reduce such malpractices. In order to obtain this document, applicants are required to provide their thumb impression which is stored in the computer besides a meticulous description of the individual. This ensures so that there is no problem in tracing a license holder. Moreover, biometric data helps to curb cases of frauds and illegal duplicate licenses.

• The applicant has to visit the RTO and get his/her fingerprint scanned.

• The applicant has to get his/her photograph clicked at the RTO and also provide the digital signature.

• When the Smart Card Driving License is activated, the information will be fed into the chip of the card, which is directly linked by the transport office.

• Since the data is available on the smart card as well as in the system, it is almost impossible to misuse this card.

• The transport department can easily track down the license holder in case of crimes committed on the street and take legal actions against them.

Documents Required

The application for a smart card driving license requires the following documents:

• Age proof (birth certificate, school leaving certificate)

• Address proof (voters ID card, ration card, Aadhaar card, property documents, electricity bill, etc.)

• The original old driving license

A smart card will be issued and dispatched only after the verification of these documents and after providing the biometric data.