How to apply for a smart card driving licence?

While printing was a revolutionary technology back in the day, today, we live in a digital age where most of the information we consume is from digital sources, for example, digital magazines, newspapers, and others.` 

Technological advancements have also moved onto the structure and layout of a driving licence (DL). So far, most of us have identified a driving licence in the form of a tiny card or a booklet. But today, users can opt for a smart card, which is basically a digitised version of your existing driving licence. Here are the steps you can follow to apply for your personal smart card driving licence.

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What is a Smart Card Driving License?

A smart card driving licence (SCDL) is basically a tamper proof Driving Licence which comes in the form of a plastic card embedded with a 64kb microprocessor chip consisting of all the necessary information of the driving licence holder. It is not applicable in some Indian states yet, but in Tier-1 cities like Delhi, it is considered as a superior driving licence because it holds all the licence owner information in one single card.

Since a smart card is more durable, flexible, and easy to maintain, it has been widely implemented across the country through various RTOs. You can easily convert your old driving licence book into a smart card by submitting an online application or directly visiting your nearby RTO office.

Advantages of Smart Card Driving Licence

The smart card is a massive upgrade over the traditional form of the driving licence and here’s a look at the several benefits they offer: 

• Since information is stored in a digital format, it is secure, cannot be forged, and does not allow unauthorised access.
• It includes the biometric information of the driver, making it an updated and upgraded form of driving licence.
• Traffic police can access your data through a hand-held device.
• The SCDL helps prevent fake driving licences.
• SCDL is strong, flexible, and more reliable than the older formats.
• It is portable and easy to carry.

Eligibility Criteria of Smart Card Driving License

The criteria specified for issuing a traditional driving licence carries forward for even the smart card driving licence. To acquire a smart card driving licence, the following conditions must be fulfilled.

• For motorcycle: You must at least be above the age of 18 to get a smart card for motorcycles with an engine capacity of more than 50 CC. 

• For less than 50 cc: Here, the minimum age required is to be 16-years-old and you must provide a letter of consent signed by the parents or guardians.

• Heavy vehicles: The applicant should be at least 18-years-old and must have passed 8th standard.

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Required Documents for Smart Card Driving Licence

To acquire your new smart driving licence, you must remember the documents needed::

Identity Proof

The identity proof is required to verify name, age, nationality and DOB of the applicant. The following can be submitted for verifying identification:

• Aadhaar card
• Pan card
• Ration card
• Passport (for international applicants)
• Birth certificate
• Any other official documents that have identity proof of the applicant

Address Proof

Address verification can be done by submitting these following documents:

• Aadhaar card
• Pan card
• Passport
• Rent agreement
• Electricity bill
• Any other government verified document that contains address proof.

More documents

• Permanent licence/ Learner’s licence
• Medical certificate
• Smart card licence form
• Passport-size photo
• Physical fitness declaration

• Smart card driving licence fee

While applying, a fee of Rs. 200 is to be paid along with submitting documents and application form for SCDL. 

• Smart card driving licence form

You will be required to fill out a 3-section form. The detailed sections are as follows:

Zone 1: This section contains all basic information about the applicant. It includes details such as name, address, date of birth, vehicle type and signature.

Zone 2: This is a vital section as it is a machine readable zone. You will be asked to include details of issuing authority, validity details, licence chip and much more.

Zone 3: This section covers all information about the applicant’s previous history. This includes fines, violation of rules, settlement date and so on.

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How to apply for a Smart Card Driving License online?

With the help of online facilities introduced in several state RTOs, the process for acquiring a Smart Card Driving License has been extensively simplified. Here is how you can apply for the SCDL through an online process:

• Step 1: Visit the Government of India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Parivahan Seva website.
• Step 2: Click on the ‘Online Services’ drop-down menu and select ‘Driving License Related Services’.
• Step 3: Select your state and then the RTO.
• Step 4:. Go to the ‘Apply online’ drop-down menu and select ‘New Driving Licence’ if you have a learner’s licence. If not, you will have to obtain that first.
• Step 5: Fill your personal details, upload documents, upload photo and signature if required, book a DL test slot, and pay the required fees. Your biometric information will be collected as per the process.
• Step 6: Visit the RTO for the test according to the schedule.
• Step 7: After passing the test successfully, you will receive the SCDL via post.

How to apply for a Smart Card Driving License offline?

The SCDL can also be acquired offline. It will require you to visit the nearest RTO with the relevant documents. Here are the steps involved:

• Step 1: Visit the nearest RTO and request for an SCDL application form.
• Step 2: Fill the forms out with the necessary details, attach relevant documents and submit your application request to the RTO.
• Step 3: You will be required to pay the necessary fee based on the type of vehicle you require the SCDL for.
• Step 4: Choose your preferred slot for the driving test and if you are able to clear the test, your biometrics will be recorded.
• Step 5: Once the process is completed, the SCDL is mailed to your registered address.

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Smart Card Driving License Summary

The smart card driving licence (SCDL) is made of high grade plastic and comes with a microprocessor chip containing all necessary information of the licence holder such as name, address, date of birth, and photograph. Thanks to the digitization campaign of the Indian government, it has become accessible for people to acquire a Smart Card Driving License. You can now easily upgrade your DL online or by directly visiting the nearest RTO offline. Apply depending on the vehicle you intend to drive. Once you submit the documents, pay the fee, and clear the driving test, you will be issued a Smart Card Driving Licence. 

FAQs about Smart Card Driving License