Smart card driving licence : How to apply, documents, fees and more

Gone are the days when driving licences were paper-based documents and small booklets, which people painstakingly carried around. Technological advancements have transformed these cumbersome documents into a more secure and durable form – smart cards. 

The introduction of smart card driving licences has opened a wide range of conveniences both for the citizens as well as the authorities. Of course, there have been various types of licences in India. If someone has a paper-based licence, it is valid till its expiry date, but it is advisable to convert it to a smart card driving licence as it offers multiple benefits. We have laid out all the information you need to know about the modern smart card for driving licences, the benefits, how one can apply for one online and offline, and details such as fees and documents required to apply. 

What is a Smart Card Driving Licence (SCDL)?

A Smart Card Driving Licence (SCDL) is the new technology-based format of driving licence in India, which is a big leap from its traditional paper-based licences. The PVC driving licences that were issued before the advent of the smart cards were conventional laminated paper or plastic-based licences. This form of driving licences pose a big security risk, as they can be easily tampered with or forged.  

An SCDL is a small, light plastic card with an embedded 64KB microprocessor chip that stores the licence holder’s details including their name, address, birth date, licence information and other data like photos, fingerprints, retina scans and more. The microchip stores this data in an encrypted form, which cannot be easily duplicated or changed in any way.

The information on the microchip can only be accessed by traffic officers equipped with specialised card readers and RTO/ARTO officers through their office servers, which are monitored by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). This enhanced security provided by the microchip was the main reason for the government to introduce the smart card for driving licences. The applicant’s state RTO is responsible for issuing the SCDL to the applicant.

Advantages of a Smart Card Driving Licence

A SCDL offers several conveniences to drivers and authorities, which are listed below:

1) Security – Paper and plastic-based driving licences are prone to tampering and duplication. Using a microchip that stores and encrypts the data, protects the driving licence information from such activities. 

2) Durability – An SCDL is a tough plastic card, which is less likely to get damaged than a laminated or PVC driving licence. 
3) Ease of use – A smart card driving licence is convenient to carry and use. It can serve as valid identification in multiple institutions.

4) Updated and accessible data – All the information about the individual including fines, fees, payment dates are stored in the microchip, which can be easily accessed and updated. 

5) A more efficient process – An SCDL makes it easy for authorities like traffic police to access records and process fines. A simple scan of the smart card with their card reader will give traffic police a full overview of the person’s driving records.

Eligibility for a Smart Card DL

To get a SCDL, the applicant needs to satisfy the following criteria:

- For gearless two-wheelers having engine capacity less than 50cc, the applicant’s age should be at least 16 years.

- For geared two-wheelers, having engine, the applicant’s age should be at least 18 years old

- For commercial vehicles, the applicant’s age should be at least 18 years old and he/she should have a minimum education level of STD VIII.. 
- The applicant should be medically certified; mentally and physically, to drive a vehicle, which includes good vision, hearing, reflexes and an understanding of traffic and road rules.

How to Apply for a Smart Card Driving Licence Online

A step-by-step guide to applying for an SCDL is given below:

- Visit the official Parivahan Sewa website

- Under ‘Online Services’, select ‘Driving Licence Related Services’

- Select your state

- Under the ‘Driving Licence’ tab on top, select ‘New Driving Licence’ if the applicant already has a Learner’s Licence (LL). If the applicant does not have an LL, he/she will need to apply and get one first.

- Fill in all the required fields with the personal information asked for and upload the scanned copies of the required documents like any valid ID (Aadhaar), proof of address and proof of age. Ensure that the scans are legible and complete.

- Next, the applicant needs to upload his/her photograph and signature. The photograph should be as per the specifications mentioned. 

- Book a slot for a driving test at the RTO. The applicant can select a suitable date and time from the available slots. 

- Once the slot is booked, pay the application fees through the payment options available. 

- Submit the application and visit the local RTO on the day of the driving test. 

On passing the test, the smart card driving licence is sent to the applicant’s registered address by post. You can even download a digital licence (e-licence) from the Parivahan Sewa portal, or Digilocker as well.

How to Apply for a Smart Card DL Offline

The applicant can also apply for an SCDL offline by visiting their local RTO. Here is an outline of steps:

- Visit the local RTO office with all the required documents 
- Take the SCDL application form and fill it up with the correct personal information. The form can also be downloaded from the website, printed and filled in beforehand before the RTO visit. 

- Attach the copies of all the required documents like ID proof, address proof and proof of age along with two photographs. 

- Sign and submit the form at the RTO office. 

- Pay the SCDL application fee.

- Book a slot at the RTO for the driving test. On the scheduled day, visit the RTO and take the driving test.
On clearing the test, the applicant will receive his/her SCDL at their address by post.

Documents Required to Apply for a New Smart Card Driving Licence

The list of documents you need to apply for a new SCDL are as follows:

• Application form - A filled-in application form with all the details entered accurately

• A proof of identity - This can be your passport, Aadhar card, voter ID or PAN card.

• A proof of residence – Electricity or other utility bills, lease or rental agreement or Aadhar card can be used as proof of residence.

• Proof of age – This includes birth certificate, school leaving certificate, passport, Aadhaar card or any document issued by the government that contains the applicant’s date of birth.

• Learner’s Licence – A valid Learner’s Licence is needed to apply for an SCDL.

• Photographs – Two passport-sized photographs as per the specifications provided.

• Fitness Certificates – Medical Certificate form 1A and 1 are required to be submitted.

Documents Required for Foreign Citizens/Diplomats/Refugees to Obtain an SCDL

The following documents are required if the applicant is not an Indian citizen (foreign citizen, diplomat, refugee):

• Copy of valid Visa
• Medical certificate
• Copy of passport
• Valid Learner’s Licence 

Smart Card DL Form

The SCDL form contains the following three sections:

- A visual inspection section that has the basic details of the applicant and the vehicle 

- A machine-readable section that has more detailed information like the serial number of the chip

- The third section carries the Central Motor Vehicles Rules including penalties, fines, endorsements and disqualifications.

Fees for Smart Card DL

The fees for applying for a smart card driving licence in India is Rs. 200. The fees for a driving test at the RTO is Rs. 300. The Parivahan Sewa website highlights the full breakdown of all licence related fees and charges.

Online Process for Replacing Old Driving Licence with New Smart Card DL

If one is still using a PVC driving licence, it is advisable to change it to a new SCDL. The process is quite simple and can be done both online and offline. Given below are the steps for the online process:

- Visit the official Parivahan Sewa website 
- Under ‘Online Services’ select ‘Driving Licence Related Services’ 

- Select the applicable state 

- Under the ‘Driving Licence’ tab on top, select ‘Services on DL (Renewal/Duplicate/AEDL/IDP/Others)’

- Fill the licence renewal application with the correct personal information and upload the scanned copies of the required documents like the old driving licence, ID proof, proof of address and proof of age. Ensure that the scans are complete and clearly visible.  

- Submit the application and pay the licence renewal fee.

Once approved the applicant will receive his/her new SCDL by post. Keep the renewal fee receipt handy till the new SCDL arrives. 

Offline Process for Replacing Old Driving Licence with New Smart Card DL

Licence holders with old paper-based licences can also replace their old DL with a new SCDL offline, by visiting their local RTO. Here is an outline of the steps involved:

- Visit the local RTO office with all the required documents including the old driving licence, ID, address proof and proof of age
- Take the licence upgrade application form and fill it up with the correct personal information. The form can also be downloaded from the website , printed and filled in prior to the RTO visit. 
- Sign and submit the form at the RTO office along with the copies of all the required documents

- Pay the driving licence renewal fee and keep the receipt till the new smart card driving licence arrives
If the application is approved, the applicant will receive his/her SCDL at the registered address by post. 

Validity Period of a Smart Card Driving Licence in India

An SCDL has a validity of 20 years from its date of issue or till the holder of the licence turns 50 years of age, whichever happens earlier. If the validity expires, one can apply for a renewal through the same processes mentioned before. 

Conclusion

The government, along with the state transport departments, has made it easy for citizens to acquire a new smart card driving licence or upgrade to a new SCDL. It is extremely beneficial to have an SCDL, as it provides security against tampering and makes processes involving law enforcement much smoother. It also gives complete access to the licence holder to their records at any time.