Smart Card Driving Licence : How to Change an Old Driving Licence into a New Smart Card

Do you have an old driving licence and don't know how to turn it into a smart card? Or maybe you want to issue a new one, but the old one doesn't have your unique personal identification number? Using this easy guide, you can now convert your old driving licence into a smart card.

Once upon a time, driving licences were issued as small notebooks or booklets. But with the advancement of technology, trends have shifted, and the same driving licence has now been transformed into a smart card. This new form of driving licence offers a wide range of benefits, from being lightweight and robust to providing a secure and convenient way to store the cardholder's vital information. Moreover, a few simple steps can now convert an old driving licence into a smart card driving licence. So, if you want to upgrade your current driving licence, read on to find out how to do it.

What is an SCDL (Smart Card Driving Licence)?

A Smart Card Driving Licence or SCDL is a type of driver's licence that comes in the form of a smart card, a small plastic card with a microchip inside. The microchip contains information about the licence holder, such as their name, address, date of birth, and photograph.

SCDLs are intended to be more secure and tamper-resistant than traditional driver's licences, which are frequently printed on paper or plastic and are easily forged or altered. The microchip in an SCDL contains encrypted data that is difficult to modify or duplicate, making it more challenging to develop or change the licence.

Keeping the benefits in mind, the government introduced Smart Cards for Driver's Licences. Previously, driving licences were issued in the state's name, but the smart card is issued in the name of the government. Traffic officers use special readers to read and verify the data stored on your card. The RTOs and ARTOs can access the information via their office servers, which are managed by the NIC (National Informatics Centre).

SCDLs are issued in India by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in the applicant's state or union territory. Let's know the steps involved in obtaining an SCDL in India.

Read More: Types of Driving Licenses in India

Application process of driving licence

Online Smart Card Driving Licence application procedure

You can easily apply for a Smart Card Driving Licence (SCDL) online through the Sarathi Parivahan website under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The following is a general overview of the process for applying for an SCDL online:

Step 1. Go to the Sarathi Parivahan website (https://parivahan.gov.in/) and select 'Driving Licence Related Services' from the 'Online Services' drop-down menu.  

Step 2. Choose your state, then the RTO.  

Step 3. Choose 'New Driving Licence' from the 'Apply Online' drop-down menu if you have a Learner's Licence. Otherwise, you must obtain it first. 

Step 4. Fill out your personal information and upload scanned copies of documents such as proof of identity, proof of residence, and proof of age.  

Step 5. After uploading documents, upload a photo and signature, if necessary, book a DL Test slot, and pay the fees. It should be noted that biometric information will be collected as part of the process.  

Step 6. Visit the RTO as scheduled for the test.  

Step 7. You will receive your SCDL by post if you achieve a passing score.

Read More: Driving Licence and Learning Licence Fees in India 2023

Offline Smart Card Driving Licence application procedure

You can even apply for a Smart Card Driving Licence (SCDL) in person at your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO). The following points come as a general outline of the offline application process for an SCDL:

Step 1. Determine your eligibility for a driver's licence. To apply for a driver's licence in India, you must be 18 years old or more.  

Step 2. Gather the necessary documents. You must bring identification, proof of residency, and age, such as a passport, PAN card, AADHAR card (mandatory), or voter ID card.  

Step 3. Fill out an application form for a new SCDL at your local RTO. You will be asked to provide relevant data such as your name, address, date of birth, and other personal information.  

Step 4. Submit the necessary documents, as well as the application form, to the RTO.  

Step 5. Pay the application fee for the SCDL.  

Step 6. Make an appointment for the learner's licence and driving tests.  

Step 7. At the designated RTO, take the learner's licence and driving tests.  

Step 8. If you pass the tests, you will be given your SCDL. 

Please keep in mind that the specific requirements and steps may differ depending on where you live. It's a good idea to check with your local RTO or equivalent agency for more specific information on the offline application process for an SCDL in your area.

Read More: Online Driving Licence (DL) Application Form in India

Advantages of owning a Smart Card Driving Licence

There are several benefits to having a Smart Card Driving Licence (SCDL). 

SCDLs are more secure and tamper-resistant than traditional driver's licences. The microchip in an SCDL contains encrypted data that is difficult to alter or duplicate, making it more difficult to forge or change the licence.

Convenience: SCDLs can be used as identification in various situations, including voting, gaining access to government services, and crossing international borders. Carrying multiple forms of identification may be more convenient.

Improved record keeping: The information stored on an SCDL's microchip can be easily accessed and updated, making it easier to track the holder's driving history and other personal information.

Increased efficiency: With an SCDL, verifying the holder's identity and accessing their driving records is easier, potentially improving the efficiency of traffic stops and other interactions with law enforcement.

SCDLs can be integrated with other systems to improve the accuracy and efficiency of these processes, such as vehicle registration and insurance databases.

Who is eligible for a Smart Card Driving Licence?  

If you are eligible for a driver's licence and apply for a new one, you will most likely be issued a smart card. You can convert an old paper or plastic card into a smart card. The following are the guidelines to obtain a licence, either a smart card or otherwise.

1. To ride a geared motorcycle with an engine capacity greater than 50 cc, you must be 18 years old or more.  
2. To ride a gearless bike having an engine capacity of up to 50 cc, you should be 16 years old or more. 
3. You should be 18 years old and have completed the eighth grade for commercial vehicles. 
4. Physical and mental fitness: Driving requires both physical and psychological wellness. This includes having good vision, hearing, and reflexes and understanding and adhering to traffic rules and regulations. 

The required documents for DL

Documents required for DL for Indian citizens

You may be asked to submit different documents at various stages of the DL application process. The following documents are usually required:

1. A passport, PAN card, voter ID card, AADHAR card (mandatory), or any other government-issued identification can be used as proof of identity.
2. Proof of residence: This can be a utility bill, a lease agreement, or any other document displaying your current address.
3. Proof of age can be a birth certificate, a school leaving certificate, or any other government-issued document containing your date of birth.
4. If your age is more than 40 or you have any physical or mental disabilities, you may also need to provide a medical certificate indicating that you are fit to drive.  
5. Physical fitness statement certificate.
6. Two passport-sized photos.
7. Learner's licence: You must have a valid learner's permit before applying for a DL.  
8. Application form.

Documents required for foreign citizens/diplomats/refugees to obtain a driver's licence:

• VISA copy
• Medical certificate 
• Passport copy 
• Learner's licence

Smart Card Driving Licence (SCDL) form

The sections of an SCDL form are as follows.

1. The visual inspection zone contains basic information about the applicant and the vehicle.  
2. The machine-readable zone contains detailed information about DL, such as the chip's serial number, issuing authority, etc.  
3. Central motor vehicle rules contains information on fines, penalties, endorsements, etc.  

How to convert an old DL to a new DL

It is preferable to convert your paper or plastic DL to the new SCDL, which has numerous advantages. Here's how to upgrade your old book-based driver's licence to the new smart card edition. To convert an old DL to a new DL, you need to follow the steps below:

Step 1. Gather the necessary documents. Bring your old driver's licence and proof of identity, residence, and age, such as a passport, PAN card, or voter ID card.  

Step 2. Fill out a licence upgrade form or a Smart Card Driving Licence application form for a new DL at your local RTO. You will be asked to provide relevant data such as your name, address, date of birth, and other personal information. You also have to submit your biometric data.  

Step 3. Submit the necessary documents, as well as the application form, to the RTO.  

Step 4. Pay the driver's licence renewal fee.  

Step 5. Collect the receipt and keep it until the SCDL arrives.  

Step 6. When your DL is approved, you will be given a new one. 

Please remember that if your driver's licence has expired, you may need to take a written test and/or a practical driving test to renew it.

Read More: Driving Licence Renewal: How to Renew Driving Licence Online & Offline

Documents required for driving licence transfer to Smart Card Driving Licence

If you want to convert your DL to Smart Card format, you must submit the following documents at the RTO when you apply to convert DL to Smart Card.

1. Current driving licence
2. Address proof
3. Other specific documents asked by the RT official

What is the fee for a Smart Card Driving Licence?

The licence fee for a smart card is ₹200. However, you should confirm the exact charges with your state RTO.

Conclusion

There are many benefits to using a Smart Card Driving Licence (SCDL) over a traditional driving licence. SCDLs are more secure and convenient to use, offering improved record-keeping and increased efficiency. Overall, SCDLs offer several advantages that make them a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a driver's licence. We hope this article was helpful.

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