Tamil Nadu to Stop Issuing Physical Driving Licences and RCs from September 13

Driving licences (DLs) and vehicle registration certificates (RCs) will be issued in digital format in Tamil Nadu from September 13. The state government will discontinue the printing and postal dispatch of physical DLs and RCs after September 12.

Under the new system, digital driving licences and registration certificates will be available for download on the same day the driving test or vehicle registration process is completed, according to a government order issued by the Home Department on Thursday.

The order follows Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay`s announcement in the Assembly on September 2.

The digital DLs and RCs will feature QR codes linked to the original records in government databases through m-Parivahan and DigiLocker. This will allow authorities to verify the documents in real time and help prevent duplicate documents.

The government has announced that the downloadable DLs and RCs will be available free of cost for the first year from September 13, or until the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 are amended, whichever is earlier. After that period, applicable fees will be determined according to the rules.

The digital documents can be downloaded through the Parivahan portal and printed on plain paper or in laminated form. Such printouts will be considered valid as long as the QR code is clear and can be scanned for verification.

People who require physical copies will be able to access printing facilities at all government e-Seva centres from September 15, subject to the applicable service charges.

The government order also directs government departments, public bodies and other related entities not to insist on the physical DL or RC format issued up to September 12. Digital documents or clear printouts must be accepted wherever DLs and RCs are required for filing, verification, approval, authentication, payment or enforcement.

Any seizure, authentication or recording of penalties related to DLs and RCs after September 12 must also be carried out electronically through the relevant government databases.

The Transport and Road Safety Commissioner has been directed to make the necessary changes to the m-Parivahan portal through the National Informatics Centre and ensure a smooth transition to the digital issuance of DLs and RCs.