Transport dept. to give work order to roll out advanced smart cards for driving licenses and vehicle registrations

Transport officials revealed that the selected firm is expected to receive the official work order within 15 days.  | Photo Credit: File photo

In a major technological upgrade, the Karnataka Transport Department has finalised a vendor to design and produce next-generation smart cards for driving licences (DLs) and vehicle registration certificates (RCs). These cards will feature embedded chips and QR codes, offering improved durability, enhanced data security, and easier verification processes.

Transport officials revealed that the selected firm is expected to receive the official work order within 15 days. The new smart cards will replace the current polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cards that have been in use for years. These advanced cards are seen as a leap forward in modernising transport documentation, combining robust materials and secure data storage methods.

“The smart cards will be manufactured using polycarbonate, a high-grade material renowned for its strength and resilience. In addition to an embedded chip and a QR code, the cards will include laser-engraved text to prevent the wear and fading commonly seen in PVC cards. This approach ensures that the cards remain legible and tamper-resistant over their lifespan,” a senior transport department official told The Hindu.

Officials highlighted that Karnataka is aligning itself with several other Indian States, such as Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, and Himachal Pradesh, which have already introduced similar smart card systems for their transport documents.

“The smart DL will store up to 25 distinct data fields, including the licence holder’s name, photograph, date of birth, blood group, mobile number, address, licence validity, and emergency contact. Similarly, the upgraded RC will display essential vehicle-related data such as registration number, registration date, validity, chassis and engine numbers, and owner details on the front. The back will carry a QR code that provides extended information, including the vehicle’s make, model, type, seating capacity, and financing details,” official added.

The embedded QR code will allow quick digital access to basic user information by police and transport officials during inspections, eliminating the need for manual document checks. For more detailed data, authorised personnel can use a dedicated chip reader, thereby simplifying procedures in cases of traffic violations, accidents, or document theft.

To maintain consistency and quality across all cards, printing and production will be centralised at the Transport Commissioner’s head office in Bengaluru, according to officials. “This centralised approach will help ensure all smart cards adhere to uniform security and design standards. It will also streamline logistics, reducing delays and ensuring faster delivery to applicants across the state,” the official explained.

Published - June 01, 2025 09:13 pm IST