The Smart Card Driving Licence is a modern and secure driving licence that is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in India. It is a chip-based card that contains all of the information that is found on a traditional driving licence, as well as additional security features.
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What is a smart card driving licence?
A Smart Card Driving licence is an updated version of the traditional book licence.A smart card is basically a plastic card that has a 64K chip inside it that stores all the important info about the driver . Some of the information stored on this card include retina scan, blood type, address, fingerprint, name, etc.
All information stored on a smart card can be read by a suitable machine. In most cases, the RTOs and ARTOs verify the information stored on the card.
To apply for a smart card driving licence in India, you have the option to apply online or offline.
Benefits of a Smart Card Driving Licence
There are several benefits to having a Smart Card Driving Licence, including:
- Enhanced security: The Smart Card Driving Licence is equipped with several security features, such as a chip and a hologram, that make it difficult to counterfeit.
- Convenience: The Smart Card Driving Licence is a single card that contains all of the information that is found on a traditional driving licence, as well as additional information such as the driver’s blood group and contact information. This makes it easier for drivers to carry their driving licence with them and to provide proof of identification when required
- Durability: The Smart Card Driving Licence is made of durable materials that are resistant to wear and tear.
What documents are needed?
The mandatory documents required for obtaining a smart card driving licence include
- application fees
- address proof
- age proof
- passport-size photographs
- medical certificate forms 1A and 1 (to be signed by a government doctor).
What is Fee for a smart car driving licence in India ?
The fees payable for a smart card driving licence in India is ₹200.
Online Application Process for smart card driving licence:
1. Visit the official portal of your State’s Transport Department.
2. Download the “Smart Card Driving Licence” application form from the website.
3. Fill in the form and visit your nearest RTO (Regional Transport Office) to submit it along with the necessary documents.
4. Pay the fees for the smart card and apply for a driving test.
5. If you clear the driving test, the authorities will record all your biometric data.
6. Once your information has been processed and verified, your smart card driving licence will be sent to your registered address
Offline Application Process for smart card driving licence:
1. Visit your nearest RTO and ask for a Smart Card Driving Licence form.
2. Fill in the form and let the authorities record your biometrics.
3. Pay the requisite fees, and the smart card driving licence will be sent to your registered address.
How to Convert an Old Book Driving License to a Smart Card?
To convert an old book driving licence to a smart card, follow these steps:
1. Visit your nearest RTO with your old driving licence.
2. Get an application form to upgrade your licence.
3. Fill in the form, pay the necessary fees, and you will receive the upgraded licence at your registered address.
How to Convert Learner’s Licence to Smart Card Driving Licence ?
If you have a learner’s licence and wish to upgrade it to a smart card driving licence, follow these steps:
1. Obtain the application form for a Smart Card Driving Licence and submit all required documents.
2. Book a slot to take your driving test. If you pass the test, your biometric data will be recorded.
3. Once the process is complete, the smart card driving licence will be sent to your address via speed post.
What are the SCDL Eligibility Requirements?
A smart card driving licence (SCDL) has the same eligibility criteria as a regular driving licence. However, the requirements are different depending on the vehicle type.
• For motorbikes with gear and up to 50cc engine capacity, applicants must be at least 16 years of age and have a consent letter from their parents.
• For motorcycles with gear and more than 50cc, applicants must be over 18 years of age.
• For heavy commercial vehicles (HV) and transport vehicles, applicants must have completed 8th Standard and be at least 18 years old.
• For four wheeler cars, applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
The Smart Card Driving Licence form has three sections or zones.
The first is the Visual Inspection Zone
This zone contains some basic information about the applicants, such as their name, registered address, date of birth, vehicle type, vehicle class, signature, serial number, date of issue, details of the issuing authority, driving licence validity, etc.
The second is the Machine Readable Zone,
which contains information such as the date of issue, date of the driving licence, details of the driving licence validity, Central Motor Vehicles rules, etc.
The third section Central Motor Vehicles Rules Zone,
it is sometimes considered the most important part. This section contains information such as whether the driver has ever been penalised, if they have any endorsements, details of the violations, etc.
Conclusion
The Smart Card Driving Licence is a modern and secure driving licence that offers several benefits to drivers, such as enhanced security, convenience, and durability. To apply for a Smart Card Driving Licence, you must visit your nearest RTO and submit the required documents.