In response to UP govt query, Centre says DLs, RCs can still be issued in laminated card format

The ministry’s letter noted that while the smart card format is permissible, physical cards without chips or smart card features can still be issued, including for applicants who prefer them

Published on: Sep 21, 2025, 06:48:14 IST

By Brajendra K Parashar, Lucknow

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The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has clarified that Driving Licences (DLs) and Registration Certificates (RCs) may continue to be issued in laminated card form without a chip or smart card, in accordance with the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

The UP government specifically requested the Centre to confirm whether smart cards are compulsory or whether RCs and DLs may also be issued in printed or digital format, as per the vehicle owner’s preference. (REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE)

The clarification comes in response to a query from the Uttar Pradesh government seeking confirmation on whether smart card issuance is mandatory for all RCs and DLs. The ministry’s letter noted that while the smart card format is permissible, physical cards without chips or smart card features can still be issued, including for applicants who prefer them.

In a letter, principal secretary (Transport) Amit Gupta referred to the Centre’s earlier communication directing that RCs and DLs be issued only as smart cards. He noted that a subsequent communication from the Ministry dated August 14, 2025, exempts such mandatory issuance under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. Gupta pointed out that this had created operational confusion, with some regional transport offices assuming that laminated cards without chips were no longer valid.

The UP government specifically requested the Centre to confirm whether smart cards are compulsory or whether RCs and DLs may also be issued in printed or digital format, as per the vehicle owner’s preference.

“Bringing clarity to a long-standing confusion at the ground level, the MoRTH has stated that driving licences and registration certificates can continue to be issued in laminated card format without chip or smart card features, provided they conform to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), 1989,” a senior transport official said.

Responding to the UP government’s query, the ministry cited Rule 16(1) of the CMVR for DLs, which states: “Every driving licence issued or renewed by a licensing authority shall be in the form of a laminated card type without a chip or Smart Card type in Form 7 conforming to the specifications stipulated in Annexure XI.”

For RCs, the ministry referred to Rule 81 Note 2, which allows the issuance of laminated card RCs without a chip, with an additional fee of ₹200 in specific cases, such as fresh registration after cancellation of hire-purchase, lease, or hypothecation agreements.

“Therefore, a Driving Licence is required to be provided in the form of a laminated card without a chip or smart card type,” the ministry stated, adding that the same applies to RCs in Form 23A. It directed that this clarification be communicated to all concerned to ensure compliance and prevent citizens from being compelled to obtain only smart card-based documents.

“The clarification will help avoid unnecessary costs and smoothen the issuance process across RTOs in the state,” the official added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brajendra K Parashar
Brajendra K Parashar is a Senior Journalist with the Hindustan Times, based in Lucknow, with nearly three decades of experience covering governance, public policy, politics and development in Uttar Pradesh. Over the years, he has reported extensively on key sectors, including energy and renewable power, mobility and transport, road safety, agriculture and allied sectors and issues related to farmers, rural development, taxation under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and public administration. A seasoned political correspondent, Parashar closely tracks the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has covered every major election in Uttar Pradesh right from three-tier panchayat elections and urban local body polls to Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. He also reports regularly on the proceedings of the Uttar Pradesh Legislature, bureaucracy, governance, policy decisions and administrative developments with focus on their impact on public life. His reporting is known for its strong analytical approach, extensive use of official data. His areas of interests include investigative journalism, long-form political and policy analysis, data-driven reporting, elections and institutional reforms. Parashar holds a postgraduate degree in Political Science with First Division from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), followed by a Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication from the same university. His inclination towards journalism began during his student days, when he regularly contributed letters to editors and articles to newspapers and magazines. In the mid-1990S, his essay, “Should India Switch Over to the Presidential Form Of Government?”, published in Politics India magazine edited by noted constitutional expert Subhash C Kashyap, was adjudged the best entry in a national competition. His work has received professional recognition, including the Hindustan Times Journalist of the Month Award for an impactful series on drinking water issues during the 2010 Lok Sabha election campaign. Originally from Kasganj in western Uttar Pradesh, Parashar is currently based in Lucknow where continues to report on politics, governance and public policy.Read More

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