Nepal’s Transport Department Prints 5,000 Driver’s Licenses Since November Start

Driver's License Printing Progress

16th December 2025, Kathmandu

The Transport Management Department (TMD) has announced a significant milestone in driver’s license printing. They have successfully printed 5,000 smart licenses since production started in November.

Driver’s License Printing Progress

This progress is a positive step toward reducing the long wait times for new license holders.

TMD Director Keshav Khatiwada provided details on the recent achievement. The department supplied 7,000 license data records to the Security Printing Centre (SPC). Of these, 5,000 licenses have already been printed and are now in the distribution phase.

“We made 7,000 data available,” Director Khatiwada confirmed. “Five thousand of those have been printed and received. They are currently being distributed.”

The Printing Process Commences

The actual printing of the smart licenses began recently. The Security Printing Centre in Panauti, Kavre, officially started the operation on November 7 (Kartik 21). This move signaled the government’s serious commitment to streamlining the license issuance process.

Before this, the country faced a massive backlog of pending licenses. The delay was primarily due to issues related to card procurement and printing technology setup. By centralizing the process at the SPC, the department is actively addressing these operational challenges.

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Priority Given to Essential Groups

The TMD is currently prioritizing specific groups for license issuance. The licenses being printed now are primarily for those in urgent need. This includes Nepali workers preparing for foreign employment. Students who require a license for their daily commute or work are also being prioritized.

This targeted approach ensures that those whose livelihoods or education depend on possessing a valid driver’s license receive theirs first. The department is working to manage the demand effectively while simultaneously ramping up printing capacity.

Increased Efficiency and Future Outlook

The current pace suggests a noticeable improvement in the department’s operational efficiency. While 5,000 is a good starting point, the department plans to significantly increase this volume. The new, state-of-the-art facility at SPC is expected to handle much larger print quantities in the coming months.

The use of the in-country Security Printing Centre offers several advantages. It increases security and reduces dependency on foreign vendors for card supply.

Furthermore, it gives the TMD greater control over the printing schedule. This local control will be crucial for maintaining a sustainable and timely driver’s license printing schedule in the future.

The Transport Management Department encourages applicants to track their license status online. They assure the public that efforts are ongoing to clear the remaining backlog swiftly. This commitment to efficiency promises a smoother, faster process for all citizens awaiting their new smart driving license.

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