4th June 2025, Kathmandu
The Department of Transport Management (DoTM) will stop printing driving licenses for three days. This temporary pause is due to scheduled maintenance work on the smart card printer. The printing services will be unavailable from Jestha 27 to Jestha 29, 2081 (June 10–12, 2025).
DoTM Driving License Printing Halt
Printer Needs Urgent Repairs
The DoTM stated that the printer used for producing smart card licenses needs repairs. It has faced technical issues that require immediate attention. To ensure long-term service quality, the department has decided to carry out full maintenance work.
Without a functioning printer, the department cannot continue printing licenses. Therefore, the service will be paused during the maintenance period.
Applicants Advised To Act Quickly
Service seekers who urgently need their license are advised to act before the deadline. The department has urged them to submit applications by Jestha 25 (June 8, 2025). Additionally, applicants should ensure that their requests are approved before this date.
Doing so will help them avoid delays caused by the suspension. The department emphasized the importance of early preparation. It also requested the cooperation of the general public.
“Due to necessary repairs, license printing will stop from Jestha 27 to 29. Please submit and verify your application by Jestha 25 if you need a license urgently,” the department said in a public notice.
No Impact On Other Services
Although printing will pause, other services will continue as normal. People can still apply for new licenses or complete other procedures. Only the smart card printing unit will be affected by this suspension.
The department assured that this move is temporary. It will resume full services immediately after the maintenance is completed.
Routine Maintenance Ensures Service Reliability
Regular maintenance is essential for uninterrupted public services. According to the DoTM, the smart card printer handles thousands of requests each week. Over time, it requires professional servicing to remain in good condition.
By taking preventive action now, the department hopes to avoid bigger problems later. Officials noted that the temporary halt will help maintain service quality in the months to come.
The department added that the machine’s maintenance had been pending for some time. Technical experts will carry out the work over the three-day period.
Background: Smart Card System In Nepal
Nepal introduced smart card driving licenses to replace paper-based ones. The goal was to modernize the system and improve durability and efficiency. These smart cards include digital information and are easier to verify and manage.
The shift has helped simplify the identity verification process. It has also aligned Nepal’s license system with international standards. However, the advanced system relies on specialized equipment, such as the smart card printer.
Any technical failure in the printer directly affects service delivery. Hence, regular maintenance is critical.
Public Support Essential
The Department has asked for public understanding during the service break. It recognized the importance of the driving license for many citizens. However, officials stressed that the maintenance was necessary and unavoidable.
The department will issue updates through its website and social media channels. Any changes in the maintenance schedule will be shared promptly.
Furthermore, the DoTM has committed to improving communication and coordination with applicants. It plans to strengthen its customer service during and after the maintenance period.
Growing Demand Adds Pressure
The number of license applications has increased in recent years. Rising vehicle ownership and new transport policies have led to greater demand. This puts extra pressure on systems like the smart card printer.
DoTM officials said they are exploring long-term solutions. These include introducing backup printers and building a more resilient digital system.
For now, the department is focused on fixing the existing equipment. It believes this short pause will help serve people more efficiently in the future.
For more: DoTM Driving License Printing Halt