Nepal Driver’s License Services Halted: DoTM Infrastructure Damaged
14th September 2025, Kathmandu
In a significant blow to public services, the Department of Transport Management (DoTM), under the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, has announced the indefinite suspension of all printing and distribution of driver’s licenses.
Driver’s License Printing Suspended
The decision comes after its central office suffered extensive damage to its critical IT infrastructure, servers, and printing machines during the recent protests that swept through the Kathmandu Valley on Bhadra 23 and 24.
According to a formal notice released by the department, anarchic groups involved in the unrest engaged in acts of vandalism, arson, and looting, which severely compromised the DoTM’s operational capacity.
The notice explicitly states that the electronic vehicle registration system and all IT-related services have been completely disrupted as a direct consequence of this destruction.
The department is now in a state of operational limbo, unable to provide services that millions of citizens rely on.
This suspension has a far-reaching impact. It affects not only new license applicants who have passed their trials but also individuals seeking renewals, duplicates, or upgrades to their licenses.
The DoTM’s notice makes it clear that until a thorough repair and restoration process can be completed and further notice is issued, all IT-based services will remain closed. This includes the highly anticipated printing of smart licenses, which had already faced significant backlogs in recent years.
The damage to the department’s central IT infrastructure is particularly crippling. The servers house vast amounts of data, including applicant details, biometric information, and driving histories.
The destruction of these systems means that even if new hardware is procured, the process of data recovery and system recalibration will be a time-consuming and complex task.
The loss of printing machines, which are specialized and expensive, further complicates the situation, as their replacement will require significant financial investment and time for procurement and installation.
For many citizens, a driver’s license is more than just a piece of plastic; it is an essential document for employment, personal mobility, and identification. The indefinite suspension of services puts a significant burden on daily life and economic activity.
Individuals who have completed their written and practical tests but are waiting for their physical smart cards are now left in limbo. With no clear timeline for the resumption of services, their ability to legally drive and carry out their daily routines is at a standstill.
The recent protests, which have their roots in public frustration over political issues, have unfortunately led to damage to both public and private property.
The DoTM’s central office is just one of many public institutions that have been targeted, but the impact of this particular incident is felt by a vast segment of the population.
The department’s statement serves as a stark reminder of how public unrest can quickly devolve into chaos that directly affects the lives of ordinary citizens.
The government is now faced with the dual challenge of restoring law and order and rebuilding critical public infrastructure. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, in collaboration with other relevant bodies, will need to act swiftly to address this issue.
A transparent plan for the restoration of services, including a clear timeline and regular updates, will be crucial to managing public expectations and minimizing the inconvenience caused.
Until then, service seekers are advised to postpone any plans to apply for new licenses or process renewals. The official notice from the DoTM can be found on their website, and citizens are urged to stay informed through official government channels.
The indefinite suspension of these essential services is a testament to the severe consequences of vandalism and highlights the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing public discontent.
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