27th January 2025, Kathmandu
The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has introduced an amendment to the Vehicle and Transport Management Regulations, allowing the issuance of driving licenses with QR codes.
Nepal Digital Driving Licenses
This new initiative is part of the government’s effort to streamline the process and address delays caused by previous methods of issuing licenses.
QR Codes to Replace Smart Cards
Under the revised regulations, the Ministry will now issue driving licenses in the form of electronic identification cards. These licenses will either feature an electronic smart card with a chip or include a QR code. In the past, smart cards with chips were issued to applicants, but technical issues and long waiting times made this process cumbersome. The introduction of QR codes aims to reduce these delays.
A Step Towards Efficiency
The inclusion of QR codes is expected to expedite the issuance of driving licenses, cutting down on the time previously required to produce smart cards. The QR code system will help streamline the process, allowing for faster verification and easier access to driving license information. This will greatly benefit applicants who had to wait years for their smart cards.
Regulatory Changes Now in Effect
The new rule amends Rule 20 of the Vehicle and Transport Management Regulations (2054). The revised regulation allows for the issuance of licenses in either the traditional electronic smart card format or the new QR code-enabled card. With this change, the Ministry will be able to provide licenses more efficiently, meeting the growing demand for them across the country.
Addressing Previous Delays
The government had previously faced challenges in issuing smart licenses, as applicants often had to wait for several years. In response to this issue, a temporary measure was introduced last year, where the Ministry provided simple receipts to applicants while they awaited their official smart cards. The new QR code system is expected to solve this problem by allowing for faster issuance of licenses.
Digital Integration for Convenience
The introduction of QR code-enabled licenses also allows citizens to access their driving license information digitally through mobile apps such as the Citizen App. This removes the need for physical licenses or receipts, as verification can now be done online. This digital transformation is expected to enhance user convenience and improve overall service delivery in the transportation sector.
Looking Ahead
This shift to QR code-based driving licenses represents a major step in improving the efficiency of Nepal’s transportation system. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport is committed to further streamlining its services and ensuring timely, accessible, and user-friendly processes for citizens. The QR code initiative is a key part of this ongoing effort to modernize public services.
For more: Nepal Digital Driving Licenses
