A driving license is one of the most essential documents to have if you want to legally drive in India. With greater digitisation in all aspects of government documentation, the driving license has also received an update in the form of the smart card driving license, that is more durable and holds more information than the hand written form of the driver’s license issued earlier.
Table of Contents
- What is smart card driving license (SCDL)?
- Advantages of smart card driving license
- Eligibility Criteria of Smart Card Driving license
- Documents Required for Applying for Smart Card Driving license
- How to Apply for Smart Card Driving license Online?
- How to Apply for Smart Card Driving license Offline?
- Smart Card Four Wheeler Driving license
- Smart Card Driving license Summary
- FAQ about Smart Card Driving license
What is smart card driving license (SCDL)?
Smart card driving license is an updated version of Driving license in india. This smart card is comprised of plastic and loaded with a microprocessor. The microprocessor holds all the information of the driver digitally including biometrics of the driver. Officials will be able to use their machines to retrieve the information.
Advantages of smart card driving license
Gone are the days when you had to worry about your mutilation of your Driver’s license. Your traditional driver’s license could not withstand extreme climatic conditions and is much easier to use for the user.
- Prevents identity theft
Smart cards hold all the information in digital format thus removing any chances of forgery.
- User friendly
If we compare the smart card driving license with the traditional one then we can say that they are more user friendly.
- Environmental friendly
Since No paper is used in the Smart Card driving license hence it not only lasts longer but it’s more durable.
- Prevents Doppelgangers
Smart cards use biometrics to ensure the real identity of a person and prevent fake Cards from circulation.
Eligibility Criteria of Smart Card Driving license
The criteria which was used for issuing traditional driver’s license is still the same for the smart card driving license with all the benefits included.
The following conditions must be fulfilled for acquiring a smart card Driving license.
- For motorcycle
One must attain an age of 18 to get a smart card for motorcycles of more than 50cc.
- For less than 50cc
The minimum age in this category is 16 years along with a consent letter of parents or guardians.
- Heavy vehicles
Along with a minimum age requirement of 18 years the applicant should also have passed 8th standard.
Documents Required for Applying for Smart Card Driving license
The pre requisite documents are
Address proof
Any legal document proving your address will work like
- Indian passport
- Ration card
- Electricity bill
- Gas bill
- Rental documents
Age proof
Any one of the following documents can be used for proving identity.
- Indian passport
- Birth certificate
- Permanent account number card
- TC from school
More documents
- Permanent license
- Medical certificate
- Smart card license form
- Passport-size photo
- Physical Fitness Declaration
- Smart card driving license fee
A payment of Rs 200 has to be made at the time of application process during document submission either through online mode or by office visit.
- Smart card driving license form
Everyone has to fill a 3 section form. The three sections can be described as:
Zone 1: This section is all about applicant’s basic information. Name, address, Date Of Birth, vehicle type and signature are few to be mentioned.
Zone 2: This section is really important as it is a machine readable zone. Issuing authority, validity details, license chip are few intricate details of this section.
Zone 3: This section is about the applicant’s previous history like if he was ever fined, violation of rules, settlement date are some of the required fields.
How to Apply for Smart Card Driving license Online?
Due to the digital India campaign many government processes have been digitized. One can easily get Smart Card Driving license by following the given instructions:
- Step 1: Look for the SCDL application form on the transport department website.
- Step 2: After downloading one has to fill the form.
- Step 3: Attach the required documents and match them with the list.
- Step 4: Pay the required fee after attaching documents.
- Step 5: An appointment can be made online or one can visit the nearest RTO office.
- Step 6: Documents will be verified and fees will be paid at RTO.
- Step 7: Biometrics will be taken and then updated into the system.
- Step 8: After giving the driving test SCDL will be delivered to the registered address.
How to Apply for Smart Card Driving license Offline?
To get your SCDL through offline mode you have to take the following steps:
- Step 1: check availability of SCDL in your state.
- Step 2: If step 1 says Yes then you have to visit the RTO office near you.
- Step 3: If you are switching to permanent license from learner’s license then SCDL application is a must.
- Step 4: Attach all the documents and passport sized photograph and also choose your preferred slot for driving test.
- Step 5: If one is able to clear the test on the given date then his biometrics will be recorded.
- Step 6: If the recording is completed then SCDL will be sent to the registered address.
Smart Card Four Wheeler Driving license
High quality plastic smart cards are very durable and easy to carry around and biometrics can be uploaded very easily. This makes the whole process of applying for a driving license really easy. A chip is also embedded in the card which has all the critical information. It is very easy for officials to verify driving license and relieves people from unwanted hassle.
Smart Card Driving license Summary
After the digitization campaign of the Indian government, now it is very easy for people to apply for a Smart Card Driving license. The card is made of high grade plastic and loaded with a microprocessor. This card contains all the important information and is very easy to carry around. You can apply for a smart card via online or offline mode depending on your choice and after giving necessary details and paying fee you can give the driving test and then the smart card will be yours.
Also reads: Types of Driving Licenses in India, How to Apply for a Driver’s License in India – Everything you need to know
FAQ about Smart Card Driving license
Q. How do I get a smart driver's license?
You can get a smart card driving license via online and offline mode. If you choose online then you have to visit the transport department website and fill the form and pay the fee and take a driving test. If you choose offline mode then you will have to visit the nearest RTO website, submit documents and give a driving test.
Q. What is a smart card driving license?
A smart card driving license is a high grade plastic card embedded with a microprocessor. This processor contains all your biometrics and necessary information and can be retrieved via machine by an official. This makes the whole process easy.
Q. What is the validity period of a Smart Card Driving license?
A smart card driving license is valid till until one of the following events occurs.
- Driver is 50.
- 20 years have gone by since the card.
Until one of the conditions is fulfilled the smart card is valid.
Q. How long is the smart card driving license valid for?
These two events decides the validity of a smart card:
- 20 years have gone by since the card.
- Driver is 50.
Until one of the conditions is fulfilled the smart card is valid.
