
Everything around us is getting digitalized- payments, identity proofs, and now even driving licenses! If you still have the old paper license, it is time to switch to the modern smart card driving license. What is the best part? You can easily convert your driving license into a smart card online without standing in long RTO queues.
Join us on his blog to know everything about the Smart Card Driving License.
What is a Smart Card Driving License?
SCDL or “Smart Card Driving License” is an updated and chip-based version of the paper Driving License. It is a card that contains a small embedded microchip and securely stores your driving details.
The chip can be scanned at RTO offices or by traffic authorities to quickly access your driving records. This is more durable, secure, and tamper-proof compared to the old paper licenses. It makes identification and recording convenient.
What is a Smart Card Driving Licence?
A Smart Card Driving Licence (SCDL) is a modern type of driving licence made of plastic instead of paper. It has a small chip (64 KB microprocessor) that stores all your driving details, such as your name, address, and vehicle information.
This card is tamper-proof, which means it cannot be easily damaged or changed. It is already used in many parts of India, especially in big cities such as Delhi, and it is seen as a better and safer option.
A smart card is strong, long-lasting, and easy to carry. You can also change your old paper licence into a smart card by applying online or visiting your nearest RTO office.
Documents Needed to Apply for a Smart Card Driving Licence
To apply for a Smart Card Driving Licence, you need to submit a few important documents. These help the RTO verify your details.
- Step 1: Visit the official website: Go to the official website of the Parivahan Sewa portal.
- Step 2: Choose the right service Click on “Online Services” from the given options. Now, select “Driving License Related Services” to proceed.
- Step 3: Select your state Choose your state name from the given options. You will be redirected to your state’s transport department page.
- Step 4: Click on Renewal Option Then select the option “Renewal of Driving License”. The smart card conversion is often part of renewal or upgrade services.
- Step 5: Fill in your details Enter your existing driving license number, date of birth, and other personal information in the online form.
- Step 6: Upload required documents There is a need for some important documents, such as to make the process simple: Original paper driving license Proof of identity - Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Voter ID Proof of address - Aadhaar, Passport, or recent utility bill Proof of age - Birth certificate, 10th mark sheet, or Passport Passport-size photographs Medical certificates from an empaneled doctor for applicants above 40 years.
- Step 7: Pay the fee The smart card DL fee is usually around Rs. 200, but it can vary from state to state. By paying the fee, you become eligible for SCDL.
- Step 8: Book an appointment Now, choose a date and time slot to visit your local RTO for document verification. Under this appointment, biometric data is collected by RTO. Personal details such as
- Step 9: Submit the application Check all the details carefully and then submit your application. Save or print the acknowledgment receipt for future reference.
How to Apply for Conversion of a Paper Driving License to SCDL Offline?
Here are the steps to apply for a Smart Card Driving License:
- Step 1:Visit your nearest RTO office with all required documents (old driving license, ID proof, address proof, and age proof).
- Step 2:Now, fill out the license upgrade form.
- Step 3:Submit the filled form along with all document copies at the RTO counter.
- Step 4:The Applicant should pay the renewal fee and keep the receipt for reference.
- Step 5:Once approved, the new smart card license will be sent to your registered address by post.
Benefits of Smart Card Driving License
There are many benefits of using SCDL for the drivers. Here is a proper explanation for the same:
- Digitally Secure: The smart card has a microchip that stores your personal and driving details securely. It also reduces the risk of tampering or misuse.
- Easy to Carry: It is compact, durable, and easier to carry than the traditional paper license.
- Quick Verification: Traffic officers can instantly verify your details using card readers, making checks faster and more accurate.
- Reduced Risk of Damage or Loss: Unlike paper licenses, smart cards are waterproof, long-lasting, and less likely to tear or fade.
- Nationwide Validity: The card format is uniform across India. It makes it valid and easily verifiable anywhere in the country.
- Less Paperwork: Most processes, such as renewal, can be done online with minimal documentation.
- Prevents Fraud: The embedded chip makes it difficult to forge or duplicate the license.
- Stores Complete Information: It holds all key details such as license number, blood group, biometric data, and driving history in digital form.
Validity of the Smart Card Driving License
To know everything about the validity of a smart card driving license, go through the following points:
- A Smart Card Driving License (SCDL) is valid for 20 years from the date of issue.
- If the license holder turns 50 years of age before 20 years, the license will expire at that point.
- Once the validity ends, the holder can apply for renewal through the same online process.
Conclusion
To sum up, the conversion of your paper driving license into a smart card driving license is very convenient online. The smart card is safer, stronger, and easier to carry than the old paper license. It also keeps your details secure. With biometric details, it helps traffic authorities verify your information quickly.
Whether you apply online or visit your local RTO, the process is very convenient. Also, a smart card helps to keep your license safe from damage and complements the new digital driving license system in India.
FAQs
A Smart Card Driving License is a digital version of your regular license that comes with a microchip storing all your driving and personal details securely.
Yes, you can easily convert your old paper driving license into a smart card driving license either online through the Parivahan Sewa portal or by visiting your local RTO.
Yes, the smart card is more durable, waterproof, and harder to duplicate. All these features make it safer than a paper driving license
You need your old driving license, ID proof, address proof, age proof, passport-size photos, and a medical certificate (if required).
A smart card driving license is valid for 20 years from the date of issue or until the holder turns 50, whichever comes first
