Steps to Apply for a PVC Smart Card Driving Licence

Manoj Kumawat
Written by Manoj Kumawat
07 November 2025
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Steps to Apply for a PVC Smart Card Driving Licence

A PVC Smart Card Driving License is a modern version of the old paper license. It looks like an ATM card and is made of plastic (PVC), which makes it strong, durable, and easy to carry. This smart card also has a chip or barcode that stores your driving details, such as your name, address, and license number.

Today, many states in India have started issuing these smart licences to make the process more secure and digital. If your driving licence is old and damaged, you can easily apply for a PVC Smart card driving licence online and offline.

In this blog, we will explain the step-by-step process to apply for a driving licence PVC card online, its benefits, and important things to keep in mind before applying.

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: Go to the official website: https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/
  • Step 2: Click on “Online Services” and then choose “Driving Licence Related Services”. Now, select your State and RTO office.
  • Step 3: Next, if you are applying for the first time, click on “New Driving Licence” and if you already have an old licence and want to upgrade it, click on “Old DL or New DL Conversion”.
  • Step 4: Enter your personal information, update the required documents, and (if needed) book a slot for your driving test.
  • Step 5: Pay the online fee, which is usually between Rs. 200 and Rs. 500, depending on your state.
  • Step 6: If you are a new applicant, you must book a slot for your driving test at the nearest RTO.
  • Step 7: After approval, your smart card will be sent to your home by India Post within 2 to 3 weeks.

How to Apply for a PVC Smart Card Driving Licence Offline?

You can also apply for a smart card driving licence by visiting your nearest RTO office. Here is how:

  • Step 1:Visit the RTO office and ask for the Smart Card Driving Licence (SCDL) form. Also, collect the required medical and fitness forms.
  • Step 2:Fill out the form carefully and attach all the required documents.
  • Step 3:Pay the application fee and keep the receipt safely.
  • Step 4:If needed, appear for the driving test.
  • Step 5:After passing the test, complete your biometric verification (fingerprints and photo).
  • Step 6:Your Smart Card Driving Licence will be sent to your home address within 2–3 weeks after completing all steps.

How to Convert an Old Driving Licence into a New Smart Card Licence?

If you already have an old paper driving licence, you can easily change it into a PVC Smart Card Driving Licence by following these simple steps:

  • Step 1:Visit your nearest RTO office.
  • Step 2:Ask for the Smart Card Licence Upgrade Form.
  • Step 3:Fill in all the required details carefully.
  • Step 4:Attach all the necessary documents and submit the form to the RTO officer.
  • Step 5:Give your biometric details (like photo and fingerprints).
  • Step 6:Pay the required fees for the smart card licence.
  • Step 7:After all steps are done, your new PVC Smart Card Driving Licence will be sent to your home within 2 - 3 weeks.

Cost of Smart Card Driving Licence

The fees for a Smart Card Driving Licence depend on what you are applying for: a new licence, a conversion from an old licence, or a renewal. Usually, the fee is between Rs. 200 and Rs. 500, depending on your state and RTO office.

Service Fees
New Driving Licence PVC Card Apply Rs. 200
Old DL to New Smart Card Rs. 200
Smart Card Licence Renewal Rs. 200
Address Change in DL Rs. 200
Adding Another Vehicle to Existing DL Rs. 500

How to Check the Status of Your Smart Card Driving Licence

You can easily check the status of your Smart Card Driving Licence online by following these simple steps:

  • Step 1:Visit the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
  • Step 2:On the home page, click on “Online Services” and then choose “Driving Licence Related Services.”
  • Step 3:Select your state, and you will be redirected to your state’s RTO page.
  • Step 4:Click on “Application Status” from the menu.
  • Step 5:Enter your application number and date of birth, then complete the captcha.
  • Step 6:Click on the “Submit” button.
  • Step 7:The screen will show your current application status, such as Submitted, Processing at RTO, Test Scheduled/Passed, Approved, Dispatched, or Delivered.

Conclusion

A PVC Smart Card Driving Licence is a safer and more modern version of the old paper licence. It stores all your driving details in a small chip and is easy to carry, strong, and long-lasting. Whether you are applying for a new licence or converting an old one, the process is simple and can be done both online and offline. Getting a smart card licence not only makes your records secure but also helps in keeping your licence safe from damage or loss.

FAQs

It is a plastic driving licence with a small chip that stores your personal and driving details. It looks like an ATM card and is more durable than the old paper licence.

Yes, you can easily apply online through the official Parivahan Sewa website.

After your application is approved, it usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks for the licence to reach your home by post.

The fee depends on your state and type of service, but usually ranges between Rs. 200 and Rs. 500.

Yes, you can visit your nearest RTO office and apply to change your old paper licence into a new PVC smart card licence.

Manoj Kumawat
Written by Manoj Kumawat
07 November 2025

Mr. Manoj Kumawat is an intrinsic character of Square Insurance Brokers Private Limited since the start of the organization.

Disclaimer* :- This article is shared to help inform the public and is for general information only. Please do not treat this article as the final word on the topic. We recommend that you do more research or talk to an expert if you need more advice.
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