CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government will roll out digital driving licences and vehicle registration certificates (RCs) across the state from September 15, allowing applicants to download the documents online and ending the wait for chip-based cards delivered by post.Announcing the initiative under Rule 110 in the Assembly on Wednesday, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay said the move was part of the government’s push for transparent and citizen-friendly delivery of services.Currently, applicants pay Rs 250 for chip-based driving licences and RCs, which are dispatched by post and can take anywhere between a week and a month to reach them. The government said the new digital system would eliminate this delay.Under the new system, buyers of new vehicles can download their digital RCs online after registration. Similarly, applicants who pass their driving test will receive their digital driving licence on the same day.The documents will carry QR codes, enabling government offices and other authorised agencies to instantly verify their authenticity electronically. The move is also expected to curb the use of fake documents.Another key advantage is that users can re-download and print their licences or RCs if the original copy is lost or damaged.As part of a broader overhaul of transport services, the government also announced plans to gradually introduce an “Anywhere Registration/Licensing” system across Tamil Nadu. This will allow people to apply for driving licences, vehicle registration and renewal of registration, and eventually access other transport-related services at any Regional Transport Office in the state, irrespective of their location.
KEY POINTS
- Digital driving licences and RCs to be introduced statewide from September 15
- Applicants can download documents online instead of waiting for postal delivery
- Those who pass their driving test will get a digital licence on the same day
- Digital RCs will be available for new vehicle buyers after registration
- QR code verification will help authorities detect fake documents
- Lost or damaged documents can be downloaded and printed again
- ‘Anywhere Registration/Licensing’ system to be rolled out in phases across Tamil Nadu
