Delay in Issuing Driving Licenses & RC Due to Shortage of Smart Card at RTOs

A shortage of smart cards for vehicle registration certificates (RC) and driving licences is causing widespread delays at Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across the state. This has created significant inconvenience for vehicle owners, new licence holders, and those seeking licence renewals.

The issue stems from the expiry of the contract with the company responsible for supplying these smart cards. While temporary extensions were granted for one or two months after the long-term agreement ended, the extensions have since lapsed, resulting in the current impasse. RTO officials are also struggling to manage the situation, as the absence of smart cards has disrupted the timely delivery of printed documents.

Applicants who pass the driving licence test can access digital versions of their documents through DigiLocker, which are legally valid. The problem is particularly acute for rural residents, many of whom are unfamiliar with DigiLocker and rely heavily on physical copies of their documents. As a result, they frequently turn to RTO offices or agents for help.