In India, people used to have paper driving licenses, like a tiny diary or a booklet, which is not easy to restore for a long time or carry with you. Today, India is introducing a digital driving license, the Smart Card, which allows people to carry anywhere they want. If you hold a paper driving license, you can change it to a smart card immediately. In this article, we will show you a complete guide on how to change an old driving license to a smart card online. Read below to learn how to apply for a smart card driver’s license.
What is a Smart Card Driving License (SCDL)?
According to India, a Smart Card Driving License (SCDL), an upgraded version of the driving license, replaces the old book license. It is issued as a plastic card that contains a chip. This card stores all basic biometric information about a driver, such as the owner’s name, address, fingerprints, blood types, and retina scans. The RTO and ARTO can verify the information shown in the smart card driver’s license. With this compact and durable smart card, drivers don’t need to carry a booklet everywhere.
Who is eligible for a smart card driver’s license?
Since it is convenient for drivers to carry a smart card driver’s license, they can easily convert their old DL to the new format. However, they must meet the eligibility criteria to obtain a smart card driving license. Here you can check the SCDL eligibility requirements below according to the vehicle type you have.
- If applicants have a motorcycle with gear and an engine capacity of up to 50cc, they must be at least 16 years old and obtain a consent letter from their parents.
- If applicants have a motorcycle with gear and engine capacity exceeding 50cc, they must be over 18 years of age.
- Applicants with heavy commercial vehicles and transport vehicles must have completed Standard 8 and must be at least 18 years of age.
- If applicants have four-wheeled cars, they must be 18 years of age or older.
Required documents to transfer to a new driving license
If you are eligible to apply for a smart card driver’s license, you must prepare the necessary documents for DL. There are different documents required for Indian citizens and foreign citizens. Therefore, you must submit the correct documents to avoid rejection of the application.
Documents required for Indian citizens
- Proof of identity: Aadhar Card (mandatory), passport, PAN card, voter ID card, or any other government-issued identification.
- Proof of current address: This can be a utility bill, a lease agreement, or any other document showing your residence.
- Proof of age: It can be a birth certificate or other government-issued documents that contain your date of birth.
- Proof of health: You must show a medical certificate to prove that you are fit to drive if you are over 40 or have any physical or mental disabilities.
- Physical fitness statement certificate.
- Learner’s License: It is mandatory to have a valid learner’s license before you apply for a DL.
- Original Driver Licence
- A completed application form.
Documents required for foreign citizens
- VISA copy
- Medical certificate
- Passport copy
- Learner’s license
- Original driver licence
- A completed application form.
How to Change a Paper Driving License to a Smart Card Online
After you have prepared all the necessary documents, you can easily apply for a Smart Card Driving Licence (SCDL) online through Sarathi Parivahan website. Here you can follow the process to apply for an SCDL online:
- You can visit the Sarathi Parivahan website and select “Driving Licence Related Services” from the “Online Services” drop-down menu.
- Select DL Services (Replace DL/others) and click “Continue”.
- You need to choose your state, then the RTO.
- Select “Replacement of DL” and click “Process”. You need to fill out the form and file the return. This will generate the application slip.
- Upload the required documents, photo, and signature (if applicable).
- Book your appointment and pay the application fee. Once payment is made, you will receive the payment slip.
- Visit the RTO as scheduled for the test. Your biometric information, such as fingerprints, photos and signatures will be collected as part of the process.
- ● Wait to receive your SCDL by post.
When uploading the photo and signature, the size and type of digital photo must be correct, otherwise, the application may be rejected and you need a fresh process.
Can I apply for a smart card driving license offline?
Yes. If you are not applying for a Smart Card Driving Licence online, you can apply for a Smart Card Driving Licence (SCDL) in person at your nearest Regional Transportation Office (RTO). Here you can follow the steps below and complete the SCDL application process offline:
- You must prepare all the required documents as mentioned above, such as PAN card, AADHAR card (mandatory), learner’s license and driving tests.
- You must fill out an application form for a new SCDL at your local RTO and provide your personal information, such as name, address, date of birth.
- You must submit the application form and necessary documents to the RTO.
- You must pay the application fee for the SCDL.
- You can obtain your SCDL at the designated RTO.
You need to know that some requirements and steps may change depending on where you live. Before you apply for a smart card driver’s license, it’s a good idea to check with your local RTO or equivalent agency for more specific information.
How much does an SCDL cost?
When you convert a paper driver’s license to a smart card driver’s license, you will need to pay the license fee, which may cost you around ₹200. However, in some RTOs, they may charge you more on the application fee, so you should confirm the exact application fee with your local RTO.
FAQ:
Is a paper driving license still valid in India?
According to Indian rules, a paper driving license issued by RTO is valid for all purposes throughout India until its expiry date. This means that you can still show your paper driving license in India. However, once your paper expires, RTO will not issue paper licenses. So you will be given microchip embedded plastic card licenses instead.
How do I check the status of my driver’s license application?
After you have submitted the smart card driver’s license, you can check the status whenever you want. Here you can check the status with these steps:
- Visit Parivahan Sewa website and navigate to “Online Services”.
- Select “Driving Licence Related Services” and select “State”.
- Select “RTO” > “Online Application” > “Application Status” from the menu.
- You need to enter your application number and date of birth, then you will see the status of your application.
What to do if my Smart Card Driving Licence is lost?
After you have received your smart card driver’s license, you should keep it in a safe place. If you lose your Smart Card Driving Licence (SCDL), you must file a police report when you realize you have lost it. After you have filed the police report, you must apply for a duplicate SCDL. And you can go to your local Regional Transportation Office (RTO), fill out the application form and submit it along with other supporting documents, such as the police report. You also need to pay the application fee. Once the RTO has checked all submitted documents, it will process your application and issue the duplicate SCDL for you. To avoid the replacement application, you should put your smart card driver’s license away.
Can I change my name in the SCDL because it is misspelled?
Yes. If you find a spelling error on your name, you can change the name on your driver’s license (SCDL). Of course, when there is another error on your smart card driver’s license, you can visit the nearest Regional Transportation Office (RTO) and apply for a correction or duplicate driver’s license. Don’t forget to bring some supporting documentation to prove the change of name or address, such as birth certificates and passports and other government-issued documents.
Conclusion
From this article, you have known how to change paper driving license to smart card online. When you meet all the requirements and bring the necessary documents to the RTO, you will obtain a new smart card driver license. This SCDL offers you a more secure and convenient service, because it contains encrypted information which can’t be altered or duplicated easily. Besides it can be used as identification in most cases, such as crossing international borders, voting and obtaining other government services. Of course, it is also easy for police to check your identity which increases the efficiency of the traffic stops. If you still have a paper driver license, it is better for you change it into smart card as soon as possible.