Have you ever heard of smart card driving licence? In India, you generally get a smart card driving licence after you apply for a driving licence. The smart card driving licence is an improvised version of our old driving licence in India. Therefore, Smart card dl has more benefits than our old-paperback driving licence. Thus you should know process for smart card DL and its fees.
What is smart card driving licence?
SCDL is the short form of a smart card driving licence. It is a PVC DL with a microprocessor chip of 64kb embedded in it. Thus some’s it is called as chip driving licence. It looks like your regular debit Card or PVC Aadhar Card. The 64kb chip stores all the details of the driver in it. It also records and stores the biometric data of the driver like his retina scan, thumbprint, fingerprint, body markings and blood group. A copy of this data is stored in the RTO where you applied for smart card DL.
The Smart Card DL has three sections, namely:
- Visual Inspection Zone – It has all the personal details of the driver.
- Machine Readable Zone – It has all the vehicle and licence details of the driver.
- Central Motors Vehicle Zone – It contains information about past offences, traffic violations and defaults and so on.
The SCDL has so many details in its front and reverse side as shown in the picture. The Card Size is 85.6mm x 54.02 mm and its Thickness is 2–0.7 mm. This laminated Card with a QR code was introduced by the Central Motor Vehicles Act Amendment of 2018.
Benefits of smart card DL
Some of the benefits of Smart Card Driving Licence are:-
1. The Smart Card Driving Licence is tamper-proof. So, nobody can gain unauthorized access to the sensitive information stored in it.
2. It is light-weight and easy to carry.
3. The traffic personnel can easily decode your licence details by scanning your QR code. The card will also have records of old tickets, settlement date and disqualification period. It will improve law enforcement on roads.
4. The transport department will have all data of the driver. It will become useful when they need to catch repeat defaulters or offender.
5. Smart Card Details cannot be changed. So, it is a permanent proof of your identity.
6. The Smart Card comes with a number of security features like:
- Guilloche pattern
- Micro-printed text
- Micro line
- Ultra Violet fluorescing colour
- watermark
- Hologram below the top layer
All these make the Smart card DL unique, easy to identify and fully secure.
Eligibility criteria to apply for Smart Card Driving Licence
The table lists the eligibility criteria for Smart Card DL for each class of vehicle in India.
| Vehicle Type | SCDL Eligibility Requirement |
| Motorcycle with gear and an engine capacity of up to 50cc | Applicant must be at least 16 years old and have a consent letter from his guardians. |
| Motorcycles with gear and engine capacity exceeding 50cc | Applicants must be above 18 years old |
| Heavy commercial vehicles and transport vehicles | Applicant must have completed 8th Standard and be at least 18 years of age |
| Four-wheeler cars | Applicant must be 18 years or older. |
Where to apply for Smart Card Driving Licence?
You can apply for a Smart Card Driving Licence at your nearest RTO through Parivahan website. The RTOs issues a smart card driving licence now by default for new as well as renewal . You will not get old paperback Driving Licence any more.
Visit the RTO with necessary documents and photo. Submit them and pay the DL fee. Submit your biometrics. Take the DL test. If you pass in it, you will receive your smart card DL by registered speed post.
State-Specific Guidelines for Smart Card Driving Licence
Note: While the overall process of applying for a smart card driving licence is similar across India, specific requirements like fees, documents, appointment systems, and delivery timelines can vary slightly from state to state. Here’s a quick overview of some major states.
Maharashtra
- Application portal: https://transport.maharashtra.gov.in
- Most services are integrated via Parivahan, but some RTOs may still use local scheduling systems.
- Aadhaar-based verification is mandatory.
- Smart card delivery may take 7–15 working days.
Karnataka
- Application portal: https://transport.karnataka.gov.in
- First-time applicants must complete LL and DL tests through the Sakala portal.
- Additional biometric verification may be required at the RTO.
- Option for doorstep delivery available in select districts.
Delhi
- Application portal: https://transport.delhi.gov.in
- Driving licence services are fully digitized via Parivahan and Sarathi.
- Strict slot-booking system for RTO visits.
- Physical verification and Aadhaar authentication are mandatory.
Driving licence smart card fees
While applying for new driving licence , the total fees will be different. But you have to pay Rs. 200 as smart card driving Licence fees.
The total amount of fees for driving licence will be accordingly
| Services | Fees |
| Learning Licence Application | Rs 150/- |
| Learning licence test | Rs 50/- |
| Issue of Driving licence | Rs 200/- |
| Smart Card for Driving licence | Rs 200/- |
How to apply for smart card driving licence?
There are two main stages for applying license in India:
- Getting a learning license and
- Then apply for a permanent driving license.
Timeline of Smart Card Driving Licence Process
| Stage | Estimated Timeframe | Details |
| 1. Online Application Submission | Same day | Complete application via Parivahan portal or state-specific site. |
| 2. Appointment at RTO (LL/DL Test) | 3–15 days (depending on slot availability) | Appear for biometric verification and DL test at the RTO. |
| 3. DL Test Evaluation & Approval | 1–3 working days | If you pass, your DL is approved and sent for printing. |
| 4. Smart Card Printing & Dispatch | 5–7 working days after approval | Your DL is printed as a smart card with embedded chip. |
| 5. Delivery via Post | 5–10 working days (depending on location) | Delivered to your registered address via speed post. |
Learning License Online Apply
- First, go to the Parivahan Portal
- Click on Drivers/ Learners License
- And then you have to choose your state from the drop down
- Click on “Application for New Learner’s License”
- Fill out the learner’s license application form
- Click “Next” to proceed further
- Visit the Road Transport Office (RTO) on the scheduled date. Carry your original documents and the fee receipt.
Permanent driving license
- Visit Home (parivahan.gov.in).
- Choose your state.
- Select “Apply for Driving Licence”
- Read the steps and click on “Continue”
- Fill up your personal details.
- Upload the necessary documents and photo , signature as required by the website.
- Book a Driving Licence Test from the available slots in the calendar.
- Pay your SCDL fee and Verify your payment status.
- Print the form and the payment receipt.
- On the day of the Driving Test, visit the RTO where you applied for the DL Test.
- Take your Driving Test.
- If you pass in the DL Test, you will receive your Smart Card by Speed Post within a few days.
Documents required for Smart Card DL
The following documents are required to apply for a Smart Card DL:
- Age Proof like Voter ID/ Aadhar Card
- Address Proof like Voter ID/ Aadhar Card
- Photo Identity like Voter ID/ Aadhar card
Accessing Your Smart Card Driving Licence via Mobile Apps
You don’t always need to carry your physical smart card DL. The Government of India allows digital access to your driving licence through authorized apps. Here’s how to use them:
DigiLocker
DigiLocker is a government-approved platform where you can securely store and access your driving licence.
- How to access:
- Download the app from Google Play or App Store.
- Sign in using Aadhaar and OTP.
- Go to “Issued Documents” → Select Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
- Choose Driving Licence and enter your DL number.
The digital DL is valid as per the Motor Vehicles Act and accepted by traffic police across India.
UMANG App
UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) allows access to multiple government services, including driving licence retrieval.
- Steps to use:
- Download UMANG from Google Play or App Store.
- Log in and search for “Parivahan Sewa”.
- Select Driving Licence Services → Enter DL number to fetch details.
Handy for checking licence validity and personal info on the go.
mParivahan App
mParivahan, by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, gives real-time access to DL and RC info.
- How to use:
- Download the app from Google Play or App Store.
- Open the app and click on DL Search.
- Enter your DL number to fetch digital details.
- Save it to your dashboard wallet for quick access.
Digital copies shown via mParivahan are considered legally valid during checks by enforcement authorities.
DL smart card download
You can easily download the virtual Smart Card DL from Parivahan website, Umang app, Digilocker app.
FAQs
1. What is a Smart Card Driving Licence and how is it different from a regular driving licence?
A Smart Card Driving Licence (SCDL) is a PVC card with a 64kb microprocessor chip that stores personal, vehicle, and driving records. Unlike regular paper licences, it is secure, tamper-proof, and contains biometric data.
2. How can I apply for a Smart Card Driving Licence online in India?
You can apply via the Parivahan portal. Fill out the form, upload documents, pay the fees, book a test slot, and visit the RTO for biometric verification and driving test.
3. What documents are required for applying for a Smart Card DL?
- Age proof (e.g., Aadhaar, voter ID)
- Address proof (e.g., Aadhaar, voter ID)
- Photo identity proof (e.g., Aadhaar, voter ID)
4. What is the total fee for obtaining a Smart Card Driving Licence?
The total fee includes ₹150 for the learning license, ₹50 for the learning test, ₹200 for the permanent license, and ₹200 for the smart card.
5. Is Smart Card Driving Licence mandatory in India now?
Yes, smart card licences have replaced old paper licences as per the Central Motor Vehicles Act Amendment of 2018.
6. How long does it take to get the Smart Card DL after passing the test?
It typically takes 5–10 days after approval for the smart card to be printed and delivered via speed post.
7. What should I do if my Smart Card DL is lost or damaged?
Apply for a duplicate smart card at your RTO by submitting required documents and paying the applicable fee.
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