Chennai, Sept 12:
Tamil Nadu will move to a fully digital system for issuing driving licences (DLs) and vehicle registration certificates (RCs) from September 13, with the government discontinuing the printing and postal dispatch of the documents after September 12.
Under the new system, DLs and RCs will be available for download on the same day the driving test is completed or the vehicle is registered.
The digital documents will carry QR codes linked to the original records in government databases through m-Parivahan and DigiLocker. This will enable authorities to verify the documents in real time and help prevent duplicate or fraudulent documents.
The downloadable DLs and RCs will be available free of cost for the first year from September 13, or until the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 are amended, whichever is earlier. Any fee thereafter will be as prescribed under the amended rules.
The documents can be downloaded from the Parivahan portal and printed on plain paper or laminated, with such printouts being treated as valid documents provided the QR code is clearly visible and can be scanned.
For those who prefer a physical copy, printing facilities will be available at government e-Seva centres from September 15. Prescribed service charges will apply.
The government order also directs government departments, public bodies and other concerned agencies not to insist on the physical DL or RC formats issued up to September 12. Digital documents or clear printouts must be accepted wherever driving licences and registration certificates are required for filing, verification, approval, authentication, payment or enforcement.
Any seizure, authentication or recording of penalties relating to DLs and RCs after September 12 will also have to be carried out electronically through the relevant government databases.
The Transport and Road Safety Commissioner has been directed to coordinate with the National Informatics Centre and make the necessary changes to the m-Parivahan portal to ensure a smooth transition to digital issuance.
The move follows Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s announcement in the Assembly on September 2.