Vehicle owners in Punjab can now carry digital copies of driving licenses and registration certificates

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, February 19

Advertisement

Now, vehicle owners have an option to carry digital copies of their driving licences (DLs) and registration certificates (RCs) in the state, as the Punjab Transport Department has allowed the electronic format of DLs and RCs.

Punjab Transport Minister Razia Sultana said driving licences and vehicle registration certificates can be produced through mobile apps — mParivahan and DigiLocker — if law enforcement authorities like the traffic police and RTOs will ask for these documents during on the spot inspection.

It will enable the vehicle owners not to carry the plastic cards or physical copies.

A letter has been issued by State Transport Commissioner to all Secretaries of Punjab State Regional Transport Authorities/SDMs and ADGP traffic to sensitise the checking staff of police department in this regard, said the cabinet minister, while asking the officials to ensure that “virtual” driving licences and vehicle registration certificates on smartphones will be authenticated on the spot verification.

Sultana directed that the information regarding allowing ‘virtual’ DLs and RCs should be put on the notice boards of the transport offices in the state to aware the general public.

Besides, realising the Digital Punjab drive, this system will also eliminate corruption and will help the people to avoid hefty fines in case of non-availability of hard copy of DL and RC, she added.

State Transport Commissioner Dr Amarpal Singh further informed that if anyone forgets driving licence/vehicle registration certificate at home or misplaced or waiting for delivery of printed smart chip DL or RC than no need to worry, just download the app mParivahan or DigiLocker and save your virtual DL or RC. This is now absolutely valid and can be shown at the time of checking.

He said the moment applicant’s RC or DL is approved by registering and licencing authority, he/she gets a message on phone about the approval and that can be downloaded in the app.