New Rules for Driving Licences: The central government has launched a new initiative to make services related to driving licences (DL) in the country more accessible, transparent, and time-bound. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has released a draft proposing amendments to the driving licence rules. It includes a proposal to make certain services—such as updating one’s address, mobile number, or email ID on a licence—free of charge. Additionally, plans are in place to establish fixed timelines for the processing of applications and to simplify the online application procedure.
The Ministry has invited suggestions and objections regarding this draft from the general public and relevant stakeholders over the next 30 days. At present, these changes are merely proposed; the final provisions to be implemented will be clarified following the government’s subsequent review process.
- Updating address, mobile number, and email on a driving license (DL) will be free of charge
According to the proposed rules, no fee will be charged for changing or updating the address, mobile number, or email ID on a driving license. The objective is to encourage individuals to keep the information recorded on their licenses updated in a timely manner.
- No fee for Aadhaar-based online authentication
The government has proposed making services that utilize Aadhaar-based online authentication—accessed via the ‘Sarathi’ portal or other digital platforms—free of cost. This is expected to provide relief to those who avail of license-related services through online channels.
- Timeframes to be set for processing applications
To prevent unnecessary delays in procedures related to driving licenses, the draft proposes establishing specific timeframes for officials to act on applications. The following provisions have been outlined for various services:
Changes to name or other essential details: It is proposed that a decision on the application be made within 15 days.
Change of address: If the relevant department fails to make a decision on an application within 30 days, a provision is proposed under which the application would be deemed automatically approved.
Removal of a vehicle category: It is proposed that an application to remove a specific vehicle category from a license be processed automatically within seven days.
These provisions aim to make license-related operations more accountable and time-bound.
- Introduction of a new ‘Form 2A’ to simplify the application process
The draft also proposes the introduction of a new ‘Form 2A’ for various driving license-related services. This is intended to simplify the application process for services such as license renewal, obtaining a duplicate license, or adding a new vehicle category to an existing license.
Furthermore, a system is proposed to ‘auto-fill’ certain existing information when applying via the ‘Sarathi’ portal. This would reduce the need for users to repeatedly enter the same information. 5. Electricity and LPG bills to serve as proof of address
To simplify the process regarding address-related documentation, it is proposed that electricity bills and domestic gas (LPG) bills be accepted as proof of address. A condition has been set that the bill in question must not be more than three months old.
If this provision is implemented, it could make it easier for applicants to provide alternative documents as proof of address.
- Option for emergency contact and organ donor status
The proposed changes include a provision to make the inclusion of an ’emergency contact’ mandatory in the driving license application form. This would assist in reaching the individual’s family members or a designated contact person in the event of an accident or any other emergency.
Additionally, there is a proposal to include an option in the application form for individuals to voluntarily register as organ donors.
New rules currently in the proposal stage
The objective of this draft from the Central Government is to make services related to driving licenses digital, simple, and transparent. However, these changes should currently be viewed only as proposals. The Ministry will invite suggestions and objections, and subsequently complete the remaining procedures.
