AP Vehicle Owners Get Relief: QR Code Smart Cards for DL & RC, Pending Cards to Be Delivered Soon
Vehicle owners in Andhra Pradesh have received a significant update from the state government. The Transport Department has decided to issue Driving Licences (DL) and Registration Certificates (RC) in the form of QR code-enabled smart cards. The move aims to enhance security, streamline verification, and clear the backlog of pending cards dating back to 2024.
Officials confirmed that all pending cards from October 2024 onwards will be printed and dispatched shortly. The government plans to invite tenders soon for large-scale printing of the smart cards and ensure delivery through the postal department.
What’s New in the Smart Cards?
The newly designed DL and RC cards will feature integrated QR codes. These codes will allow instant digital verification of vehicle and licence details when scanned by authorized personnel. The transition is part of a broader modernization effort within the Transport Department to align documentation with secure digital standards.
Both fresh applications and backlog cases will receive the upgraded smart cards. This ensures uniformity across the state’s vehicle and licence records.
Backlog from 2024 to Be Cleared
According to officials, a considerable number of DL and RC cards have remained pending since October 2024 due to supply and printing constraints. The new tender process will address this issue, and large-scale printing will begin once finalized.
Authorities estimate that across Andhra Pradesh, nearly 8,000 to 10,000 DL and RC cards are required daily. With streamlined printing and dispatch mechanisms, the department aims to stabilize issuance and prevent future delays.
Home Delivery Through Postal Department
The Transport Department will continue dispatching the smart cards via the postal department, ensuring direct delivery to applicants’ registered addresses. A combined fee of ₹235 is being collected per card.
- Card Printing Cost: ₹200
- Postal Charges: ₹35
Officials stated that the pricing has been structured to keep costs affordable while covering printing and logistics expenses.
Improved Verification & Security
The integration of QR technology enhances security and reduces the risk of document tampering. Traffic enforcement personnel can quickly scan the code to verify licence validity, vehicle ownership details, and registration authenticity.
The smart card format also improves durability compared to traditional laminated documents, making them more resistant to wear and tear.
Digital Modernization in Transport Services
The decision reflects the government’s push toward digitized public services. By standardizing QR-based verification, the Transport Department aims to reduce dependency on manual record checks and improve efficiency during traffic inspections and vehicle transactions.
Applicants who have been waiting since 2024 can expect updates once printing begins. Notifications regarding dispatch are likely to be communicated through official channels.
What Vehicle Owners Should Know
Vehicle owners and licence holders are advised to ensure that their registered address and contact details are accurate in Transport Department records. This will help avoid delivery issues once the cards are dispatched.
With QR code-enabled smart cards set to replace traditional formats, Andhra Pradesh joins the growing list of states adopting enhanced security features in vehicle documentation.
