Chennai, Sep 11 (PTI) The Tamil Nadu government will completely phase out physical Driving Lincences and Vehicle Registration Certificates (RCs) in favour of fully digital issuances starting from September 13, the government said.
Under the new system, citizens can download their digital DLs and RCs immediately upon passing their driving test or completing vehicle registration.
The major shift toward digital governance follows an official announcement made by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on September 2 under Rule 110 on the floor of the Legislative Assembly.
According to a government order (GO) dated September 10, the postal dispatch of physical smart cards will cease entirely after September 12, 2026. Transitioning under sections 211A and 215D of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the digital format aims to eliminate delays, curb duplicate documents, and enable real-time verification by law enforcement.
The key highlight of the digital transition inlcude download of digital certificates free of cost for the first year starting September 13, 2026, or until the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, are formally amended.
All digital documents will feature embedded QR codes linked directly to government databases via the mParivahan and DigiLocker platforms.
While digital copies are encouraged, citizens wishing to hold paper copies can print them on plain paper or in laminated form from the Parivahan portal. Government-approved e-Seva centres will also offer printing services for a standard fee.
Enforcement agencies and government bodies across Tamil Nadu will no longer demand physical smart cards after September 12.
Digital copies and clear paper printouts with scannable QR codes will carry total legal validity for all verification, approval, and enforcement purposes.
Any seizure, penalty logging, or endorsement action by authorities post-September 12 will be processed electronically directly on government databases in compliance with Central Motor Vehicles Rules. PTI JSP JSP ROH
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