Transport authorities in Tamil Nadu have started a new digital system for issuing driving licences (DLs) and registration certificates (RCs) online. The system began across the state on Wednesday, allowing people to access several transport-related services without having to depend entirely on visits to Regional Transport Offices (RTOs).
The services are being provided through the Sarathi and Vahan platforms. Tamil Nadu has already been using these centralised systems for driving licence and vehicle registration services, with the aim of making the process more convenient and transparent for citizens.
The new system follows an announcement made by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay in the Assembly. Officials said the move is intended to make it easier for people to apply for and access important documents digitally.
To help people understand the new process, assistance desks have been arranged at RTOs across the state. Officials at these desks will guide applicants on downloading digital driving licences, updating mobile numbers linked to their licences and using the mParivahan application.
People can also receive assistance with accessing their vehicle registration certificates and other related digital services. The department has also released guides and instructional videos online to explain the process step by step.
The digital system is expected to reduce the need for repeated visits to transport offices and make document-related services easier to access. Online government service platforms are already being used for a wide range of citizen services in Tamil Nadu.
However, some people with very old driving licences are facing difficulties while trying to renew their documents through the digital system. In particular, licences issued more than 20 years ago may require additional verification because older records may not be fully available in the current digital system.
Officials explained that the renewal of such old licences was previously handled by RTOs after checking the original records. The Central Government has also directed authorities to appoint special officers to handle these cases and reduce the possibility of fraudulent applications.
Transport officials said the process for renewing old licences is expected to improve as the system becomes more streamlined.
The move towards online DL and RC services is part of the wider effort to make transport services more digital and citizen-friendly. While some difficulties may remain during the transition, officials are working to help applicants understand the new system and resolve problems related to older records.