DoTM Discusses Halting Printing of Driving Licenses With Less Than One-Year Validity

 

Kathmandu. The Department of Transport Management (DoTM) has initiated discussions on halting the immediate printing of QR-enabled driving licenses that have less than one year of validity remaining.

The proposal comes in the context of extending driving license validity from five years to ten years, with officials saying that printing short-term licenses may no longer be practical or cost-effective.

According to DoTM IT Director Keshav Khatiwada, nearly 300,000 driving licenses are still pending printing, with a significant number of applicants currently residing abroad.

He said delivery delays often mean licenses reach service recipients after a substantial period, by which time their validity may already be close to expiry.

“We have not made a decision yet; this is still under discussion,” Khatiwada said. “Around three lakh licenses are yet to be printed. A large number of Nepalis are abroad for foreign employment. If licenses are issued to those who are outside the country, by the time they receive them, the validity period may already be over. This becomes an unnecessary financial burden on the state.”

He added that the department is considering issuing a full 10-year license at the time of renewal instead of printing short-validity cards.

Khatiwada said the approach could reduce government expenditure while also improving convenience for service recipients. However, he clarified that if any applicant specifically requests a physical card for the remaining validity period, the department will continue to provide it.

Currently, driving licences are also available in digital form through the Nagarik App and are legally recognized, which the department says supports the move toward reducing unnecessary physical printing.

Officials said the proposal is still under discussion and no final decision has been made.

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