Years-Long Smart License Backlog Cleared As Government Promises New Cards Within 24 Hours
Nepal has completed the printing of all 2.7 million pending smart driving licenses, bringing an end to a backlog that had delayed card distribution for years. The government says newly approved licences will now be printed within 24 hours of receiving applicant details from the Department of Transport Management, aiming to significantly improve public service delivery.
The Government of Nepal has completed the printing of 2.7 million pending smart driving licenses, ending a backlog that had built up over several years. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology after the second phase of the printing project concluded on July 16, with officials stating that new licence applications received from the Department of Transport Management will now be processed and printed within 24 hours to improve public services.
Two-Phase Printing Project Completed
The backlog was cleared through two separate agreements between the ministry, the Security Printing Centre, and the Department of Transport Management. The first phase delivered 1.2 million licences, while the second phase produced an additional 1.5 million, bringing the total number of printed smart licenses to 2.7 million.
New Licences To Be Printed Faster
According to the ministry, the Security Printing Centre currently receives around 3,000 to 5,000 applicant records each day from the Department of Transport Management. Officials say these licenses are now being printed and handed over within a day, a move expected to reduce waiting times and make licence distribution more efficient.
Domestic Printing Capacity Set To Expand
The government also plans to work with all seven provincial governments and their transport ministries to strengthen coordination for future license printing. Authorities believe expanding the system nationwide will help maintain quicker service and prevent another large backlog from developing.
Focus Shifts To Other Secure Documents
Beyond driving licenses, the Security Printing Centre is preparing to produce additional government documents within Nepal, including citizenship certificates, national identity cards, excise stickers, postage stamps, and land ownership certificates. Officials say local production could reduce spending on overseas printing while supporting domestic investment, creating jobs, and improving the reliability of public services.
Published 11 hours ago in Politics