Bagmati and Nationwide Shift to Digital Licence and Vehicle Registration

Bagmati Province, in coordination with the federal government, is advancing a major overhaul of driving licence and vehicle-related services, focusing on online systems, digital documents, and reducing physical visits to transport offices. This initiative is part of a broader nationwide effort to digitise transport services.

Key changes for drivers and vehicle owners

• Bagmati Province is preparing to print and distribute driving licences from provincial offices instead of relying solely on federal printing centres. Nationwide, the government has implemented electronic driving licences (EDL) and vehicle registration systems (VRS), allowing applicants to handle most processes online, from applications to health checks and renewals.
• The government plans to upgrade the driving licence and vehicle registration systems and link them with the National ID database to improve verification and record-keeping. The new system mandates the use of national ID, mobile numbers, and email IDs for personal licences and PAN numbers for company-registered vehicles.

Online tests and face-to-face contact reduction

Bagmati plans to redesign the licence testing process to make it more transparent and less dependent on personal contact.

• The written driving licence test is planned to move fully online, reducing paperwork and manual checking. Nationwide, health tests for licences can be conducted by registered doctors, with a maximum fee of 150 NPR, and results are directly entered into the system.
• The practical (trial) test is targeted to become more automated, using technology-based procedures for vehicle assessment.
• Management of written and practical exams will be handled separately to minimise chances of collusion, according to the budget announcement.

Digital cards, QR codes, and e-payment of vehicle tax

For vehicle owners, the province is working on replacing traditional paper documents with digital options.

• The existing vehicle registration certificate (blue book) is planned to be converted into a QR-code based smart card. Nationwide, citizens can now pay fees and taxes through various online channels like mobile banking and e-wallets.
• Driving licence and vehicle tax payments are to be shifted to electronic payment channels, so owners can pay renewal fees and taxes without visiting the office.

Integration with Nagarik app and mobile services

In coordination with the federal government, Bagmati aims to connect transport services with national digital platforms.

• Key transport office services will be linked with the Nagarik (Citizen) app, making them more accessible on mobile phones. This follows earlier federal and provincial moves to show digital driving licences and blue books within the Nagarik app, allowing users to present documents on their phones instead of carrying physical cards.

Better facilities at transport offices

While pushing services online, Bagmati also plans to improve the physical experience at transport management offices.

• The province has allocated funds for digital displays, token systems, drinking water, organised waiting areas, clean toilets, and basic furniture.

Vehicle testing centres for public transport

To improve road safety and the condition of older vehicles, Bagmati plans to set up automated vehicle testing centres.

• Public transport vehicles will undergo regular mechanical inspections under a more scientific and modern system.

For Nepal AutoMart readers, the key point is that Bagmati Province and the nation are moving towards fully digital licence and vehicle tax services, with QR-code smart cards, mobile access via the Nagarik app, and fewer long lines at transport offices. Vehicle owners should watch for detailed implementation timelines and new online portals as these changes roll out.