Transport dept clarifies eDL, eRC rollout
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 21 2025: Directorate of Transport has clarified that the move to implement electronic Driving Licences (eDL) and electronic Registration Certificates (eRC) is in line with Central government directives and aimed at public convenience through reduced physical interface.

In a press release issued on Friday, the department responded to concerns raised in local newspapers over the shift from smart card-based documents to electronic formats.

It stated that the decision to discontinue the issuance of smart card-based Driving Licences and Registration Certificates is in compliance with guidelines from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

The department explained that the move is supported by MoRTHs notification dated November 2, 2018, under the Central Motor Vehicles (Fourteenth Amendment) Rules, 2018.This amendment to Rule 139 allows vehicle owners, drivers, and conductors to present motor vehicle-related documents in either physical or electronic form.

In keeping with this directive, the Directorate of Transport had earlier issued notifications enabling the acceptance of DL, RC, and other documents in digital form, accessible via the DigiLocker and mParivahan mobile applications.

A notification issued on March 17, 2023, reiterated that enforcement agencies in the state will validate digital documents in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure issued by MoRTH on December 17, 2018.Under the new system, the eDL and eRC will be issued in PDF format.

These documents can be stored digitally on mobile phones, accessed through the designated mobile apps, or printed anytime front anywhere, including from home or a computer service centre.

The department highlighted that these electronic versions are legally valid, securely coded, and fully compliant with the Motor Vehicles Act.

The statement further said that the initiative is part of the broader Digital India Pro gramme and aims to reduce the need for physical visits to the department's offices.

It also aligns Manipur with other states such as Assam, Kerala, Rajasthan, and Odisha, which have already adopted the eDL and eRC system.

The department urged the public not to be misled by misinformation or unfounded claims about the e-document system and assured that the concerns of all stakeholders will be addressed during the transition.

It reiterated its commitment to providing efficient and citizen-friendly services in the digital era.

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