The Telangana Regional Transport Authority (RTA) has started issuing smart cards with an embedded electronic chip after receiving complaints from other states. Last year, the RTA had to issue driver’s licenses (DL) and certificates of registration (RC) without the chip due to a shortage and difficulties in importing. This resulted in around five lakh DLs and RCs pending issuance.
Motorists traveling to other states with these documents faced difficulties as the lack of a chip made the cards appear counterfeit. Police and other authorities even seized vehicles carrying these cards. The Telangana Auto and Motor Welfare Union raised concerns about the inconvenience caused to motorists.
After 11 months, the RTA has finally started issuing documents with electronic chips embedded. This measure aims to prevent the use of fake or duplicate DLs and RCs. An electronic driver’s license is an official document that contains the holder’s personal data, both biographical and biometric, for verification.
