Ditch the Paper! How to Keep Your Driving License on Your Smartphone
Tired of fumbling through your wallet for your driving license only to find it’s not there? We’ve all been there, and thankfully, the Indian government has introduced a convenient digital solution – keeping your driving license on your phone or downloading a soft copy. No more worrying about losing your license or carrying around bulky documents. This simple guide will show you how to easily access your driving license digitally, ensuring you’re always prepared on the road.
The Digital Revolution on the Road
In 2018, the Indian government took a significant step towards modernizing road safety and streamlining documentation by advising states to accept driving licenses and vehicle registration documents stored digitally, primarily in DigiLocker and the mParivahan app. This move aimed to eliminate the need for carrying physical copies, making life easier for drivers and road authorities.
How to Keep Your Driving License on Your Smartphone
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to keep your driving license digitally using DigiLocker:
1. DigiLocker Sign-up:
- Essential: Before you begin, you need to have a DigiLocker account.
- Easy Registration: Sign up for DigiLocker using your phone number and Aadhaar card.
2. Access Your Driving License:
- Log In: Visit the DigiLocker website and log in with your username and six-digit PIN. You’ll receive a one-time password (OTP) on your registered phone for verification.
- Find Your Documents: Once logged in, click the "Get Issued Documents" button.
- Search for Your License: Look for the term "driving license" in the search bar.
- Select Your State: Select the state government that issued your driving license or choose the "All States" option for a broader search.
- Enter Your Details: Enter your driving license number and click the "Get Document" button. Ensure you tick the checkbox to give DigiLocker permission to share your data with the issuer.
3. Retrieve Your Driving License:
- Document Retrieval: DigiLocker will now fetch your driving license from the relevant transportation department.
- Download or View: Navigate to the "Issued Documents" list to view your driving license. You can download a soft copy in PDF format by clicking the "PDF" button.
- Smartphone Access: Download the DigiLocker app for convenient access on your smartphone.
Alternatives to DigiLocker
If you prefer not to create a DigiLocker account, the mParivahan app offers an alternative solution:
- Download & Sign Up: Download the mParivahan app from Google Play or Apple’s App Store and create an account.
- Find Your License: Your driving license will be available under the "DL Dashboard" tab.
Benefits of Keeping Your Driving License Digital
Having your driving license digitally offers several advantages:
- Convenience: No more fumbling through your wallet or worrying about losing your physical license.
- Easy Access: Your driving license is always accessible on your phone, even if you forget to carry the physical copy.
- Security: Reduces the risk of theft or loss of your physical license.
- Environmental-friendly: Digital format eliminates the need for paper copies, promoting environmental sustainability.
- Verified Source: Documents stored in DigiLocker or mParivahan are directly linked to government records, guaranteeing authenticity.
Conclusion
Embracing a digital driving license is a simple yet impactful step towards a more convenient and secure driving experience. Whether you choose DigiLocker or mParivahan, these easy-to-use platforms ensure you have a valid and accessible digital copy of your driving license. With a few clicks, you can say goodbye to the hassle and worry of carrying physical documents. Remember, digital documentation is the future of road safety and convenience, making your journey smoother and stress-free.
