Highlights

• Driving licenses with less than one year validity will not be printed

• Over 2.5 million pending licenses in backlog

• Phase 1 printing of 12 lakh licenses underway with distribution in five months

• Provincial governments asked to provide renewal concessions for affected drivers

Department of Transport Management Updates License Printing Rules

The Department of Transport Management in Nepal has introduced a new policy to manage the growing backlog of driving licenses. Licenses with only one year remaining before expiration will no longer be printed. The decision comes as part of efforts to reduce redundant processing and ensure more efficient resource management.

Large Backlog of Pending Licenses

Currently, over 25 lakh driving licenses are pending printing. Most of these have a five-year validity period. Some applications submitted four years ago are still awaiting printing. Printing licenses with only one year of validity would require immediate renewal, adding unnecessary administrative work. The department has therefore decided to prioritize licenses with more than one year of remaining validity.

Printing Phase and Distribution Timeline

Phase 1 of printing has already started at the secure printing center with 12 lakh licenses in process. The department plans to complete distribution of these licenses within the next five months. Licenses with more than one year of validity will continue to be printed and delivered efficiently.

Estimated Numbers of Licenses Not Printed

Exact figures for licenses with only one year of validity are not yet available. Preliminary estimates suggest around 50,000 licenses are affected. With an additional 13 lakh licenses still pending, the number of affected drivers may rise. Delays in printing have caused situations where some applicants may need to pay again to renew their licenses.

Provincial Collaboration for Renewal Support

To ease inconvenience for drivers affected by the new rule, the Department of Transport Management is coordinating with provincial governments. Provincial authorities handle vehicle taxes, fees, and registration, and are being requested to provide concessions or support during license renewal for affected drivers.

What Drivers Need to Know

• Licenses with less than one year validity will not be printed

• Licenses with more than one year remaining will be printed and delivered

• Phase 1 includes 12 lakh licenses and will finish in five months

• Provincial support may help drivers during renewal

This policy ensures more efficient license management in Nepal while minimizing unnecessary costs and repeated processing. Drivers are encouraged to check their license validity and plan renewals accordingly.