Highlights

• New driving license applications set to reopen this week

• Over 4.5 million license records recovered successfully

• Around 3 million pending licenses to be printed

• Online system restored after nearly six weeks of downtime

• 42 transport offices across Nepal ready to resume full service

Driving License Services Resume After Major System Recovery

After nearly two months of disruption, Nepal’s Department of Transport Management (DoTM) is preparing to reopen new driving license applications. The shutdown began on September 9 following severe damage caused by the recent GenZ movement protests.

Officials have confirmed that the department has recovered its full database and restored the online system. The technical groundwork is now complete, and authorities are carrying out final checks before reopening the application portal.

What Led to the Suspension of License Services

The suspension was the result of widespread damage at the DoTM headquarters during the protests. The incident destroyed servers, printers, computers, and key electronic systems, forcing the department to halt all services indefinitely.

DoTM’s IT Director, Keshav Khatriwada, explained that it took over six weeks to fully retrieve and restore data from both the Integrated Data Center in Singha Durbar and on-site hard drives. The recovery effort covered data from more than 4.5 million license holders across Nepal.

Online System Fully Restored and Ready for Applications

The DoTM’s online license system is now fully functional and secure. Final internal testing is underway, and officials say new applications could reopen any day this week.

“Our system rebuild and data recovery are done. We’re conducting final checks before launching the new license application service,” said Director Khatriwada.

Applicants will soon be able to submit their details online through the department’s official portal, marking the return of one of Nepal’s most essential digital services.

Replacing Equipment and Restoring Office Infrastructure

The fire and vandalism left most of the department’s office equipment unusable. In response, the DoTM has already procured new computers, printers, hard drives, and furniture, with support from other government agencies.

One of the two main buildings was completely destroyed, while the other is being repaired and repainted. Network systems and internal infrastructure are also being restored to ensure smooth operation when services resume.

Millions of Pending Licenses to Be Printed

The department faces a significant backlog, with about 3 million licenses waiting to be printed. These include both new applicants who passed the trial and those applying for license renewals.

On average, 6,000 to 7,000 applications are received daily across the country. With the system now back online, DoTM aims to clear the backlog steadily and streamline processing times through enhanced automation.

Nationwide Readiness Across 42 Transport Offices

Currently, 42 transport management offices are operating across Nepal. Each is being equipped with updated hardware and secure connectivity to the central server. This distributed setup ensures that license services can continue even in the event of future technical issues.

Officials believe the new digital framework will reduce downtime and provide faster, more reliable service for applicants nationwide.

Improved Data Protection and System Security

The DoTM has emphasized the need for stronger data security and disaster recovery protocols going forward. New safeguards have been introduced to prevent similar disruptions, including better backup systems and more resilient data storage infrastructure.

“We’re building a system that can withstand future crises,” said Khatriwada. “Our focus now is reliability and public trust.”

When to Expect the Application Portal to Reopen

All signs point to the new driving license application portal reopening within this week. Once live, the department will officially announce it through its online channels and regional offices.

Applicants are advised to keep an eye on official DoTM updates and prepare their documents in advance to avoid initial rush delays.

Nepal’s Department of Transport Management is nearly ready to restore one of its most vital public services. With data recovery complete, systems rebuilt, and infrastructure renewed, the nation’s driving license application process is set to reopen soon, offering improved efficiency, better security, and smoother service for all applicants.

---