Vehicles and Driving Licenses: Aadhaar Mobile Number Update is Now Compulsory – Govt. Order

Introduction

Driving licenses, whether domestic or international, are essential for safe and lawful vehicle operations. In India, the government has recently mandated that linking Aadhaar with a registered mobile number is compulsory for driving licenses, including international driving permits. This decision aims to streamline verification, enhance transparency, and curb fraudulent activities related to licenses and vehicle ownership.

History of Driving Licenses in India

The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 laid the foundation for driving license regulations in India. Over the years, the system has evolved with digitization through platforms like Parivahan Sewa, making license applications, renewals, and international driving permit issuance more accessible. Earlier, documentation relied heavily on physical records, which led to loopholes and misuse. The integration of Aadhaar and mobile updates is part of a broader initiative under the government’s Digital India campaign.

Why the New Rule?

The government’s decision to mandate Aadhaar-mobile linking with driving licenses is largely based on:

• Fraud Prevention: Many duplicate or fake licenses were detected during audits.

• Single Identity Verification: Aadhaar ensures authenticity and helps unify databases.

• Ease of Governance: Linking licenses with Aadhaar helps in creating a centralized system for penalties, permit renewals, and cross-state validation.

• Transparency in International Driving Permits: When applying for an international driver’s license, Aadhaar-based verification reduces misuse and accelerates approval.

Process for Aadhaar-Mobile Number Update

• Visit the official Parivahan Sewa website or state RTO portal.
• Log in with your driving license details.
• Select the option to link/update Aadhaar and mobile number.
• Enter Aadhaar details, OTP received on mobile, and submit.
• Once verified, your license is Aadhaar-linked for future use.

Latest Updates

• Mandatory for International Driving Permit: No international driving license will be issued without Aadhaar-linked verification.

• Integration with DigiLocker: Licenses can now be stored digitally and validated through Aadhaar.

• Upcoming Smart Cards: States are introducing smart chip-based driving licenses for better tracking.

Future Benefits

• One Nation, One License: Centralized system to use driving data across states.

• Global Recognition: Aadhaar-linked international driving permits will be harder to forge, increasing credibility abroad.

• Faster Services: Reduced processing time for renewals, permits, and tests.

Key Points

• Aadhaar-mobile update is compulsory for both domestic and international licenses.

• Online linking process simplifies verification.

• Fraudulent license cases expected to decline.

• Integration with DigiLocker makes it easier to carry documents.

Positives

• Enhanced security and transparency.

• Reduced corruption in RTOs.

• Convenience of online application and verification.

• Better monitoring of traffic violations.

Negatives

• Data privacy concerns due to Aadhaar linkage.

• Rural citizens with limited digital literacy may face challenges.

• Technical glitches during online verification can cause delays.

Significance

This move represents a critical step toward a more transparent and efficient driving license system. It connects vehicles, drivers, permits, and governance under a single digital umbrella. The significance lies not just in modernization but also in building global credibility for Indian drivers.

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

The government’s decision to mandate Aadhaar-mobile updates for driving licenses and permits reflects its mission of eliminating fraud and bringing uniformity in the transport system. While it raises valid concerns over data privacy and accessibility, the advantages in terms of efficiency, safety, and international acceptance outweigh the drawbacks. In the coming years, this reform will pave the way for a streamlined, secure, and globally recognized licensing system, benefitting both domestic drivers and those seeking international driving permits.