Mangaluru: A shortage of smart cards for vehicle registration certificates (RCs) and driving licences is causing significant delays across Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Karnataka, leaving applicants frustrated. The situation has created hurdles for new vehicle owners, licence seekers, and those applying for renewals.
The problem stems from the expiration of a contract with the vendor responsible for supplying smart cards. While short-term extensions were granted for a few months after the main contract ended, these agreements have now lapsed, halting card distribution entirely.
RTO staff are also struggling as they cannot deliver printed documents on time, further complicating their work. Vishwanath Ajila, RTO officer of Puttur, explained that applicants can access their driving licences and RCs digitally through DigiLocker after their photo and signature are uploaded. These digital versions are legally valid.
However, the reliance on DigiLocker poses challenges for rural applicants, many of whom are unfamiliar with digital tools and prefer printed cards. They often turn to RTO offices or agents for help.
The shortage has persisted for over a month, with some applicants waiting for their printed licences since late October. Temporary paper RCs, introduced in 2022 as an alternative, have proven fragile and unsuitable for long-term use. Smart cards were expected to resolve these issues, but their unavailability has again slowed processes.
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