Aadhaar to be mandatory for driving licence

In a move to check multiple driving licenses under one name, the Centre will ask states to make Aadhaar identification necessary for a new licence as well as for those seeking renewal.

This is expected to prevent the issuance of multiple licences, means adopted to beat the suspension of licence for traffic, criminal offences or for fake identity.

The Aadhaar number’s biometrics details will help prevent such practices. The new regime is expected to kick off from October this year, official sources said.

The Union road transport ministry has already started work to roll out the measure by incorporating the necessary changes. Since issuance of a driving licence is a state subject, the ministry will urge states to adopt this “safe system”, which will almost end the practice of people getting multiple licences from different regional transport offices (RTOs) in different states.