Lucknow, Sept. 21 -- The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has clarified that Driving Licences (DLs) and Registration Certificates (RCs) may continue to be issued in laminated card form without a chip or smart card, in accordance with the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

The clarification comes in response to a query from the Uttar Pradesh government seeking confirmation on whether smart card issuance is mandatory for all RCs and DLs. The ministry's letter noted that while the smart card format is permissible, physical cards without chips or smart card features can still be issued, including for applicants who prefer them.

In a letter, principal secretary (Transport) Amit Gupta referred to the Centre's earlier com...