KATHMANDU: The Security Printing Center has begun printing driver’s licenses with QR codes from Friday, November 7, under an agreement with the Department of Transport Management (DoTM). In the first phase, the center will print 1.2 million licenses within six months.
Currently, the center is printing around 500 emergency licenses daily as provided by the department. To begin large-scale production, DoTM must first develop and supply personalized software containing license details to the center.
According to DoTM Director Keshav Khatiwada, preparations are underway to call for tenders to develop this software. “We are preparing to open a tender soon. Once the company is selected and the software is ready, mass printing will start,” he told MeroAuto.
Around 3 million licenses are pending for printing, including those of applicants who passed the trial or applied for renewal over the past four years. However, due to budget limitations, the department has only contracted the center to print 1.2 million licenses for now.
With printing work now underway, many applicants have begun asking who will receive their licenses first. Director Khatiwada said that the decision has not been finalized yet.
Two options are being discussed, either distributing based on application order (first or last applied) or prioritizing provinces with the highest backlog, such as Bagmati.
“It has not been decided yet who will be given the license first. Two models are being discussed by application order or by province with the most pending licenses,” Khatiwada said.
He added that the department plans to print the remaining 1.8 million licenses within the current fiscal year by requesting additional funds from the ministry.
As per the agreement, the printing cost per license is set at Rs 195.17 (excluding tax), meaning around Rs 400 million will be needed to complete printing of the remaining licenses.
