Ashoka Pillar to replace Vidhana Soudha on new Karnataka DL & RC smart cards from September

Karnataka to roll out hi-tech uniform Driving Licence and Registration Certificate smart cards under ‘One Nation One Card’ initiative, ending state-specific symbols.

Starting September-end, Karnataka will bid goodbye to state-specific Driving Licence (DL) and Registration Certificate (RC) cards as it adopts the Centre’s ‘One Nation One Card’ initiative. The new smart cards will no longer feature the iconic Vidhana Soudha but will carry the national emblem, Ashoka Pillar, ensuring a uniform look across India.

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The cards, embedded with secure chips, will be printed on polyvinyl material similar to ATM cards, making them tamper-proof, durable, and resistant to fading. Authorities believe this upgrade will significantly curb counterfeiting, a persistent issue with older versions.

Unlike the earlier decentralised printing system at RTOs, a new centralised facility in Shantinagar, Bengaluru, will handle state-wide production, backed by over 1,100 new machines, printers, and UPS systems.

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The redesigned DL will now carry details like name, date of birth, address, blood group, organ donation status, emergency number, and validity, while commercial drivers’ cards will feature badge details. The RC will list registration number, chassis, engine details, manufacturer, model, seating, load capacity, and loan provider details.

Officials highlight that the uniform format will make verification easier for police and transport authorities during accidents, theft investigations, and traffic violations. Vehicle details can already be accessed via the KSP app by entering a registration number.

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By adopting this hi-tech, centralised system, Karnataka aims to enhance security, streamline services, and provide citizens with smarter, safer, and standardised identity documents.

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