Nepal to Resume Smart License Printing Amid 2.5 Million Backlog

Nepal will resume printing smart driving licenses this Friday, following a nearly two-month halt caused by arson attack during the GENZ protests on September 8 and 9.

The country’s Department of Transport Management (DoTM) had to suspend operations after its printing machines were destroyed in the fire.

To restore the service, the government signed an agreement on October 30 with the Security Printing Center (SPC), a state-owned facility to take over production.

Under the agreement, the SPC will print and deliver 1.2 million smart licenses within six months as part of the first phase.

Nepal currently has a backlog of about 2.5 million pending license applications.

According to DoTM Director Keshav Khatri, it will take roughly a month for the Security Printing Center to fully prepare for large-scale production.

During this initial period, around 500 licenses per day will be issued.

Each smart driving license costs approximately 195 Nepali Rupees (about US$1.50) to produce.

Due to budget limitations, the first phase will prioritize applicants with urgent needs such as individuals traveling abroad for employment.