Prayagraj: Vehicle owners in Uttar Pradesh will no longer have to rely on conventional paper-based registration certificates (RCs), as the state transport department will soon introduce ATM card-sized smart registration cards equipped with electronic chips and QR codes even for old vehicle owners.The new system came into effect on Aug 1 and is mandatory for all newly purchased vehicles. Existing vehicle owners will also be able to replace their paper RCs with the new smart cards by applying online through the transport department’s vehicle portal.Officials said the initiative has been introduced to enhance security, simplify the verification process and prevent damage or loss of important vehicle records.Unlike traditional paper certificates, the new RCs are made of durable plastic and are similar in size and appearance to debit or credit cards. Each card contains an embedded electronic chip and a QR code that can be scanned by officials from the transport department and traffic police to instantly access vehicle details.According to ARTO (administration) Vijay Singh, the smart cards will store information such as the vehicle’s registration number, engine and chassis numbers, fuel type and the owner’s name and address in an encrypted digital format.After applicants complete the online process and pay the prescribed fee, the new cards will be delivered directly to their registered addresses.“Vehicle records will remain safer with the new system, while verification and inspection procedures will become much easier. The electronic chip and QR code will enable transport and traffic officials to obtain complete details of a vehicle within seconds,” Singh said.Officials believe the new technology-driven system will help reduce paperwork and ensure quicker access to information, making the process more convenient for both vehicle owners and enforcement agencies.After the state govt launches the facility for old vehicle users, they can apply for the same on the portal along with the prescribed fee, and the card will be delivered to their home address.
