The much awaited Smart Card based driving licenses (SCDL) scheme was launched in the state by Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Akhilesh Yadav on 9th January 2013 at Lucknow. The project has been implemented in 20 districts of the state including Lucknow, Kanpur, Ghaziabad, Agra, Aligarh etc. in the first phase. The State Transport Minister, Shri Raja Aridaman Singh launched the SCDL in Agra on 15th January 2013. In Ghaziabad, Deputy Chairman GDA (Ghaziabad Development Authority) Shri Santosh Yadav launched the SCDL on 14th January 2013 while in Aligarh, Commissioner Shri Kuwar Vikram Singh and DIG Shri Prakash D started the services on 16th January 2013. The state government plans to roll out Smart Card based DL in the remaining districts of the state by April 2013.

With the launch of SCDL, the Transport Department of Uttar Pradesh has made the process of obtaining DLs simpler for the applicants. The new DL comes in a tamper proof plastic card with microprocessor chip embedded in it. The system also reduces chances of fake DLs as in the new scheme the applicants will have to be physically present before the authorities to submit their thumb impression, photo and signature. The details of the applicant will be digitized by using SARATHI software developed by National Informatics Centre.

A fee of Rs. 300 will be charged for issuing new SCDL and Rs .200 will be charged for converting old DL to the new SCDL.