KATHMANDU, March 4: Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal announced that provincial governments will start printing driving licenses from July 17, 2025.
At a meeting on Tuesday with transport ministers and secretaries from all seven provinces, Minister Dahal urged provinces to decide whether to purchase machines to print license cards or buy the cards directly. He said that Bagmati and Koshi provinces have already taken steps in this direction and called on other provinces to follow suit.
He stressed the need to print 2.5 million licenses by mid-October to mid-November, pointing out that only 550,000 have been printed so far, leaving 1.9 million still to be processed.
He said, "From July 17, you will take full responsibility. Decide whether to buy machines or purchase cards—it is your decision. Will you buy the cards or the machines? You must make the choice. Determine what needs to be done to ensure a smooth process. You committed to producing 900,000 licenses but delivered only 150,000. Bagmati has made significant progress, while Koshi has also taken steps by distributing temporary licenses.
The driving license issue has posed a serious challenge. The minister from Koshi Province said, “We must resolve this matter immediately. From July 17 onward, provinces must fully take over the responsibility of printing driving licenses. By mid-October to mid-November, we must print 2.5 million licenses. So far, we have printed only 550,000, leaving 1.9 million still pending. If we fail to manage this properly, the Nepal government will face a significant financial risk, which we must prevent."
He stated that failing to complete the printing of licenses would result in significant financial losses for the government.