KATHMANDU, APRIL 21 The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) has said the new smart driving licence system is more secure and practical, fully compliant with international ISO 7810 ID-1 standards- the same format used globally for credit cards - incorporating 39 distinct security features designed to prevent forgery and unauthorised use. The Ministry said the new licences mark a significant step toward self-reliance in the production of secure identity documents, reducing dependence on foreign technology and expertise. The new licences are built around an Intelligent QR (I-QR) system that allows traffic police and other regulatory authorities to verify a licence holder's identity and authorisation instantly by scanning the card, without requiring internet connectivity. This offline verification capability addresses a longstanding limitation of the previous system, which relied on smart chips that required card readers and online authentication infrastructure not consistently available across the country. The new licence incorporates 39 distinct security features across three tiers. The first includes visible elements such as metallic silver ink, a machine-readable zone (MRZ) and photo integration. The second incorporates features detectable only with specialised equipment, including UV ink and infrared-based security systems. The third tier comprises forensic-level protections, including digital signatures and proprietary electro-ink, examinable only in laboratory conditions. The entire production process operates on an end-to-end offline framework, substantially reducing the risk of data leaks or unauthorised access. The ministry said the system ensures personal data security in compliance with Nepal government privacy standards and that QR code validity is linked to the cardholder's eligibility status. Beyond driving licences, the government said the Security Printing Centre's expanded capacity will in future cover the production of air tickets, citizenship certificates, revenue stamps, worship entry stickers, and university certificates, among other security documents. The ministry acknowledged the support of the Department of Transport Management, the telecommunications sector and the broader public in the project, and said it remains open to feedback on printing and distribution. The Security Printing Centre currently prints licences within 24 hours of a candidate passing their driving test and paying the requisite fee. Of the backlog of old licences yet to be printed, 1.2 million will be cleared by Baisakh 12 and a further 1.7 million by mid-Ashadh.