Jordan phases out plastic driver’s licences in digital ID expansion

Jordan’s ongoing national digital transformation has reached the transport sector as driver’s licenses, vehicle certificates and permits have ceased being issued in paper or plastic form.

The reform, which went operational on August 2, will become mandatory as from January next year, the government news agency Petra reports.

An announcement issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Department (DVLD) last month said driver’s licenses and permits, vehicle registration, and instructor permits will be the sole legally recognized documents in the new dispensation.

The department said all those who do not yet have a digital driver’s license after August 2 can create an account using the Sanad digital ID application to be able to access their documents. Alternatively, applicants can use the DVLD’s portal to receive a PDF copy of their document with a QR code via SMS. Users have also been told to visit DVLD offices for any support they need.

Cash payments for licenses and other transport sector documentation have also ceased. Only approved digital payment methods will henceforth be used, according to Royal News.

The switch to a digital format for transport documents by Jordan is the latest in a series of moves aimed at mainstreaming digital ID into practical use cases in the country.

Since the start of this year, Jordan has seen a progression from legal recognition of digital ID to its expansion into everyday government credentials and services. It all began in February with Cabinet endorsing amendments to the Civil Status Law to give digital ID official legal recognition alongside the physical national ID.

The move was presented as part of the country’s broader digital-transformation agenda and was intended to provide a legal basis for citizens to use digital identity in official transactions. In April, digital ID for access to public services was made mandatory.

So far, the ongoing digital ID modernization efforts have led to high digital adoption in the country, officials said last month, with the digital government rate put at more than 85 percent. This comes as the number of Sanad digital ID users has continued to grow, together with use cases for citizens both at home and abroad.

Like Jordan, many other countries have been phasing out physical identity and licensing documents in favor of secure digital alternatives.

Article Topics

digital government  |  digital ID  |  government services  |  iris biometrics  |  Jordan  |  Sanad