Ahmedabad Mandates Mobile Number For Licence And Vehicle Registration
In a decisive move to streamline its transport database, the state transport department has made it mandatory for all vehicle owners and driving licence holders in Ahmedabad to update their mobile numbers through Aadhaar authentication. The directive, issued under the guidance of the Union road transport ministry, is expected to tighten compliance, improve digital communication and strengthen service delivery for millions of road users.
From now on, individuals seeking any changes to their driving licence or registration certificate must first ensure that their mobile number is linked with the official portals — Vahan for vehicles and Sarathi for licences. This includes routine services such as renewal, address change, issue of duplicate copies, addition of vehicles, or clearing hypothecation. Without a valid mobile number, applications will not be processed.
Transport officials said the decision will also help resolve inconsistencies between Aadhaar records and licence details, particularly in cases where the registered address or name varies. Citizens facing such mismatches will be required to update their credentials at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) before proceeding further. Officials have already begun issuing alerts to drivers and vehicle owners via text messages, urging them to complete the mandatory linkage.
The wider objective of this reform is to make road transport systems more transparent and accountable. By linking a verified mobile number with every licence and registration, authorities will be able to issue reminders for renewals, send alerts on penalties, and prevent individuals from evading fines by changing phone numbers or addresses. Future plans include making all address changes strictly Aadhaar-based, ensuring a single verified identity for every transport user. Experts note that while the immediate change may cause inconvenience to those unfamiliar with digital platforms, the long-term benefits far outweigh the hurdles. Linking mobile numbers will reduce fraud, curb the use of fake identities, and enhance road safety compliance. More importantly, the move aligns with India’s broader agenda of digital governance, where mobility services are increasingly shifting online to reduce paperwork and physical visits to RTOs.
Urban planners also believe the measure can support the city’s wider sustainability goals. With reliable contact information, authorities will be able to communicate better during emergencies, issue advisories on pollution control, and connect drivers with eco-friendly initiatives such as electric vehicle adoption. For a rapidly urbanising city like Ahmedabad, efficient digital tracking of vehicles and licences is seen as a crucial step towards building a more sustainable and equitable transport ecosystem. As the transition takes effect, the success of the reform will rest on how quickly citizens adapt and how effectively the government supports them through awareness drives, grievance redressal and accessible digital platforms.
