Nepal Extends Driving License Validity to 10 Years

Overview

In a significant policy update, the Government of Nepal has officially extended the validity of driving licenses from 5 years to 10 years. This change was enacted through an amendment to the Motor Vehicles and Transport Management Act 2049 and is now legally effective following its publication in the Nepal Gazette.

This move aims to reduce the administrative and logistical burden on drivers, who until now were required to renew their licenses every five years. The new regulation is expected to streamline services at the Department of Transport Management and enhance user convenience.

Key Legislative Amendment

The amendment is detailed in Clause 23 of the newly published law titled An Act to Amend Certain Nepal Acts. It states:

“In Sub-clause (3) of Clause 56, the words ‘for a period of five years’ have been replaced with ‘for a period of ten years’.”

With this change, the licensing authority will now issue driving licenses valid for a full decade.

Impact on Drivers

This new 10-year validity period means:

Drivers no longer need to renew their licenses every five years.
It reduces the frequency of administrative visits to transport offices.
It aligns Nepal’s licensing period more closely with international standards.

According to officials, the revised validity aims to streamline services at the Department of Transport Management and enhance user convenience. “The amendment eases the process for vehicle owners and reduces repeated paperwork,” said a government spokesperson after the legal notice was gazetted.

Background: Previous Driving License System

Previously, under the Motor Vehicles Act 2049, driving licenses in Nepal were issued with a validity of five years, requiring drivers to undergo a renewal process after expiry. The renewal typically involved documentation, health checks, and fees, leading to congestion in licensing offices and service delays.

What This Means Going Forward

With the 10-year license duration now legally in effect, all new driving licenses issued from the effective date will follow the updated timeline. Existing license holders are expected to benefit from the change during their next renewal cycle.

For more information on the process of obtaining a driving license in Nepal, check out our detailed guide on the process of getting a driving license in Nepal.