Khaberni - In the midst of the accelerated trend towards digital transformation and the elimination of paper transactions, many citizens in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan are eager to know whether the service of renewing driving licenses electronically is currently or soon available.
The step of renewing the license represents an essential part of the transactions for drivers and vehicles, and its presence in a digital format contributes to reducing the effort and time on the users.
In this article, we present the legal and procedural status of renewing driving licenses electronically at the Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Administration (Jordan), and clarify the advantages, expected steps, and possible obstacles.
What is the current situation in Jordan?
• According to media reports, the Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Administration in Jordan has announced that services for renewing driving and vehicle licenses will soon become fully electronic.
• In statements published by the press, Brigadier Engineer Omar Al-Quraan said that the service is still in the “testing and experimentation” phase within a testing environment, in preparation for a comprehensive launch.
• Sources also reported that text messages containing a link and special code will be sent to citizens upon the official launch of the service, enabling them to complete the renewal without visiting the licensing center.
• On the other hand, the Jordanian Licensing Administration website provides a list of several electronic services such as “Annual Driving Permit Renewal” and “Vehicle Permit Renewal” among others.
• However, whether the renewal of driving licenses electronically for all categories and whether it is now available to all citizens is not completely clear at the time of writing.
Why is this shift important?
• It contributes to reducing congestion at licensing centers and shortens waiting times.
• It enhances ease of access to the service from home or via a smartphone, which improves the user experience.
• It helps to reduce paper transactions, thereby contributing to lower administrative costs and improving efficiency.
• It is part of the Jordanian government's efforts to adopt “e-government” and connect digital services.
• It offers greater flexibility for drivers, especially those with busy schedules or living away from their places.
What are the challenges and considerations?
• Since the service is still “coming soon” according to statements, citizens may face delays or its immediate unavailability for all categories.
• The electronic renewal process may require verification of no traffic violations, or completion of technical inspection procedures for the vehicle or driving.
• Issues related to electronic payment methods and securing personal information and accounts.
• The need for digital infrastructure and technical knowledge among users on how to use the platform.
• The need to ensure awareness among citizens on how to use the service correctly.
What are the expected steps for electronic renewal?
Based on what has been announced and what is practiced in similar services, the following steps can be expected when the service is launched:
• User/driver registration on the electronic services portal of the Licensing Administration, and creation of a personal account.
• Receiving a text message or email containing a link and verification code to start the transaction.
• Logging into the account and selecting the “Driving License Renewal” service from the list of services.
• Entering the details of the current license (license number, category, expiry date, ...).
• Checking for no traffic violations or reservations on the license or vehicle—or updating them if found.
• Paying the required fees electronically via a bank card or electronic payment gateway.
• Choosing the method of receiving the license or delivery to the user's address (if available).
• Waiting for notification that the completed transaction is ready or that the new license is available.
• These steps are expected based on what has been announced, and details may differ at the time of actual implementation.
Why is the service still “coming soon” and not fully activated?
Several factors may explain the delay:
• The need to conduct trial tests and pilot models to ensure that the electronic system works properly.
• Ensuring the presence of legal and procedural coverage that definitively allows dealing with electronic licenses and monitoring payments and violations.
• Updating the technical infrastructure and linking it with traffic databases, violations, technical inspection, and insurance.
• Ensuring that users are prepared to use digital services, and that there is technical support for citizens.
What should the citizen do now?
• Follow the official website of the Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Administration for updates and announcements about the full launch of the process.
• Ensure that their information (such as email, mobile phone number) is updated with the traffic administration so that they receive the activation code upon launch.
• Settle any traffic violations or reservations on the license before the expected renewal date.
• Check the validity of the technical inspection for the vehicle or other conditions that may be mandatory at the time of renewal.
• Prepare electronic payment methods, and learn the expected registration steps on the platform.
In summary
1. Yes, the renewal of driving licenses electronically in Jordan is being planned and will be launched soon according to what has been announced by the Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Administration.
2. But as of the time of writing, the service has not been fully activated for all categories in the format that enables the citizen to renew without any paper review.
3. The Jordanian citizen achieves readiness on his part by following updates, settling violations, and preparing his digital data, to be ready when the service is launched and benefit from it. Thus, he will achieve the renewal of the driving license easily and smoothly.
