New Driving Licence
1. Why do we need to replace the existing driving licence?
The current licence, being made of paper, is easily torn and damaged. There is no photograph to identify the licence holder. Its size also makes it inconvenient to carry around.
2. What are the features of the photocard licence?
The photocard licence will have a photograph of the licence holder, and will contain the following information :
- Name
- Date of birth
- Licence No.
- Classes of vehicles licensed to drive
- Pass date (refers to date licence holder sat for and pass their driving test)
- Date of issue
- Date of expiry (only for licences issued to foreigners who are staying in Singapore on immigration passes such as employment passes, work permits, student passes and dependent passes.)
3. What are the benefits of the new photocard licence?
The photocard licence will be credit card sized, making it easy to fit inside standard sized wallets. It will be made of a more durable material, and will contain a colour photograph of the licence holder for easy identification. It will have both visual and hidden security features to prevent tampering and forgery.
4. When will the photocard licence be implemented?
The photocard licence will be implemented on 16 Dec 2002.
5. When will the paper licence be phased out?
With effect from 16 DEC 2002, the paper licence was no longer issued.
6. Can I still continue to use my paper licence after the photocard licence is implemented?
Yes, you can continue to use your paper licence until it expires.
7. How will the Photocard Licence be introduced?
The photocard licence will be issued to new drivers and existing drivers whose current paper licences are due for renewal after 16 DEC 02.
8. How long will the photocard licence be valid for?
The photocard licence for citizens and permanent residents of Singapore will be valid for life. You will only need to replace your licence when it is damaged or lost. Photocard licences for persons who are not citizens or permanent residents of Singapore will be valid for a period of up to 5 years. Validity depends on the expected length of stay for foreigners, e.g. work permit holders, employment pass holders, student pass holders etc.
Application Procedure
9. I have a valid paper driving licence. How do I apply for the photocard licence?
Step 1:
6 weeks before your current paper licence expires, you will receive an application form for the photocard licence by mail.
Step 2:
You need to submit the application form together with a recent passport sized colour photograph at any Post Office in person. Staff at the Post Office will check your application form, photograph, NRIC or passport, and collect the licence fee from you. An acknowledgement slip will be issued to you as proof of payment. Please remember to bring along your NRIC or passport. For details on documents to bring for application, please see Question 21
Step 3:
Your photocard licence will be sent to your address by registered mail about 2 weeks after application.
10. When I pass my driving test on or after 16 DEC 2002, how do I apply for the photocard licence?
Upon passing your practical test, you will receive an application form for the photocard licence from your Test Centre. After paying the licence fee and submitting your recent passport size colour photograph, you will be issued with an acknowledgement slip. Your photocard licence will be sent to your address by registered mail about 2 weeks after application. For details on documents required for application, please refer to Questions 19 & 20.
11. How long will the application process take?
You can expect to receive your photocard licence within 2 weeks after submitting your application form. However, if you belong to the first batch of applicants who have submitted your application form in November 02, you will receive your photocard licence by registered mail closer to 16 DEC 2002. In the meantime, you can continue to use your paper licence while waiting for your photocard licence.
12. Can I drive immediately after I receive the acknowledgement slip?
Yes, you can drive in Singapore immediately after receiving the acknowledgement slip. You are advised not to drive overseas until you have received your photocard licence. This is because the acknowledgement slip may not be recognised by foreign enforcement authorities.
13. Where can I submit my application form?
When you receive your application form by post, you can submit your application at any Post Office within 3 months after receiving your application form. After the stipulated time, applications can only be made at Traffic Police Department. New licence holders must submit their application forms at the Testing Centres.
14. What if I fail to submit my application form on time?
Within 3 months of receiving the application form, you can apply for the photocard licence at any Post Office. Thereafter, your application can only be submitted at Traffic Police Department.
15. How will I receive my photocard licence?
It will be sent to you by registered post to the address listed on your NRIC, work permit or employment pass.
16. Can the photocard licence be sent to an address of my choice?
Yes, you can indicate your preferred local mailing address on the application form.
17. Can I choose to collect the photocard licence from Traffic Police or from the place of application?
No. It will be mailed to you by registered post.
18. What happens if nobody is at home to receive my photocard licence?
Like for other registered mail such as cheque books and credit cards, you can make arrangements with SingPost to collect the mail from any Post Office, or have SingPost resent to you at a more appropriate time.
19. What are the documents required when I apply for the photocard licence?
The following are required for qualified licence holders who receive their application form for the photocard licence by post, and for new licence holders who have just passed their driving test :
| i) |
Application form |
| ii) |
1 passport size colour photograph |
| iii) |
NRIC or passport |
| iv) |
A fee of $50. |
| v) |
A medical examination report, if applicable (see question 36) |
20. What are the requirements of the photograph to be submitted for the photocard licence application?
The requirements of the photograph to be submitted will be similar to the photo requirements for application for a passport. Photographs that do not conform to this specification may be rejected. The photo requirements are as follows:
| a) |
the size of the photograph must be 35 millimetres in width and 45 millimetres in height without borders, and taken not more than 3 months ago; |
| b) |
the full face of the applicant must appear in the photograph with the image of the applicant's face measuring between 25 millimetres and 35 millimetres from chin to crown of head; |
| c) |
the background screen of the photograph must be white, except that where the applicant's hair is white, the background must be light grey; |
| d) |
the photograph must be done in colour with a matt or semi-matt finish; & |
| e) |
the photograph must be of the applicant without wearing any headgear, unless the applicant habitually wears a headgear in accordance with his religious or racial custom but the headgear must not hide the applicant's facial features. |
21. Do I need to surrender my paper licence in exchange for the photocard licence?
No, you may retain and continue to use your paper licence until it expires.
22. I am currently holding a paper licence. What if I do not receive the application form for the photocard licence as the date of expiry of the paper licence approaches?
If you do not receive the application form 3 weeks before your paper licence expires, please call our help-line at Tel: 6547 0000 for assistance. We will send a fresh application form to you by post.
23. I have lost my application form for the photocard driving licence. How do I obtain another one?
You may call the Traffic Police Information Centre at 6547 0000 during office hours to request for another application form. It will be posted to your registered address. Alternatively, you may come to the Traffic Police Department personally to apply for your photocard driving licence. Please bring along the documents numbered ii) to v) as described in Question 19. Traffic Police Department is located at 10 Ubi Ave 3, Singapore 408865.
24. Can I apply for the photocard licence by proxy?
No proxy will be allowed. As the photocard contains your photograph and may be accepted as a means of identification, your application has to be made in person as your photograph will need to be verified to authenticate your identity. This step aims to safeguard your interests.
25. I am a Singaporean working/studying abroad and I currently hold a valid Singapore driving licence. Since Traffic Police does not allow me to apply for the photocard licence by proxy, how would I obtain it?
You may apply for the new driving licence upon your return to Singapore. If your existing paper licence is still valid when you return, you will have to wait until its expiry date before you are asked to apply for the photocard licence.
If your paper licence would have expired by the time you return, you may still apply for the photocard licence, provided your paper licence has expired for less than 3 years. If you hold a driving licence that has expired for 3 years or more, you will need to retake your Basic and Final Theory Tests and the Practical Driving test to obtain the photocard licence. If you foresee that your licence would have expired for at least 3 years when you return, you may apply for the photocard licence at our missions overseas.
26. If I wish to apply for the photocard licence after I return from my stay overseas what will the procedures for application be?
You can renew your driving licence only if you hold a valid driving licence that has not expired for more than 3 years. If your paper driving licence has expired for 3 years or more, it shall be invalid and you will need to retake and pass the theory and practical tests before reapplying.
If your paper licence is still valid by the time you return to Singapore, you may call Traffic Police then at 65470000 to arrange for your application form to be sent to you.
For enquiries, please call Traffic Police at +65-6547 0000 during office hours between 9am and 5pm Singapore time (GMT+8hours). You may also contact us via email at SPF_Feedback_TP@spf.gov.sg .
27. I am a Singaporean working/studying abroad and I currently hold a valid Singapore driving licence. How can I apply through the Singapore Mission in my country of residence? How do I go about doing that?
| 1 |
How to Apply:
For renewal of driving licence through a Singapore Mission, submit your application in person together with the relevant documents at the Singapore Mission in your country of residence.
You may contact the Singapore Mission in your country of residence or the Traffic Police Department for further details. |
| 2 |
Documents Required:
- Application form
- 1 passport size colour photograph (see question 20 for requirement of photograph)
- NRIC or passport
- A valid Singapore driving licence
- A fee of $50 (only cash payment is allowed)
- A medical examination report, if applicable (see paragraph 3 below, and question 36)
|
| 3 |
For Licence Holders Aged 65, 68, 71, 74, 77, etc
You are required to pass a medical examination, conducted by a medical practitioner registered in Singapore, at the prescribed ages of 65 and every 3 years thereafter (i.e. at ages 68, 71, 74, 77 etc). As you may not be able to fulfil this condition while you are overseas, your application for a driving licence will not be accepted at Singapore Missions. You are advised to submit your application upon your return to Singapore. For Licence Holders Aged 65 And Above Who Hold a Class 4A, 4 or 5 Licence
If you are aged 65 and above and you hold a class 4A, 4, or 5 licence, you are required to pass an annual medical examination conducted at any Polyclinic in Singapore as well as an annual driving proficiency test. As you will not be able to fulfil these conditions while you are overseas, your application for a driving licence will not be accepted at Singapore Missions. You are advised to submit your application upon your return to Singapore. If you require clarification, you may write to Licensing Unit, Traffic Police Department, 10 Ubi Ave 3, Singapore 408865, or email us at SPF_Feedback_TP@spf.gov.sg. |
| 4 |
Delivery
You may choose to have the licence delivered to the Singapore Mission in your country of residence, or delivered by registered mail to an address in Singapore. This address is meant to facilitate the delivery of the photocard driving licence to you and it will not be retained in our records. |
| 5 |
For enquiries, please call Traffic Police at +65-6547 0000 during office hours between 9am and 5pm Singapore time (GMT+8hours). You may also contact us via email at SPF_Feedback_TP@spf.gov.sg . |
FEES
28. How much would I have to pay for the photocard licence?
The fee is $50 for the photocard licence. Subsequent replacements will cost $25.
29. What modes of payment are available?
You can pay by Cash, NETS, cashcard, or Crossed Cheque at all Post Offices, Test Centres and Traffic Police Department. Crossed cheques submitted at Post Offices should be made payable to SINGAPORE POST PTE LTD and crossed cheques submitted at Test Centres and Traffic Police Department should be made payable to COMMANDER TRAFFIC POLICE.
REPLACEMENT
30. What happens if my photocard licence is lost or damaged?
You may apply for a replacement licence at Traffic Police Department. The replacement fee is S$25. If your photocard licence is lost, you will have to sign a declaration form and surrender the original licence should it be found subsequently. It is an offence to have 2 driving licences.
EARLY RENEWAL AND ENDORSEMENT
31. Can I apply for the photocard licence before my paper licence is due for renewal?
There is no need to do this. However, if you have a valid reason, you can apply at Traffic Police Department and submit documents to support your application.
32. What do I do when I have passed the test to drive vehicles in an additional class?
When you obtain an additional class of licence, you can apply for a photocard licence at any of the Testing Centres or Traffic Police Department. The replacement fee is $25. Alternatively, you may choose the option of having a sticker pasted on the reverse side of the photocard licence to show the additional class of licence. This sticker will be available at any of the Testing Centres or Traffic Police Department at no cost.
33. What if my 'endorsement sticker' is damaged?
You can obtain a replacement at Traffic Police Department or the Testing Centres at no cost.
34. Do I need to resubmit my photograph if I wish to replace my photocard licence?
No, you are not required to submit a recent photograph every time you apply for a replacement. However, you should submit a recent photograph if your original photograph was submitted some time ago.
35. Is there a need to change the photograph on the photocard licence periodically?
It is not necessary for you to replace their photographs periodically. However, you may replace your photocard licence at Traffic Police Department if you wish to do so at the replacement cost of $25. You will have to surrender the original photocard licence.
ELDERLY DRIVERS
36. At what age am I required to undergo a medical examination?
Before 1st Nov 2002, you are required to undergo a medical examination at age 60, 63 and yearly from age 63. However, with effect from 1st November 2002, the age at which you need to undergo a medical examination to certify your fitness to drive will be raised to 65 years old. The frequency of medical examination will be once every three years from age 65 onwards. You will therefore only need to go for the medical checkups at age 65, 68, 71, 74 and so on. However, for Class 4, 4A or 5 licence holders, you will need to go for an annual medical examination from age of 65 years at any of the Polyclinics.
37. What will happen when I am due for a medical check up when I reach age 65?
You will receive letters reminding you of the need to go for your medical examination before reaching the age of 65. The letters will be sent to you at intervals between 8 weeks to 2 weeks prior to your 65th birthday. The medical examination can be conducted by a medical doctor of your choice. You may submit the results of the medical examination through your doctor or personally. Your licence will be validated for the next 3 years until age 68. A notification of the validation will be sent to you upon receiving your medical examination report.
38. What if I fail to submit a certificate of medical fitness?
Under Sec 37(9) of the Road Traffic Act, your driving licence will cease to be valid if you fail to submit a certificate of medical fitness and you will not be allowed to drive. You will be required to surrender your invalid licence to Traffic Police. Anyone caught driving with an invalid licence may be charged for driving without a valid licence under Sec 35(1) of the Road Traffic Act.
39. What if I fail to surrender my driving licence after failing to submit my certificate of medical fitness?
In this case, failure to surrender your licence is an offence under the Road Traffic Act. This offence carries a fine of not exceeding $1000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months upon conviction.
OTHER ISSUES
40. Will I have to surrender my photocard licence if I am suspended, disqualified or when my licence is revoked?
Yes, you have to surrender your photocard licence to the Traffic Police upon receiving a suspension, disqualification or revocation order.
41. Will separate licences be issued for probationary licence holders and qualified licence holders?
No, they will be issued with the same licence. Probationary licence holders will be easily identified, as the pass date of each class of licence will be printed clearly on the reverse side of the licence.
42. Am I eligible to apply for a photocard licence if my paper licence has expired for more than 3 years?
Under the Road Traffic Act, if your paper licence has expired for 3 years or more, it shall no longer be of any effect and you will have to pass the Basic and Final Theory Tests and Practical Driving Test to secure a fresh driving licence.
43. My paper driving licence has expired for 2 years. Am I eligible to apply for the photocard licence?
If your paper licence has expired for less than 3 years, you are eligible to apply for the photocard licence. Traffic Police will mail you the application form for the photocard licence upon request. To request for the application form, please call the Traffic Police Information Centre at Tel: 6547 0000 on or after the 16 DEC 2002.
44. Since my photograph is on the photocard licence, can I use it as a form of identification?
Your photocard licence identifies you as a person licensed to drive vehicles in a certain class. It should not be used as a substitute for the NRIC.
Traffic Police Department
Last updated on 03 Mar 2003 |
