Traffic Directorate Launches New Electronic Vehicle Registration System: Buyer, Seller Presence Required for Annual Card Receipt

The General Directorate of Traffic is preparing to launch a fundamental transformation in vehicle registration and ownership transfer procedures through a new electronic system. This system will enable citizens to complete the majority of transactions via mobile phone, eliminating the need for direct visits to traffic departments. The Directorate confirmed that the system will be implemented across all governorates simultaneously in the coming period. Lieutenant General Uday Samir, Director-General of Traffic, stated in a press release that the system will rely on an integrated database for each citizen within the Directorate. This database will include personal documents and photos, in addition to a unique electronic code used for website access, facilitating identity verification and registered data. Samir added that the platform would allow all procedures to be completed via mobile phone, aiming to reduce the number of visitors and congestion at traffic departments, as well as combating corruption and direct dealings. He mentioned that the identity verification process for users would include mechanisms to ensure they are alive, through capturing photos from multiple angles and performing random facial movements such as smiling, showing teeth, or other actions specified by the system. Lieutenant General Samir indicated that verification would proceed in stages, starting with confirming the citizen's identity and matching their national ID, photo, and all data through a dedicated intermediate station. He affirmed that the collected data would be saved to create a comprehensive electronic file. He further explained that the system would allow for additional verification of citizen documents, utilizing previously recorded biometric data such as eye scans and ten-fingerprints. The program would request any necessary additional information or procedures to complete the verification process. Regarding the receipt of the vehicle registration card, known as the "annual card," Samir clarified that the presence of both the seller and the buyer remains a fundamental requirement at the collection stage currently. This aligns with legal requirements mandating their presence before the registration officer to verify the sale and transfer process. He stated that the registration card would be collected through designated kiosks, with a notification sent to the citizen specifying the day and time of their visit, ensuring that the attendance time for completing this process is reduced to approximately one minute. In the event of outstanding fines on the vehicle, Samir confirmed that these fines would appear to the citizen within the program and could be paid electronically via mobile phone, eliminating the need to visit specialized departments. Lieutenant General Samir emphasized that citizens would not be compelled to visit traffic departments during the vehicle registration or ownership transfer stages, with the sole exception of the legally mandated presence when collecting the registration card. He noted that the new system was designed according to advanced specifications in cooperation with specialized companies, to meet the requirements of the coming phase. He pointed out that all transaction steps would be electronic and recorded within the system, enhancing the accuracy of procedures and limiting attempts at fraud and manipulation. He explained that this project is part of the government's efforts to achieve comprehensive digital transformation.