Odisha Makes Aadhaar Mandatory for Vehicle Registration, Ownership Transfer

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Transport Department has made Aadhaar authentication mandatory for new vehicle registrations and transfer of ownership, introducing a stricter verification mechanism to strengthen accountability and improve the traceability of vehicle owners in cases of accidents, crimes and other legal investigations.

Under a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), applicants seeking registration of new vehicles or transfer of ownership must furnish Aadhaar along with valid proof of address and other prescribed documents. Transport officials have been directed to conduct thorough verification of all submitted documents before processing any application.

According to the department, no application for vehicle registration or transfer of ownership will be approved without proper verification of the applicant's identity and residential address. The measure is aimed at preventing registrations using fake identities, forged documents or incorrect addresses.

Officials said the new verification protocol would enable law enforcement agencies to identify and trace vehicle owners more efficiently during investigations involving road accidents, criminal offences and other violations.

The department has also warned that vehicles found operating without mandatory documents, including valid registration and other statutory requirements, could face seizure and legal action under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.

Fresh instructions have been issued to all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) and enforcement wings across the state to ensure strict implementation of the revised SOP. Officials handling registration and ownership transfer applications have been made responsible for verifying supporting documents at every stage, with accountability fixed for lapses in the approval process.

The directive comes as the transport department continues its enforcement drive against violations relating to vehicle fitness certificates, insurance coverage, permits and other statutory compliances.

Officials said the strengthened verification system is expected to enhance transparency in vehicle registration, curb fraudulent practices and facilitate quicker identification of vehicle owners whenever required by enforcement agencies.