The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority (BCTA) eyes introducing a consolidated smart card to replace the traditional Registration Certificate (RC), commonly known as the blue book.
For now the traditional blue book has been replaced with an effective single-page RC which works fine. It is not conclusive as of yet but the Authority hinted that it may move towards smart RC cards to improve service delivery, convenience and efficiency.
As part of an ongoing digital transition, the Authority has introduced a one-page digital RC containing all necessary information of the vehicle and the owner.
“The existing system of having a blue book has been replaced with a one-pager which contains all the information of the car and the driver,” a BCTA official said.
The all-in-one document consolidates the RC, roadworthiness certificate, and emissions certificate, including validity, expiry dates, renewals etc. This reduces the burden for the people to carry a single document which contains all necessary information about the vehicle.
“The previous RC blue book has been transitioned into a one-pager to reduce redundancies and improve efficiency while issuing them,” the official noted, adding that the shift streamlines public service delivery.
“We are mainly doing it to reduce government expenditure and improve convenience and efficiency for the people. There is no need for carrying separate printed documents and the booklet. People can now opt to carry a printed copy or take a digital copy since both would be accepted,” the official added.
According to BCTA, the traditional process required procuring physical booklets, entering vehicle details into the system, handwriting information into the blue book, and sealing and signing each page manually.
“It’s double work and takes a lot of time,” the official said, and added, “We had been procuring booklets and materials which cost a lot of money each year. The one-pager helps reduce these inefficiencies and makes the process simple for the public.”
Vehicle owners are not compulsorily required to carry printed copies domestically, as all vehicle details are stored directly in the system. Drivers can access their digital RC through the mRSTA (now mBCTA) app as well.
However, physical copies remain necessary when traveling to India, where physical verification is required.
The transition has sparked some public discussion regarding a one-time fee of Nu 500 for the digital RC. Defending the charge, the official explained that the fee contributes to government revenue while sparing citizens from separate charges like road taxes and toll plaza fees seen in other jurisdictions.
The fee is a one-time charge, though an additional Nu 500 applies during vehicle ownership transfers.
While the one-pager is now mandatory, BCTA is temporarily allowing motorists particularly in border towns like Phuentsholing who still prefer or require the old blue books and other issues which specifically demand the old blue book.
“We are currently waiting for the old stocks to finish,” the official said. “Maintaining them is just more expenditure for the government and a burden to the people,” he further said.
Looking ahead, BCTA hinted at further modernization. The Authority is exploring plans of a digital smart RC card to enhance features and deepen the country’s digitalization efforts. For now, the flexible one-pager serves current transit needs as BCTA works toward more efficient public service delivery.
