Transport licence holders across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will now have to comply with a new documentation requirement, with the Transport Department announcing that Form 5A has been made mandatory for the renewal, re-validation and additional endorsement of all transport category driving licences. The directive follows instructions from the National Informatics Centre and has been issued in accordance with Rule 18(1)(e) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
According to the circular, any application for renewal or re-validation of a transport licence submitted without Form 5A after November 20, 2025 will be treated as incomplete. The rule also applies to applications seeking Additional Endorsement of Driving Licence (AEDL). Officials stated that such applications will remain on hold until the required document is uploaded or physically submitted by the applicant. This procedural step is expected to streamline verification of driving experience, medical fitness and professional compliance among commercial drivers.
The new rule has direct implications for a large segment of transport workers, including goods carriers, commercial drivers, public transport operators and individuals requiring special endorsements for professional use. The department has informed that even applicants who have already uploaded other documents and crossed the digital submission stage may have their files reverted in the system, enabling them to upload Form 5A. This may result in delays for applicants who were not previously aware of the updated requirement.
Transport authorities have advised licence holders to verify their applications online before approaching the office for further processing. Many applicants are expected to revisit district and sub-transport units to update their submissions, particularly those whose renewals are time-sensitive. The department has urged drivers to account for possible delays and complete the new requirement well before the expiry of their licences.
Commercial vehicle operators across the islands depend heavily on timely renewals, as an expired transport licence can directly impact their ability to work. With the updated requirement coming into force immediately, many drivers may need to procure additional documentation from their employers or vehicle owners who must attest details about experience and professional driving history, as usually required for Form 5A. The department has stated that the decision aligns with national-level compliance checks and aims to improve the accuracy of records associated with transport licence holders.
For applicants unfamiliar with the updated process, clarification is being provided at Transport Department offices and State Transport Service (STS) units across the islands. Officials have encouraged drivers to visit the nearest office or contact the department helplines in case of doubts while uploading the form. Digital kiosks at various transport counters are also being used to guide individuals through the online process, particularly those who struggle with documentation requirements.
The new condition is part of a broader administrative effort to standardise transport compliance procedures, reduce discrepancies and maintain up-to-date data on transport licence holders. With the increasing digitisation of driving-related services, departments across the country have begun tightening verification mechanisms to ensure that professional drivers are medically fit, trained and appropriately endorsed before being allowed to operate transport vehicles.
While the immediate impact of the rule may cause a temporary slowdown in processing times, officials expect the system to stabilise once all applicants adapt to the new requirement. The department has reiterated that compliance with Form 5A is now non-negotiable and must be fulfilled for all transport-related licence applications submitted from November 20 onwards.
