Driver’s licenses in Kazakhstan to change appearance for cost-saving purposes

Tengrinews.kz – Driver’s licenses and vehicle registration certificates are changing in Kazakhstan — the new documents will no longer include electronic chips. The corresponding amendments have already been prepared and are open for public discussion.

The plastic format will remain the same, but the embedded chip will be removed. Originally, the chip was intended as additional data storage, but in practice, all information about drivers and vehicles is already stored in government databases. As a result, the chip is no longer necessary.

What changes for drivers

If you already have a license or registration certificate with a chip — it remains valid until its expiration date. There is no need to replace it early. New documents will be issued without the internal chip.

Why this is being done

The change is aimed at cost reduction and simplification. The chips made production more expensive, while offering little benefit. Removing them will help save budget resources and streamline document issuance. For citizens, the process remains virtually unchanged.

When to expect the change

The draft order is currently under review. It will take effect after official publication — at that point, new chipless documents will enter circulation.