The government of Mauritius has announced that digital driving licenses will be introduced on January 1, 2027. The new system, known as the Digital Driving Licence (DDL), will allow citizens to access their driving licenses via the KOREK! mobile app. This move aims to modernize the country's public services and make it easier for citizens to access their licenses. A session was held at the SICOM Tower in Ebène to educate citizens about the new system.
The DDL will be accessible through the KOREK! app, which is linked to the MauPass system, a national identification system that allows citizens to access various public services. The MauPass system has already seen significant uptake, with over 500,000 people registered. The KOREK! app will also allow users to access other services, such as reporting water leaks and receiving government alerts.
The introduction of the DDL is part of a broader digital transformation plan, aimed at making public services more accessible and efficient. The government has emphasized that citizens will not need to recreate their licenses or enter their information manually, as the data will be sourced from official police records. This move is expected to reduce administrative burdens and make it easier for citizens to access their licenses.
A three-month transition period has been announced, during which citizens can familiarize themselves with the new system. During this period, citizens can access their DDL on KOREK! and verify the information on their licenses. If necessary, they can also report any anomalies to the Traffic Branch of the police. After the transition period, citizens will be required to present either their DDL or their physical driving license during traffic stops.
The government has assured citizens that those who do not have smartphones or prefer not to use them will not be excluded. They will still be able to present their physical driving licenses during traffic stops. This approach aims to make the digital system inclusive and accessible to all citizens, regardless of their level of technological proficiency.
According to the government, over 98% of Mauritians use smartphones, making it feasible to introduce a digital driving license system. The government has emphasized that the use of smartphones for DDL is not intended to encourage distracted driving, but rather to provide a convenient and efficient way for citizens to access their licenses.
In case of a dead battery or a phone being turned off, citizens will still be able to present their physical driving licenses. The government has encouraged citizens to take advantage of the transition period to familiarize themselves with the new system and to report any issues that may arise.
Key points
- The digital driving license system will be introduced on January 1, 2027.
- The system will be accessible through the KOREK! mobile app.
- Citizens without smartphones will still be able to present their physical driving licenses during traffic stops.
