Nepal Driving License Biometric Day: What to Bring & What to Expect (2026)
Your Nepal driving license biometric appointment is the day your file becomes official at the DOTM office, where staff verify your documents, record your fingerprints and photo, and hand you the slip for your written exam. Turn up with the right papers and it takes an hour or two; turn up unprepared and you lose the slot. Here is exactly what to bring, what happens, and how to make your 2026 visit smooth.
Table of Contents
What Happens on Biometric Day
Biometric day is short and mostly about verification. An officer checks your online application against your originals, then captures your biometrics for the smart card. The steps usually run in this order.
Document verification
Staff match your originals, name, date of birth and citizenship number against your online submission.
Fingerprints
All 10 fingerprints are scanned digitally, so clean, dry hands matter for a clear capture.
Photograph
Your official photo is taken for the smart card, so look clean and tidy on the day.
Licence number assigned
The system assigns your licence number and links it to your biometrics and record.
Fee & token slip
You pay the exam fee and receive a token or admit slip that schedules your written (Likhit) exam.
Some offices also run a quick medical and eye check on the same visit, covering your blood group, vision and colour-blindness, for which a small fee of around Rs 95 applies. Biometric appointments are commonly held Sunday through Wednesday, excluding public holidays, so pick one of those days when you book your slot online.
Documents to Bring
Missing paperwork is the number one reason people get turned away. Bring the originals plus photocopies of everything below.
- Original citizenship certificate, front and back, with a photocopyName, DOB and citizenship number must match your online form exactly
- Medical certificateDated within the last 6 months
- Blood group certificateOften obtainable at the office if you do not have one
- Two passport-size photographsWhite background, no glasses, taken within the last 3 months
- Payment receipt from your online application
- Your appointment slip with the date and DOTM office
- The fees due on the dayAround Rs 500 exam fee, plus small medical (Rs 95) and stamp (Rs 10) charges
Always carry photocopies alongside the originals, since the office keeps copies for your file. If you do not already have a blood group certificate, many DOTM offices can issue one on site for a small charge, so it is not worth postponing your appointment over that alone.
How Long It Takes
That is the typical time on a normal day. Busy offices such as Ekantakuna in Kathmandu can stretch to 3 to 4 hours during peak periods, so keep the morning free.
Most of that time is spent waiting for your token number to be called, not on the biometrics themselves, which only take a few minutes once you are at the counter. Bringing your documents in order and arriving early is the single biggest thing that shortens your day.
Tips for a Smooth Visit
Offices open at 10 AM and token distribution starts around 9:30, so reach 30 minutes before.
Look neat and avoid an all-white top, since it washes out against the background.
Wash your hands before arriving and skip lotion or hand cream for a clear fingerprint scan.
Confirm your name, DOB and citizenship number match your documents before biometrics.
What Happens After Biometrics
Once your biometrics are done and the fee is paid, your token slip sets up the rest of the process, which then flows in this order.
Timings vary by office, so some centres schedule your written exam sooner and others closer to the two-week mark. Your slip will show the date.
Already through the trial? Your smart card is the last step. Check where its printing has reached in seconds.
Check Card StatusIf You Miss Your Appointment
If you cannot make it, reschedule through the DOTM portal before the appointment date passes to avoid a delay of several weeks. If the date has already gone, you generally need to resubmit your application, and offices commonly ask you to reapply after about 15 days from the missed date. Confirm the current rule at your own DOTM office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do they take on biometric day?
Staff verify your documents, scan all 10 fingerprints, take your official photo for the smart card, assign your licence number, and issue a token slip for the written exam.
What documents do I need for the biometric appointment?
Bring your original citizenship (front and back) with a copy, a medical certificate within 6 months, a blood group certificate, two passport photos on a white background, your payment receipt and appointment slip.
How long does biometric day take?
Usually 45 minutes to 2 hours. Busy Kathmandu offices like Ekantakuna can take 3 to 4 hours during peak periods, so plan for the morning.
What happens right after biometrics?
You pay the fee and get a token slip. Your written (Likhit) exam is typically scheduled within 7 to 15 working days, then the trial, then smart card printing.
Can I wear glasses in the biometric photo?
It is best not to. The photo guidance is a white background with no glasses, taken within the last 3 months, so keep your face clear and neat.
Do I still need to bring photos if they take one there?
Yes. Your official smart-card photo is captured on the day, but you should still carry two passport-size photos on a white background for your physical file, as many offices ask for them.
What if I miss my biometric appointment?
Reschedule on the DOTM portal before the date passes. If you miss it entirely, you usually reapply after about 15 days, so it is worth rebooking early.
Conclusion
Biometric day is quick when you are ready: verification, 10 fingerprints, a photo, your licence number and a token slip, done in an hour or two. Bring your originals and copies, a medical certificate within 6 months, two clean passport photos and the fees, reach the office early with dry hands, and double-check your details. Get this right and you walk out with your written-exam slip and a clear run at the rest of the process.
