The DMT will almost double the number of driving licenses it prints daily to address a severe backlog

The Department of Motor Traffic will install two new printing machines this month, in a bid to address the backlog of driver's licenses yet to be issued.

Currently around 678,000 driver's licenses are pending printing, officials told the Parliament's Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development.

The current daily capacity is only 4,600, officials told the committee, adding that the new machines could almost double the output to 8,2000 licenses a day.

The committee instructed officials to submit a comprehensive report within 45 days, covering how the delays originated and the contributing administrative and technical issues.

The committee, meeting under the chairmanship of Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP S.M. Marikkar, also requested details regarding the relevant tender and procurement process.

Meanwhile, DMT officials said that since March 10, 2026, new license plates have been issued within 14 days.