So, last year in around July Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) has introduced new driving license with improved security. Gone were the days where your driving license needed to be laminated. Now, the new one looks and feel pretty much like your Mykad.
And starting from July last year, anyone who has to renew their driving license will get the new one at the same fee. Yes, the fee is still the same! You don't have to pay any extra money. Thing is, you can only get it directly from JPJ offices nationwide. You can't get this if you renew your license at any Post Malaysia branches...yet. There, you will still be issued with the old type of driving license.
It doesn't just look and feel better (sturdier plastic) but have higher security too. Your information on the card is protected with High Secure Hologram. So, when you hold it in your hand, you'll notice the hologram of Malaysia and JPJ logo. A sign that your driving license is a genuine one.
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Getting the new driving license is quite a breeze.
Back to UTC in Sentul. I went there after 3 pm on a working day. I actually went a few days earlier but system was down so they couldn't do any transaction. Darn! So, when I went there again, thank god the system is working.
One you arrive at the ground level of the UTC Sentul. Take the elevator up to the 3rd floor. Go out the door on the left. You'll see Post Malaysia first. Then JPJ right right next to it. Easy peasy! So there weren't much of a long queue at JPJ UTC Sentul. When my number was called, I went to the counter. Pay the necessary fee for my license and the expiry date will be adjusted to my birthday. This is compulsory and I think it is a good move too. Easy to remember when to renew my driving license next time! Then I go and placed myself in a short queue in front of a door. |
You have few options when taking picture. If that day is your bad-hair day. Hehehe. You can opt for your picture to be taken from your Mykad. Or you can bring your own passport sized picture for it to be scanned. If you are absolutely gorgeous (hate you :P), then just take your picture then and there! Since I'm not the gorgeous type, I brought along my passport sized photo.
Once the picture has been taken or scanned in my case.I walked out of that room. Wait outside for about 5 minutes. Later, an officer came out of another door and called out my name. I approached him and he handed my new driving license. Yaaay! I got my new driving license in my hand.
Ok, I have a new driving license. Big deal?
Oh, if you simply want to upgrade to this new driving license but your expiry date is not yet due, please note you can't do so. You have to wait until the expiry date is due to renew and get this new type of driving license. A reminder though, for now you can only get the new one from any JPJ offices and branches. Post Malaysia will offer this service soon but I'm not exactly sure when.