The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched self-service kiosks that enable customers to process various transactions, including replacement of lost or damaged driving licenses and renewal of vehicle ownership card (mulkiya) on their own, without requiring any staff assistance.

The RTA said in a statement that the new initiative is in keeping with its endeavours to improve service delivery channels to live up to customer expectations and needs envisaged under the Smart Government for offering seamless and hassle-free customers service.

“The kiosks are capable of providing a host of key services such inquiring about fines payment, renewal / replacement of lost or damaged driving licenses, and renewal / replacement of lost or damaged vehicle ownership card,” said Ahmed Mahboob, Director of Customers Service at RTA.

 “The device can also issue a number of drivers’ certificates such as number plate ownership certificates, and the renewal of seasonal parking cards of different categories,” he added. As far as the payment methods are concerned, he said that different payment methods were considered, including cash, credit cards, Nol cards, or NFC mobile phone technology, he noted.

The Director of RTA Customers Service added: “The self-service kiosks are smart devices that enable customers to process various transactions themselves, thus obviating the need to visit the service centers, and accordingly save their time and effort.”

It is the first of its kind device at the UAE level in terms of ability to provide different types of service deliverables, which opens the way for other public entities to offer their services via RTA devices, the RTA highlighted
“Currently, the device will be available at the customer service centres at Deira, Umm Al Ramool, and Al Barsha, as well as Al Tawar Registration Center, Union Station, and the Dubai Airport,” he noted adding that the kiosks were developed homogenously by the Authority.

“The RTA has internally designed the device, identified and selected the technology required to achieve the target of enabling customers to process their transactions in a simple, smooth and transparent manner; which is viewed as a true manifestation of our strategic plan that contributes effectively to upgrading our services, and fulfilling the requirements of smart government mapped out by our astute government,” he explained.

At a later stage, the scope of the self-service machines will be broadened to include more services and they will be installed at many more locations. “The RTA has adopted plans to widen the use of these devices to cover shopping malls, all customer service centers, strategic partner centers and authorized dealers. The civic body has also envisaged a plan to widen the range of services offered by the device such as the top-up of Nol cards and Salik accounts, as well as the issuance of parking cards and various NOC certificates,” elaborated Mahboob.

“The device, which is the first of its kind at the Dubai Government level that utilizes Emirates ID card databases in verifying customer’s identity, is fitted with a built-in camera and a telephone set to offer instant audio-visual support to customers in case of a procedural or technical glitch or malfunctioning,” said the Director of RTA Customers Service in a final remark.