Motorists in Bahrain could soon be able to print their own vehicle licence plates within minutes from smart self-service machines under a proposal aimed at accelerating the kingdom’s digital transformation.
The proposal, submitted by Northern Municipal Council member Mohammed Al Dossary, has been approved by the council’s general-secretariat and referred to the Interior Ministry for review and consideration.
The initiative calls for the installation of smart licence plate printing devices at government service centres and vehicle inspection facilities, enabling motorists to complete the entire process electronically without waiting days for a new plate.
Users would be able to submit their application through the General Directorate of Traffic’s electronic services or the MyGov application, enter the required details, pay the fees online and collect the printed licence plate directly from the machine within minutes.
Mr Al Dossary said the proposal was designed to support Bahrain’s drive towards smarter and more efficient government services while improving convenience for the public.
Mr Al Dossary
“Bahrain has made remarkable progress in digital government services and this proposal represents another practical step towards making people’s daily transactions faster and easier,” he said.
“Instead of making repeated visits to government offices or waiting several days to receive a licence plate, motorists would be able to complete the entire process electronically and obtain it immediately through a secure smart device.”
Motorists in Fujairah can now print vehicle plates using this machine
Mr Al Dossary noted that similar systems have already been implemented successfully in neighbouring countries, particularly the UAE, where automated licence plate printing has significantly reduced processing times.
“The proposal supports the government’s digital transformation strategy by integrating modern technology into public services, reducing paperwork and providing greater flexibility for citizens and residents at any time of the day,” he added.
“It will save time and effort, ease pressure on service centres and further strengthen Bahrain’s position as a regional leader in smart government solutions.”
Northern Municipal Council financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Dr Mohsin Abdulla welcomed the proposal, describing it as a practical initiative that complements the kingdom’s ongoing investment in digital infrastructure.
“The committee believes proposals such as this contribute directly to improving government efficiency and enhancing customer experience,” he said.
“Providing automated licence plate printing services would reduce waiting periods, streamline procedures and allow government entities to focus resources on more specialised services while routine transactions are completed electronically.”
Dr Abdulla said Bahrain has consistently embraced innovative technologies across government institutions, making it well positioned to introduce additional smart services that match international best practices.
“The proposal reflects the council’s commitment to presenting ideas that benefit the public and support the national vision for sustainable development through innovation, digital connectivity and modern public services,” he added.
Dr Abdulla
Dr Abdulla pointed out that if approved by the Interior Ministry, the smart machines could become one of the latest additions to Bahrain’s expanding portfolio of digital government services, offering motorists a faster, simpler and more convenient way to obtain vehicle licence plates while further reducing reliance on traditional paper-based procedures.
The plates are now only printed and sold at the General Directorate of Traffic headquarters in Isa Town through a contracted company.
Fujairah in the UAE became the first city in the world to introduce such machines earlier this year.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))