Last month, we saw our Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) adopting tech to ease the long traffic jam at the Causeway. The QR-code system was getting used more often in replacement of passports.
Now, the Singapore Traffic Police (TP), decided to jump onto the digital bandwagon too, announcing that some traffic-related services and appointments are going electronic instead of the usual walk-ins.
Transition to Online Appointment System
Starting from 12 May 2024, walk-ins will no longer be accepted for services such as changing your particulars on driving licenses and converting a foreign driving license to a local one, among others.
Traffic Police added that the transition to online services is a part of their digitalisation campaign and they hope to make such administrative processes more efficient.
Like the QR-code system at the Singapore Checkpoint, this can save time. It can ensure things run systematically and in order.
FormSG and Procedures
To book an appointment to update your citizenship status on your driving license, or update your photo – congratulations on the glow-up, we can now simply go to the e-Services page on the Singapore Police Force Website.
Through the e-Services page, you can submit a request to extract, collect or cancel your driving licence. You can also submit appeals and lodge reports instead of going to the police station.
While they implement an appointment system on their e-service page, we can also submit some traffic-related requests through FormSG.
FormSG is a platform where government forms can be created and customised, and it is very secure. It is commonly used by different government agencies to replace paper forms and it allows integration with government systems such as SingPass.
After submitting requests, applicants will be updated on their outcome through e-mail. You can expect a response within six weeks.
FormSG is also the temporary platform for making appointments that will be compulsory starting 13 May. After choosing an appropriate date, a confirmation e-mail will be sent with all the necessary details.
However, after the appointment confirmation, applicants must still bring all the necessary documents when they head down to the Traffic Police Headquarters in Ubi. This is important for verification.
As mentioned, appointments are compulsory starting 13 May. Walk-ins for services are still allowed from 29 Apr to 12 May. Therefore, don’t be surprised when you’re turned away after making the long journey on 13 May.
Some exceptions to this change apply to those on long-term visit passes who want to renew or replace their driving licences. They can still do walk-ins.