Local residents are actively recording what is happening on video and posting it on social media, raising questions about the possibility of opening additional windows for service and whether it is mandatory to change the license.
According to Talant Tyulezhanov, head of the Karakol branch of the State Center for Vehicle Registration, about 300 citizens came for license replacement on the opening day. "Currently, three windows are operating, and document digitization is also underway. By noon, we accepted documents from 60 people, and overall we plan to serve 150-200 citizens a day," he noted.
The waiting time for each person varies: it takes 5 minutes for one and up to 20 minutes for another, depending on the availability of necessary documents. Some drivers received their licenses in other regions, such as Osh, Jalal-Abad, Balakchy, and Cholpon-Ata, and processing them required time for requests to archives. Tyulezhanov also reported that specialists conducted explanatory work with visitors, helping some to register in the electronic queue through the "Tündük" app. There were also those who came for information, and they were explained what documents are needed for the replacement.
The replacement of indefinite licenses is carried out free of charge and without a medical certificate. "This is done at the citizens' request. No one is obliged to change their license. The main goal is to provide citizens with new, secure licenses. The old samples are not digitized and are not recognized in a number of neighboring countries, which complicates their use abroad," Tyulezhanov explained.
Those who plan to use their driver's license outside the country are recommended to switch to the new sample to meet international requirements. The new licenses are equipped with reliable security features. However, as Tyulezhanov noted, there are also those who believe they do not need to change their license since they do not travel abroad — this is their right. There is no forced replacement of licenses, and fines for refusal are not provided," he added.
