15/10/2026
A Morning at UTC Ipoh: Applying For Our New Generation MyKad and Driving Licences
This morning, Dad, Mum and I left the house at 8am and headed to UTC Ipoh to settle our MyKad and driving licence matters.
I needed to update the address on my MyKad, while Dad and Mum wanted to apply for the new-generation MyKad, which started to be issued in September 2026.
The new MyKad features a new physical design, upgraded chip technology and a total of 53 security features aimed at making the national identity card harder to counterfeit. There's also a QR code at the back of the new MyKad.
When we arrived at the JPN (National Registration Department) office, a RELA officer was seated outside, ready to advise visitors on what to do. I needed to photocopy a utility bill as proof of my new address, so I used the electric bill I had brought along. Thankfully, there was a photocopying service just a few steps away from the office, and it cost only 30 sen.
After getting my document photocopied, I returned to the office to take a queue number. There were only four people ahead of me, which is exceptionally few compared to my experience at UTC Pudu in KL. Back in KL, the entire place would be a sea of people by 8am. What a contrast between the two cities.
Meanwhile, Mum and Dad were already being attended to. I waited less than 30 minutes before it was my turn. I paid RM10 for the renewal, and my photo was taken right there at the counter. About 15 minutes later, my new MyKad was ready for collection.
The entire process was surprisingly quick!
Next, we headed to JPJ (Road Transport Department) office which was just next to the JPN office. Dad and Mum wanted to renew their driving licences, while I needed to update the address on mine.
Once again, the process took less than half an hour. To get a queue number, you have to download an app onto your phone, and a Rela officer was there to assist.
However, there was one small hiccup: JPJ had run out of stock for the physical driving licence cards, so we couldn't get printed copies. We were advised to call again in a month's time to check whether new stock had arrived.
In the meantime, we can access our renewed driving licence details, road tax information, summonses, and other vehicle-related matters through the MyJPJ app.
I also had an issue with MyDigital ID on my phone, so I asked the RELA officer at JPN for help. Within 15 minutes, the problem was resolved. It turned out to be a simple matter of going into my phone settings and enabling Automatic Date and Time.
With MyDigital ID working again, I can now access the MyJPJ app on my phone. Previously, I couldn't use it because MyDigital ID kept showing an error.
All in all, we took less than two hours to settle our MyKad and driving licence matters at UTC Ipoh. I was genuinely impressed by the efficiency and helpfulness of both the UTC and RELA staff.
We were already home before 10.30am. Dad and Mum then continued with their day by heading to the bank to settle some banking matters.
A little tip if you're driving to UTC Ipoh: Parking fees are paid by scanning the QR code printed on the pillars in the car park. Simply scan the code, select your preferred payment method and pay. It's pretty straightforward!
