DAR ES SALAAM: IF you have been finding it inconveniencing to shuttle between your home place and Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) offices to either apply for, renew your driving licence or register your car, here is the good news, you can now carry out the functions at the comfort of your home.
Performing all these duties at the comfort of your home has now been facilitated by the two new systems from the TRA.
These user-friendly platforms, known as the Central Motor Vehicle Registration System (CMVRS) and the Computerised Drivers’ Licence System (CDLS) are designed to save your time and hassles.
The TRA has introduced new self-service systems, allowing taxpayers to conduct transactions online using their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and receive real time updates through SMS and email.
This advancement is a core component of the Integrated Domestic Revenue Administration System (IDRAS) initiative, designed to modernise tax administration.
The first phase, launched in February this year, focuses on vehicle registration and driver’s licence issuance.
In an interview with the Sunday News, TRA Manager for Taxpayer Education, Mr Paul Walalaze, said the systems address many challenges of the old system, making services more accessible without the need to visit TRA offices.
“Integration enhances tax collection efficiency and streamlines domestic tax processes. Significant improvements include the elimination of middlemen (vishoka), reduced queues, improved accuracy and security in ownership verification and the eradication of unnecessary travel and wait times,” he said.
He added, “With the new system, vehicle owners and licence applicants can handle registration themselves using a smartphone or computer…
You can apply from anywhere using your TIN.”
Mr Walalaze urged public adoption, stressing the system’s transparency, security and convenience, reminding citizens that a TIN and account on the TRA Taxpayer Portal are required.
Speaking on the old system, he said, it had many challenges, such as bureaucratic hurdles in service delivery, long queues at TRA offices, inaccuracies in information and security concerns regarding ownership verification, especially in motor vehicle registration.
According to TRA, the IDRAS that began operation January this year is designed to improve transparency, accuracy and enhance a better relationship with taxpayers by minimising errors in tax administration and in the process seeking to assure taxpayers that TRA is addressing key challenges.
John Galus expressed optimism about the new system despite not having used it yet.
“I haven’t used the system yet, but based on what I’ve heard about its benefits, it’s truly a great innovation. This is a game-changer! No more wasting time in long queues—I can now do everything from home with my phone. Finally, we don’t have to deal with slow bureaucratic processes. This system will save us a lot of time and money,” he said.
Florence Kashaija echoed similar sentiments, underscoring the elimination of middlemen. “It’s a good system. If it works as intended, it will help eliminate middlemen. These brokers were charging us extra money for services we could do ourselves. Now, they’re out of the equation—this is a big win. I was once scammed by a middleman while registering my car, but with this system, I feel safer and more in control of the process. It will also save time because we no longer need to visit TRA offices like before,” he said.
Salum Abbas highlighted the security benefits of the system. “It’s good that ownership verification is now more secure. This will reduce fraud cases and prevent stolen vehicles from being registered illegally. I also appreciate the real-time updates via SMS and email, which will keep us informed throughout the process.”
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However, not everyone is fully convinced. Hilda Ebenezer raised a concern about accessibility and system reliability.
“What about those who don’t have smartphones or internet access? Will they be left behind? Not everyone is tech-savvy, and some people will struggle to use the system without assistance. I understand that digital systems are great, but what if they experience frequent downtimes? Will there be an alternative for urgent cases? I hope TRA has ensured that the system is fast and doesn’t crash when too many people are using it.”
