Cook Islands Police issue more than 500 visitors driver licenses each month and more than 400 for residents.

This week, the Police Licensing Office is issuing paper licenses temporarily due to the depletion of card stock.

Police media spokesperson Trevor Pitt said the Police Service has an ongoing problem with the supply of cards and colour print ribbon running out every few months.

Pitt said this is basically because they cannot afford to buy more stock with the money they have.

“This cost is met from Police Trading Revenue, from which we cannot allocate more than the $5000 approximately to pay for it.

“The stock therefore regularly runs out throughout the year. Up to five times in one year.”

He said while the Police Service is responsible financially for sustaining the cost of producing the driver licences, they do not retain the revenue gained from issuing them. 

“That money goes directly to the government account as ROBOC- Receipts on behalf of the Crown.

“We will revert back to the cards, as funding permits,” he added.