Can a Driver's License Be Used to Apply for a Mobile Phone Card?
2 Answers
A driver's license cannot be used to apply for a mobile phone card. Below are the specific details about driver's licenses: C1 License: Permitted vehicle type: small cars. This is an entry-level license, held by the majority of drivers, and allows driving vehicles with 9 seats or fewer. B1 License: Permitted vehicle type: medium-sized buses. This is an intermediate technical license, typically used for commercial vehicles such as urban minibuses and rural passenger minibuses. Fewer people hold this license. A3 License: Permitted vehicle type: city buses. This is an advanced professional license, specifically for operating commercial vehicles, exclusively for city buses, and includes the most basic permitted vehicle types. A2 License: Permitted vehicle type: tractor-trailers. This is an advanced, high-level license that allows driving a wide range of vehicles. A1 License: Permitted vehicle type: large buses. This is an advanced, high-level license for drivers with top-tier driving skills.
I discussed this with my friends before, and we thought a driver's license could be used to apply for a SIM card. However, we tried and found out it doesn’t work at all. A driver's license is just a permit to drive—it doesn’t serve as an identity document. When applying for a SIM card, carriers like China Mobile or China Unicom require strict identity verification, typically using an ID card, as it contains crucial details like a photo and address to prevent fraud or misuse. I recommend bringing your original ID card when visiting the service center, or if it’s lost, a temporary replacement will also work. Some people also mistakenly believe a driver’s license can be used to open a bank account, which is also incorrect. By the way, applying for a SIM card online also requires uploading an ID photo, making the process more convenient. In short, develop the habit of carrying the right documents to avoid unnecessary hassle.
