Can an Electronic Driver's License Replace a Paper Driver's License?
2 Answers
In cities piloting the electronic driver's license, the electronic version can be used in place of the paper driver's license. Here is relevant information: Viewing Location: The electronic driver's license for motor vehicles can be viewed on the mobile app "Traffic Management 12123," which is a client launched by the Internet-based Comprehensive Traffic Safety Service Management Platform. The app's related technology is provided by the Traffic Management Research Institute of the Ministry of Public Security, facilitating the handling of motor vehicle driver's license and motor vehicle registration certificate-related services. Important Notes: When driving a motor vehicle, it is mandatory to carry the driver's license at all times. The driver's license must not be altered privately. Pay attention to the renewal period of the driver's license and the deadline for submitting the physical examination certificate. Only such a driver's license can provide normal service. The motor vehicle driver's license must not be lent to others for use.
Last week, I went on a self-driving trip to Hangzhou and specifically applied for an electronic driver's license on the 12123 platform. It worked perfectly for local car rentals and temporary checks, but I noticed a detail: hotel parking security only accepted the original paper version for registration. A traffic police friend told me that electronic driver's licenses are currently valid in over 200 cities nationwide, but for handling major accidents, they still need to scan the barcode of the paper license for record-keeping. If you encounter cross-province traffic violations, some small county systems aren't networked, so it's safer to carry the physical card. I recommend car owners keep a physical driver's license tucked in their phone case—it handles all scenarios without taking up wallet space.
