Can an Electronic Driver's License Replace a Physical Driver's License?
2 Answers
An electronic driver's license cannot replace a physical driver's license. Regulations: Article 95 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states: "If a motor vehicle driven on the road does not display a motor vehicle license plate, does not have an inspection qualification mark or insurance mark, or does not carry the vehicle registration certificate or driver's license, the traffic management department of the public security organ shall detain the motor vehicle, notify the party concerned to provide the corresponding license, mark, or complete the required procedures, and may impose penalties in accordance with the provisions of Article 90 of this Law. If the party concerned provides the corresponding license, mark, or completes the required procedures, the motor vehicle shall be promptly returned. Introduction to Electronic Driver's License: An electronic driver's license is a digital version of a driver's license, serving as a supplement to the physical document. In cases where the physical license is not carried, the electronic version can be used for roadside inspections. The electronic driver's license can be applied for through the "Traffic Management 12123" app. However, the electronic driver's license cannot replace the physical driver's license. The physical motor vehicle driver's license remains the legal document permitting the operation of a motor vehicle on roads within the country and should be carried in the vehicle. Only under special circumstances, when the physical license is not carried, can the electronic driver's license be used as a supplement for roadside inspections and presented to the traffic police on-site. The traffic police should verify it according to the prescribed procedures. If the verification shows a normal status, the traffic violation of "not carrying the motor vehicle driver's license or vehicle registration certificate" may be exempt from penalties. If administrative enforcement measures or other penalties are imposed on the party concerned, the electronic license will no longer be applicable, and the relevant laws and regulations shall be followed.
Electronic driver's licenses are widely accepted as valid substitutes in most places, which I've personally experienced. After years of driving, it's incredibly convenient to now display my license through mobile apps. At traffic checkpoints in cities like Shanghai or Beijing, police generally accept the digital version—just open official apps like Traffic Management 12123. However, it's not universally applicable. In some remote areas or car rental companies, they still insist on seeing the physical card due to outdated systems or procedures. My advice: treat the digital version as a backup but always carry the plastic license to avoid surprises. The digital license might fail during phone battery drain or poor signal, affecting inspections. Ultimately, while its legality is confirmed, practical usage requires careful handling across different scenarios.
