Can electronic driver's licenses be used in cities where they are not yet implemented?
3 Answers
Electronic driver's licenses cannot be used in cities where they are not yet implemented. Issuance method of electronic driver's licenses: Electronic driver's licenses will be issued through the nationwide unified "Traffic Management 12123" app. Drivers in pilot cities can log in to the "Traffic Management 12123" app and follow the prompts to apply for an electronic driver's license. It should be noted that applicants must have a valid driver's license. If the license is suspended, temporarily revoked, overdue for medical examination, overdue for review, or announced as invalid, the applicant will not be able to obtain an electronic driver's license. Introduction to electronic driver's licenses: Electronic driver's licenses, commonly known as "e-licenses," were piloted in three cities—Tianjin, Chengdu, and Suzhou—starting from June 1, 2021, to provide drivers with online "license display" and "code display" services, improving convenience for public affairs and travel. They will be fully promoted nationwide in 2022.
I've been driving for over a decade. The electronic driver's license works great in many major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, where it can be used as a substitute for the physical license in these pilot cities. However, in areas where it's not yet implemented, don't take the risk. For example, when traveling to some small counties, the police during checks don't recognize the electronic version at all and only look for the physical license. If you don't have it with you, your car could be impounded and a ticket issued in no time. Last week, I helped a friend transport goods to a non-pilot city. Even though I had the electronic license on my phone, I was still told to go home and fetch the physical one, wasting half a day. Before traveling far, it's advisable to check the implementation list on a transportation app. If your destination isn't listed, play it safe and bring the paper version—safety first. Policy rollouts are slow, and in areas with poor infrastructure, it might take years to be covered. Don't wait for nationwide unification before taking action.
As a young car owner, I particularly love the convenience of the electronic driver's license. Just take a photo or scan with an app, and the verification is done, saving the hassle of carrying a card. However, it's not usable in cities that haven't adopted it yet. Last time I went on a business trip to a non-pilot second-tier city, the police on-site inspection said the system didn't have my record, and I had to show the physical license, otherwise it would be considered driving without a license and subject to a fine. So now I've developed a habit: check local policies before departure, and if it's not adopted, carry a copy of my driver's license with me, in case my phone runs out of battery or there's no signal. The authorities are gradually expanding the pilot scope, but the progress isn't fast. It's more reliable to always have a physical copy handy to avoid unexpected point deductions.
