Can I drive on the road if my driver's license is lost?
4 Answers
You cannot drive if your driver's license is lost. You must apply for a replacement before you can drive. Otherwise, it will be treated as not carrying your driver's license with you, resulting in a fine and 1 penalty point. If a motor vehicle driver loses their driver's license, they should apply for a replacement at the vehicle management office where the license was originally issued. Below are some precautions regarding the use of a driver's license: Driver's licenses have an expiration date: A driver's license is only valid within its expiration period. Driving with an expired license is illegal. Avoid accumulating 12 penalty points within 12 months: A driver's license has 12 points that can be deducted within a 12-month period. It is important to avoid accumulating all 12 points within this timeframe. Otherwise, you will need to attend a training session at the local vehicle management office and pass an exam. If you fail the exam, you will have to retake it until you pass before you can retrieve your driver's license.
I just encountered a situation where my driver's license was lost, and I felt a bit panicked but immediately knew I couldn't drive on the road. Traffic laws stipulate that you must carry your driver's license with you when driving. Otherwise, if the police check and find you driving without a license, you could be fined 50 to 200 yuan, deducted 1-2 points, and in severe cases, your vehicle might be impounded or you could face detention. More importantly, in case of an accident without the license, the insurance company might refuse to compensate, leaving you with greater liability risks. Last time I discovered it was lost, I immediately used the 12123 APP to apply for an electronic driver's license as a temporary proof (it only takes a few minutes), while also going to the vehicle management office to apply for a replacement physical license. During the replacement period, I honestly took the bus or taxis—don’t try to save a little money by driving recklessly, as an accident would lead to regret. Safety first; the license is your permit to drive. Without it, stopping driving is a small matter compared to the big trouble you could face. Now I’ve also developed the habit of backing up electronic documents on my phone.
As an experienced driver, I'm telling you that you must not touch the steering wheel and drive on the road if you've lost your driver's license. This isn't just about regulations—it's about practical safety: driving without a license guarantees a ticket and points if caught by traffic police, complicates accident handling, and voids insurance claims. I've been there—the moment I realized my license was missing, I stopped driving immediately. My advice: quickly use the traffic management app to get an electronic license as a temporary solution, or visit the nearest traffic police station to apply for a replacement (it takes just a day or two). During the replacement period, switch to public transport or shared bikes—don't delay. Driving legally and compliantly brings peace of mind; driving without a license is asking for trouble, with risks far outweighing the minor time loss. Remember to regularly check that your documents are in your bag to prevent loss—good habits prevent future hassles.
Losing your driver's license means no more driving, buddy—this is serious. Police can check your vehicle anytime, and getting caught without it means fines plus penalty points on your record. I went through this myself and ditched the idea of driving until I applied for a temporary e-permit via an app, only hitting the road after the new license arrived. Replacement is easy: just visit the DMV or go online for an e-certificate in minutes as a stopgap. During the replacement period, avoid driving altogether—switch to buses or taxis for safety and peace of mind. Don’t risk causing an accident where you’d bear full responsibility, which is both costly and messy. A valid license is the foundation of driving; treat the loss as a short break.
