Can I drive with an electronic driver's license but no physical booklet?

[LeLeah]

You can drive with an electronic driver's license but no physical booklet, as the electronic license serves as a supplement to the physical document. Pilot scope of electronic driver's license: Currently, the electronic driver's license is only applicable in 28 cities, including Tianjin, Suzhou, Chengdu, Beijing, Shijiazhuang, Changchun, Daqing, Shanghai, Wuxi, Yancheng, Taizhou, Ningbo, Jiaxing, Nanchang, Jinan, Qingdao, Changsha, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Nanning, Chongqing, Mianyang, Zigong, Nanchong, Guiyang, Xi'an, Yinchuan, and Kunming. Meaning of electronic driver's license: An electronic driver's license is a digital version of the physical driver's license, serving as a supplement to the physical document. It can be used for roadside checks and other situations when the physical document is not carried.

[LeIvan]

I downloaded the Traffic Management 12123 app right after getting my driver's license last year. After applying for the electronic driver's license, I drove directly on the road. When stopped by traffic police at an intersection, I showed the QR code on my phone, and the officer verified it before letting me go. Now, electronic driver's licenses are valid nationwide with networked system data, so there's no need to worry about forgetting the paper version. However, in some remote areas with poor signal, it's safer to prepare a paper copy in advance in case your phone runs out of battery or freezes. Personally, I prefer using my phone for driving—it's very convenient—but I occasionally keep a paper license in the glove compartment as a backup.

[AnastasiaMarie]

As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I can assure you that electronic driver's licenses are completely legal. The traffic management authorities have long confirmed that they hold the same validity as paper licenses. You can simply display it on your phone, and traffic police can verify its authenticity by scanning it with their devices. However, I still recommend keeping a backup photo in the cloud or carrying a photocopy, just in case your phone malfunctions. Nowadays, I hardly ever use the physical booklet anymore—technological advancements have made things much simpler. The key is to ensure you're using the official app and avoid third-party counterfeit versions.

[HaileyDella]

I think driving with an electronic driver's license is fine, and I often use it for commuting. Official regulations clearly recognize the electronic version, as long as you log in and display it through the government-designated app. But for safety, it's best to keep a paper copy in the car. Once when I traveled to a mountainous area, the weak phone signal prevented it from loading, which delayed my trip. Overall, it's a reliable option—just make sure to keep your phone charged and maintain a network connection.

[DeJudah]

I recommend downloading the official traffic management app to apply for an electronic driver's license, which allows you to drive directly. It binds personal information, making checks by traffic police quick and accurate. I usually have no trouble showing it on my phone, saving the hassle of rummaging around. But remember to confirm that the real-name authentication is approved and avoid expired updates. In case of emergencies, keeping a small photo in your wallet is also useful. This way, you stay up-to-date while ensuring safe driving.

[LeviAnn]

From my personal experience, an electronic driver's license is absolutely acceptable for driving. As a proficient app user, I rely on it every time I hit the road—just a quick flash of my phone during checks. The policy supports this digital approach, covering most scenarios. However, just in case, I keep a paper license in the car because occasional system maintenance or signal disruptions might affect the display. In short, using tools wisely ensures peace of mind during travel.