Can I use an electronic version of my driver's license if I forget to bring the physical one?
3 Answers
You can use an electronic version of your driver's license if you forget to bring the physical one. Description of the electronic driver's license: The main page primarily includes basic driver's license information, the generation time of the electronic license, a QR code and a barcode for verification purposes, etc.; the supplementary page mainly includes the driver's residential address, issuing authority, driving record, and the code regulations for permitted vehicle types, etc. How to use the electronic driver's license: During law enforcement inspections, drivers can present their electronic driver's license, and the traffic management department will no longer check the physical driver's license, verifying the license information online through law enforcement terminals. When handling traffic management services, drivers can present their electronic driver's license to manage vehicle and driver's license affairs, handle traffic violations, process traffic accidents, etc., without needing to submit the physical driver's license.
After driving for so many years, I've found that electronic driver's licenses are quite reliable now. The 'Traffic Management 12123' app promoted by the national public security department allows you to display it to the police when you forget your physical driver's license, as long as you've completed the real-name authentication and downloaded it in advance. I've tried it several times—just scan the QR code at urban checkpoints, and it's very convenient. However, it's important to note that your phone must have battery and network signal. In mountainous areas or places with weak signals, it might be mistakenly considered invalid, so I recommend always carrying a physical license as a backup. Nationwide implementation started last year, and the download tutorial is straightforward. The app also includes a function for checking traffic violations—don't take risks out of laziness. Driving is no trivial matter; this innovative measure has saved me a lot of trouble. I also remind everyone to update the app version promptly to avoid issues at critical moments.
As a young driver who just got my license, the electronic driver's license has been a lifesaver. I'm always forgetting things, and last time when I forgot my physical license, I quickly opened the 'Traffic Management 12123' app to show it. The police scanned the code and let me go. Now it's legally recognized—just bind it to your ID card, and it's done in a few simple steps. However, I've also had some trouble. When my car was checked in my rural hometown, some officers weren't used to it and insisted on seeing the physical copy. My advice: make sure your phone is charged when using the electronic license, and don’t rely solely on screenshots—real-time display in the app is safer. After downloading the app, save it to the cloud—you can also check violation records, making it super practical. Develop a habit of checking before heading out; having both as backup is the safest bet.
