How long is the validity period of the electronic driving certificate?
3 Answers
Electronic driving certificates have validity periods of six years, ten years, and long-term validity. Differences in electronic driver's licenses: If a motor vehicle driver does not score 12 points in any scoring cycle during the six-year validity period of their motor vehicle driver's license, they can renew it for a ten-year validity period. If they do not score 12 points in any scoring cycle during the ten-year validity period, they can renew it for a long-term valid motor vehicle driver's license. Introduction to electronic driver's licenses: Electronic driver's licenses use digital signature anti-counterfeiting technology, making them authentic, unique, safe, and reliable, addressing people's concerns about security. Additionally, they are generated based on the national public security traffic control electronic license system. After receiving them on a mobile phone, querying or displaying them is very convenient.
The validity period of your electronic driver's license is exactly the same as your physical license. For example, the initial issuance is valid for 6 years, and after renewal, it may be valid for 10 years or long-term. The key point is that your electronic version can only be used if your driver's license status is normal. Every time I renew my physical license, I immediately update the electronic version on the Traffic Management 12123 app because the old electronic license automatically becomes invalid on the day you renew. During traffic checks, the police can directly scan the QR code of my electronic license on my phone, and the system will display the validity period in real time. However, it's important to note that if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than a year, the electronic version cannot be used. Remember to renew your license within 90 days before expiration, otherwise, you may be considered as driving without a license if caught.
The electronic driver's license is not permanent, its validity period strictly follows that of the physical license. For instance, after holding my license for 6 years without accumulating 12 penalty points, I renewed it last year with a 10-year validity, and the electronic version automatically synchronized to the same expiration date. I recommend checking your license status periodically on the Traffic Management 12123 app, especially paying attention to the expiration date. Another detail to note: when you replace your physical license, even if the validity period remains unchanged, you must reapply for the electronic version. Before long-distance drives, I make it a habit to take a screenshot of my electronic license as a backup—if poor signal prevents accessing the app, the screenshot can serve as temporary proof during checks. These tips are particularly helpful for new drivers.
