Is it still necessary to carry the original driver's license if you have an electronic version?
2 Answers
There are two situations where it cannot be used. First, electronic driver's licenses have not yet been widely adopted and are currently only in trial operation in a few locations such as Guangzhou and Yunnan. Therefore, when traveling to other places, it is highly likely that such electronic certificates will not be recognized. The second situation is when driving on highways, where it is also not possible to use the electronic version. Below is relevant information: Introduction: The electronic driver's license, commonly known as the "e-license," has been piloted in three cities—Tianjin, Chengdu, and Suzhou—since June 1, 2021, to provide drivers with online "license display" and "code display" services, making it more convenient for people to handle affairs and travel. It will be fully promoted nationwide in 2022. How to Obtain: The electronic driver's license will be issued through the national 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 is important to note that applicants must have a valid driver's license. If the license is suspended, temporarily revoked, overdue for a medical check-up, overdue for review, or announced as invalid, the electronic driver's license cannot be applied for.
Having driven for over twenty years, I find the electronic driver's license really convenient—it can be displayed on a mobile app and works fine for daily city use. However, during police checks, rules can vary by location. For instance, rural police stations might not recognize the electronic version. Last week, a friend was pulled over on the highway and told that the app had no signal to verify the license—without the physical card, they almost got fined. It's best to carry the original license in your wallet when going out. If your phone breaks or the system updates, you can still show the real card to prove your identity. This isn't a hassle but a double safeguard, saving you trouble and avoiding awkward waiting times.
