Is the Electronic Driver's License Nationally Valid?
2 Answers
Driver's licenses are valid nationwide. Content recorded and endorsed on the motor vehicle driver's license includes: Driver's information: name, gender, date of birth, nationality, address, identification number (driver's license number), and photo. Endorsements by the vehicle management office: initial issuance date, permitted vehicle type code, validity start date, duration of validity, issuing authority seal, and file number. Driver's License: A motor vehicle driver's license is a legal document issued by the administrative authorities to individuals who have legally learned to drive, mastered traffic regulations and driving skills, and passed the required tests, permitting them to operate certain types of motor vehicles.
I've been driving for almost ten years and can confidently say that electronic driver's licenses are now universally accepted nationwide in China. Since the Ministry of Public Security fully promoted their use by the end of 2021, whether you're checking traffic violations in Beijing or renting a car in Sanya, simply opening the Traffic Management 12123 app on your phone to display the e-license works perfectly. Last time I drove along the Sichuan-Tibet highway, passing through checkpoints in five or six provinces, scanning the QR code for verification went smoothly without any issues. Of course, a friendly reminder: remember to apply for the electronic version of your driver's license in the app in advance, and avoid using beauty filters when taking photos, otherwise the review might fail. In case of no signal, download the offline QR code in advance as a backup to avoid awkward situations. When driving out with kids for fun, you no longer have to worry about not finding that little booklet.