Is the Electronic Driver's License Nationwide Valid?
2 Answers
Currently, the electronic driver's license is not nationwide valid. It is only supported in cities such as Tianjin, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Haikou, Zhengzhou, Nanchang, Wuhan, and Changsha. For specific supported cities and usage rules, please consult the local traffic management department. For now, it is still necessary to carry the original driver's license when driving. Here is additional information on the replacement process for a lost driver's license: 1. Use the Traffic Management 12123 mobile app to apply for a replacement driver's license. 2. Apply directly at the vehicle management office, bringing the driver's ID card, four one-inch white background photos of the driver without a hat, and pay the processing fee. The license can be obtained in 15 minutes.
As a seasoned driver who drives every day, I've personally verified the practicality of electronic driver's licenses. It's truly valid nationwide—I've handled traffic violations in Shanghai, rented cars in Chengdu, and even showed it during random license checks by traffic police in Dalian without any issues. Applying through the 12123APP is super convenient: just register, complete facial recognition for real-name verification, and it generates instantly with a clear interface showing permitted vehicle types. Two reminders though: in mountainous areas with spotty signals, better screenshot it in advance; when officers manually enter verification codes for checks, just cooperate patiently. Compared to physical cards, the electronic version's biggest vulnerability is dead phone batteries—I always carry a power bank. This digital advancement is genuinely hassle-free, no more wallet-digging for that little card.
