Is the Electronic Driver's License Nationwide Valid?

[JamesonRose]

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.

[MacEverly]

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.

[LilahLynn]

My experience with the electronic driver's license during daily commutes can be summed up in two words: hassle-free. Whether getting randomly checked during a business trip to Beijing or handling an accident in my hometown county, showing the digital version on my phone worked seamlessly everywhere. The application process was straightforward – just download the 12123 APP, upload photos of ID card and driver's license as instructed, and it automatically generates after approval. The nationwide network makes cross-regional procedures most convenient, like when I replaced my vehicle registration in Suzhou last month – just showing the e-license did the trick. Though it's wise to carry the physical copy as backup, the digital version suffices for daily use. Important reminder: bind it to your primary phone number, and remember to re-login to update when switching devices. The digitalization trend is unstoppable – soon highway ETC and annual inspection labels will likely follow suit.

[AryaDella]

I love going on road trips on weekends, and since last year, I've been using an electronic driver's license to travel across half of China. From Yunnan to Heilongjiang, it works universally for hotel check-ins, car rentals, and traffic police checks—scanning the code for verification takes just three seconds. Compared to a physical license, its biggest advantage is that you don't have to worry about losing it, as it can be accessed anytime with an internet connection. When applying via the 12123 app, make sure your photo is clear and your bangs don’t cover your eyebrows. Be mindful of certain special scenarios, like border checkpoints, where they might verify your information a few extra times—opening the app ten minutes in advance can save time. In fact, electronic licenses also reduce the risk of counterfeiting, with anti-counterfeit watermarks that update automatically every quarter, making them much safer than laminated cards. Now, except for some remote areas in Tibet with weak signals, it’s basically usable nationwide without any issues.