
For driver's license registration, you need to bring the original ID card. You also need a photocopy of the ID card, the motor vehicle driver's license application form, a medical examination report, and a one-inch color photo. Specific required documents include: Original "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form," usually filled out by the driving school or required to be completed on-site by the applicant; Identity proof: For residents, the identity proof is the original and a photocopy of the "Resident ID Card"; For residents living in temporary accommodation, the identity proof is the original and a photocopy of the "Resident ID Card" and the original and a photocopy of the temporary residence permit issued by the public security authority; For active military personnel (including armed police), the identity proof is the original and a photocopy of the "Resident ID Card" or the original and a photocopy of the military ID issued by the Chinese People's Liberation Army or the Armed Police Force, and an original certificate issued by the military unit at or above the regiment level stating the ID number and residential address; For foreign nationals, the identity proof is the original and a photocopy of their entry identity document and the original and a photocopy of their residence permit; For personnel of foreign embassies, consulates, and international organizations in China, the identity proof is the original and a photocopy of the valid ID document issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Provide a digital photo, a one-inch recent color photo with a white background, no white clothing or professional attire, and those with corrected vision must wear glasses; Medical examination report: Proof of physical condition for motor vehicle drivers (issued by qualified medical institutions such as secondary or higher hospitals, township health centers, community health service centers, or health examination centers). Conditions for obtaining a driver's license: Article 11 of the Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123 stipulates that applicants for a motor vehicle driver's license must meet the following requirements: Age requirements: For small cars, small automatic transmission cars, small automatic transmission passenger cars for the disabled, and light motorcycles, the applicant must be between 18 and 70 years old; For low-speed trucks, three-wheeled cars, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, or wheeled self-propelled machinery, the applicant must be between 18 and 60 years old; For city buses, large trucks, trolleybuses, or trams, the applicant must be between 20 and 50 years old; For medium-sized passenger vehicles, the applicant must be between 21 and 50 years old; For tractor-trailers, the applicant must be between 24 and 50 years old; For large passenger vehicles, the applicant must be between 26 and 50 years old. Physical requirements: Height: For large passenger vehicles, tractor-trailers, city buses, large trucks, or trolleybuses, the height must be at least 155 cm. For medium-sized passenger vehicles, the height must be at least 150 cm; Vision: For large passenger vehicles, tractor-trailers, city buses, medium-sized passenger vehicles, large trucks, trolleybuses, or trams, the naked or corrected vision of both eyes must reach at least 5.0 on the logarithmic visual acuity chart. For other vehicle types, the naked or corrected vision of both eyes must reach at least 4.9 on the logarithmic visual acuity chart; Color vision: No red-green color blindness; Hearing: Both ears must be able to distinguish the direction of sound from a tuning fork at 50 cm. Those with hearing impairments who can meet the above conditions with hearing aids may apply for a driver's license for small cars or small automatic transmission cars; Upper limbs: Both thumbs must be intact, and each hand must have at least three other fingers intact, with normal limb and finger movement. Those with missing finger tips or a missing right thumb may apply for a driver's license for small cars, small automatic transmission cars, low-speed trucks, or three-wheeled cars; Lower limbs: Both lower limbs must be intact with normal movement function, and the length difference must not exceed 5 cm. Those with a missing or non-functional left lower limb may apply for a driver's license for small automatic transmission cars. Those with missing or non-functional right or both lower limbs but who can sit independently may apply for a driver's license for small automatic transmission passenger cars for the disabled; Torso and neck: No movement dysfunction.

I remember going to sign up for a driver's license last year, which was my first time stepping into the DMV office, feeling both excited and nervous. When I reached the service counter, the staff directly told me that I must have the original ID card to start the application. I had forgotten to bring it at the time, so I had to rush back home to get it, almost missing my appointment. Later, I learned that the original document is required for on-site photo taking and verification, as photocopies are not acceptable—this is to ensure the applicant's identity is genuine and accurate. The DMV's system needs to scan the information from the original document to prevent impersonation. The whole process was quite troublesome but necessary, especially now that driver's licenses are tied to personal information security. If you forget the original document, you might have to reschedule, wasting time and effort. So, I suggest double-checking your materials before signing up, and bringing photocopies along with other items like photos and medical reports to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth trips.

When I took my child to register for a driver's license, we checked the requirements in advance and knew that the original ID card was mandatory. That day at the DMV, while waiting in line, I saw someone get turned away for only bringing a photocopy, wasting their entire afternoon. The staff explained that the original is needed to verify personal details and input them into the system, as photocopies can be easily forged and aren't reliable. I think this rule makes perfect sense—driving is a serious responsibility, and verifying true identity helps prevent issues down the road. As an extra tip, you might also need a health certificate and a copy of your household registration when applying, so bringing all documents at once saves hassle. Remembering these details can help you avoid unnecessary delays and get your license faster to start practicing.

As a frequent driver, I made sure to prepare everything thoroughly when I signed up for my driver's license. Bringing the original ID card is the most fundamental requirement—the DMV uses it to verify your identity and ensure the application is legitimate. Without it, the registration process could be put on hold, delaying your progress. I recommend everyone prepare the original document in advance, along with other materials like photos and fees, to complete the process in one go. This approach is more efficient and secure.


