What does the driving license file number mean?
2 Answers
Driving license file number adopts a 12-digit code, where the first four digits from left to right are the administrative division code, and the last eight digits are the sequential number. Below is the relevant introduction about the electronic version of the driving license: 1. Description: The electronic driving license is a type of license designed to prevent some car owners from forgetting to bring their driving license, avoiding the embarrassment of not having a driving license with them. It can also be used for simplified penalty procedures of traffic violations with fines below three points. 2. Development process: On April 12, 2017, Yancheng traffic police launched an "electronic driving license," mainly to provide convenience for the public, not to advocate or encourage drivers not to carry their driving licenses with them. On May 10, 2021, the Ministry of Public Security held a press conference to release 12 convenience measures for deepening the reform of "simplifying administration, delegating power, strengthening regulation, and improving services" in public security traffic management "to do practical things for the people," announcing that starting from June 1, 2021, the electronicization of motor vehicle driving licenses would be piloted in three cities: Tianjin, Chengdu, and Suzhou.
The driving file number is essentially that combination of numbers and letters on your driver's license. Yes, it's the serial number on your little booklet or card, specifically used to identify you in the traffic management system. Every time you go to renew your license, handle traffic violations, or register a vehicle, they'll check this number. It's not randomly assigned—based on my experience, this number often links to your ID number, date of birth, and other details for unified management. If you lose your license, this number helps retrieve your records. I think it's best for everyone to memorize it or even take a photo and save it on their phone to avoid delays from forgetting it. You don't usually need it while driving, but in unexpected situations—like during a traffic stop or insurance claims—it becomes crucial proof, saving you a lot of hassle. By the way, many places now have online query systems where you can check your penalty points by entering the driving file number, which is quite convenient.
