What to Do If You Forgot Your Driver's License?

[RicardoRose]

If you forget to bring your driver's license, you can check your license information through the following two methods: 1. Check via ID card: Generally, driver's license and related information can be checked using your ID card. If you forget your driver's license, you can present your ID card to the traffic police, who can then retrieve your driver's license information through relevant means. 2. Check via 12123: You can download the traffic management app "12123" on your mobile phone, where you can also check your driver's license information. If the traffic management department detains your vehicle and requests you to provide your driver's license, the following actions will be taken based on the situation: 1. If the driver provides the license: If there are no other violations while driving, a fine will be imposed with 1 point deducted, and the vehicle will be promptly returned. 2. If there are violations: If the driver provides the license but there are violations while driving, penalties will be imposed based on the nature of the violations and the failure to carry the license, and the vehicle will be promptly returned. 3. If the driver fails to provide the license: Penalties for driving without a license will apply.

[DeWeston]

I just went through this a couple of days ago. That day I was in a hurry to take my kid to school and left my driver's license at home. Then I got pulled over by traffic police on the way, and I panicked. Luckily, the officer was quite understanding - he had me show my ID card and vehicle registration, then checked my driver's license info in their system. In the end, it was just a verbal warning plus a 100 yuan fine with no points deducted. The officer told me many places now accept electronic driver's licenses and suggested I apply for one on the 12123 app so I can just show my phone during future checks. If you live nearby, you could also have family bring your physical license over - as long as it arrives before they process the case, you're fine. But the most reliable approach is developing the habit of checking your three documents before driving.

[Brynlee]

Now electronic driver's licenses have become widespread, even in our small county town. If you forget to bring your physical license, the first thing to do is open the 12123 APP and display your electronic version. That's how I passed inspection at a highway service station last year - the officer just scanned the QR code and let me go. Of course, it's best to apply for the electronic license in advance rather than scrambling to download it when you're pulled over. In case you forget your phone or have no signal, remember your ID number. The traffic police system actually has records, and they can verify your driving qualifications with just your ID. However, enforcement may vary by region - I've heard major cities typically deduct 1 point and impose a 50-yuan fine, while rural areas focus more on education. The most important thing is to remain calm and cooperate with the inspection.

[MilesAnn]

If you get pulled over for not carrying your driver's license, don't panic. The traffic police system has an interconnected database where they can retrieve your license records just by checking your ID number. Once I forgot my license on a provincial highway, but I proactively provided my ID number to the officer. They verified it using a handheld device, did a simple registration, and didn't even issue a fine. However, it's recommended to keep a photo of your license on your phone as a backup—it's much more convenient than memorizing your ID number. If you have urgent matters that day, you can discuss with the officer about submitting your license to the enforcement station later. But never argue with the inspectors; most cities now handle such situations leniently.