Will a lost driver's license be used by others?
3 Answers
If you lose your driver's license, the probability of someone else using it to deduct points is very low. Currently, points can only be deducted if the license holder personally carries the driver's license to handle the matter. However, if your driver's license is lost, you should still apply for a replacement as soon as possible. Here are the regulations and explanations regarding driver's license point deductions: Points must be deducted in person: Traffic violation points can only be deducted if the license holder appears in person. This is because when deducting points, the police will record the person being penalized along with their driver's license and original ID card for future reference. Additionally, the original vehicle registration certificate, the handler's original ID card, the original driver's license, cash, and a bank card are required to complete the entire violation process. During the process, the driver must first present their documents at the traffic police counter for recording and point deduction, then receive a ticket, and finally pay the fine at the designated payment window. Only then is the violation fully processed. To deduct points using a driver's license, the license holder must be present and show their ID card. Otherwise, the violation cannot be processed, and point deduction procedures cannot be completed. In China, a driver's license cannot replace an ID card, so if someone finds your lost license, it is essentially useless. If your driver's license is lost, you should apply for a replacement promptly. Otherwise, driving without a license may result in a fine (but no point deduction) if caught by traffic police. The process to replace a driver's license is simple: bring your ID card and a 1-inch photo to the vehicle management office, fill out the driver's license replacement application form, and submit the documents and form to the staff. After paying the processing fee, you can receive a new driver's license.
A few years ago, I also lost my driver's license, and I was quite worried at the time because if someone else picked it up, it could easily be used for bad purposes. For example, someone could use your license to drive recklessly, speed, or drive under the influence. The camera might capture a vehicle number that isn’t yours, but since the name on the license is yours, you’d be held responsible. Even worse, some people sell driving points for money, and you might end up with 12 points deducted and fines to pay without even knowing why. A neighbor of mine experienced this—he didn’t take it seriously when he lost his license, only to receive a ticket later and realize it had been misused. So, as soon as you discover your license is lost, take action immediately: call 110 to report the loss or go to the local traffic management office to apply for a replacement by filling out a form. Also, check your violation records to avoid regrets later. Always keep your documents secure—don’t leave them in your car or the outer pockets of your bag.
Losing your driver's license can indeed be exploited, such as someone impersonating you to drive or handle traffic violations, potentially leaving you to bear the penalties. I was extremely nervous when I lost mine last time, especially since I had just obtained it and heard that younger drivers are more vulnerable, mainly due to the high risk of privacy leaks. Nowadays, some platforms use driver's licenses for identity verification, and losing yours could lead to it being used for ride-hailing services or registering for various things, causing a heap of trouble. Here's what to do if you lose it: prioritize reporting the loss on the 12123 traffic management app—it's free and allows you to track the status; apply for a replacement quickly, which usually takes about a week; regularly check for traffic violations on the official website to catch any anomalies early. Additionally, avoid sharing your license details on social media—protecting your personal information is key.
