Will the file number of the driving license change when adding a new driving category?
3 Answers
Adding a new driving category to your driving license will not change the file number. The file number is determined by the province, the vehicle management office, and the date of file creation, so the file number remains unchanged when adding a new driving category. Regulations for adding a driving category: According to Article 15 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," if you already hold a motor vehicle driving license and apply to add a new driving category, you must not have a record of 12 or more penalty points in the current scoring cycle and the most recent scoring cycle before the application. Regulations for applying for a driving license: Article 19 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses" stipulates that when applying for a motor vehicle driving license for the first time, you must fill out an application form and submit the applicant's identity proof and a medical certificate issued by a county-level or higher medical institution or a military medical institution at the regimental level or above, proving the applicant's physical condition.
I recently upgraded my driver's license, for example from C1 to C1E, and the file number remained exactly the same. It's like my ID number, tied to my personal record. The upgrade process was simple: submit materials at the DMV, take a small test, and wait a few days for the new license. The new license has updated permissions, but the file number stays the same. I think it's great—if the number changed every time, all driving history would need updating, which would be a nightmare. This design keeps all records unified and reduces confusion. I recommend checking your local DMV rules before upgrading, but most places follow the same stable practice—no change is the norm.
The driver's license file number is a unique personal identifier and will not change with additional endorsements. Adding an endorsement means expanding the permitted vehicle types, such as upgrading from manual to automatic transmission. The system generates this number based on your identity, and updates only modify the endorsement details without resetting the primary key. This logic ensures efficiency and prevents data redundancy. I consulted with DMV staff, who confirmed the fixed number simplifies procedures. After obtaining additional endorsements, you'll receive a new license card, but the file number remains unchanged. In case of any issues, cross-checking the original license can prevent misunderstandings. In summary, maintaining the same file number is the standard protocol.
