Twenty-eight more Chinese cities including Changsha will promote the use of digital driver’s licenses starting from September 1, 2021. Digital driver’s licenses issued by these cities are valid nationwide. Step by step, China will roll out digital driver's licenses across the country by 2022.

Step 1: Make an online application 

The applicant first need to download and register a mobile app called “Traffic Management 12123 [交管12123]”. After logging in, the applicant can click “Electronic Version of Driver’s License [驾驶证电子版]” in “My Driver’s License [我的驾驶证]” or “Business Center [业务中心]” column to apply for a digital driver’s license.

Step 2: Submit a photo

The applicant need to submit a portrait photo of his or her own when applying for a digital driver’s license.

After submission, the system will generate a digital driver’s license (preview).

Step 3: Submit an application

After the applicant confirms and submits the application information, the local public security traffic management department will review the application information within one working day. The applicant will be notified of the result in a timely manner via SMS and the “Traffic Management 12123” APP.

Step 4: Download and show

After being notified of the application result, the applicant can log in to the “Traffic Management 12123” APP, and click “Digital Driver’s License [电子驾驶证]”. The system will automatically download the electronic version of the driver’s license. After that, the applicant can show this digital driver’s license upon request.

Notes:

1. Not everyone can get an electronic driver's license. When the driver’s license status is normal, and the illegal behavior has not been dealt with or the accident has not been settled, the applicant is still allowed to apply for a digital driver’s license. When the applicant’s license has 12 points deducted, or the driver’s license status shows temporary suspension, detention, overdue replacement, and overdue examination, the applicant can not apply for a digital driver’s license. 

2. A paper driver's license is an administrative license issued by the public security organ, while the digital license is a manifestation of a paper one, and can not completely replace the paper one.

Usage scenarios

Drivers can show their digital licenses to handle traffic management affairs, such as handling traffic violations and road accidents, without need to submit paper licenses.

On occasions such as insurance claim settlement, vehicle rental, and job recruitment, drivers can also show their digital licenses, and relevant units can check their driving qualifications online. This has made it more convenient for people to travel by car, and will facilitate the development of enterprises and industries.

Translator: Kuang Zhenzhen

Chinese source: Voice of Hunan; official WeChat account of the Hunan Broadcasting System Broadcasting Media Center