SHENZHEN rolled out digital driver’s licenses yesterday, Shenzhen Evening News reported, quoting the city’s traffic transportation department.

Residents can now apply for their digital license via the “交管12123” (Traffic Management 12123) app and the licenses are instant, secure and valid nationwide. The government legally recognizes digital licenses as valid as the physical ones.

The digital license is generated from a national traffic management digital license system, which ensures that the license’s information is consistent with its system records, such as traffic violations and license modifications for permitted vehicle types.

In addition, effective measures are in place to guarantee digital licenses’ authenticity by using a national traffic management database and anti-counterfeit technology for electronic signatures.

Drivers can present their digital license to traffic police officers and other entities in instances such as traffic violations and accidents, insurance claims, vehicle release and job recruitment. However, a physical license is still needed in case the license needs to be seized.

For drivers applying for their digital license, they should follow instructions on the app’s main page and drivers are required to show that their physical license is still valid without any records for detainment, overdue examinations and verification.

The app will use a system-stored photo for first-time digital license applicants and the photo can be changed upon effectivity. Drivers without a stored photo can upload a standard photo by using their phone’s camera or photo album for official verification. The standard photo shows an applicant in dark clothing against a white background. The digital license is processed in one business day.

Drivers unable to get a digital license due to unforeseen or special circumstances must apply at the vehicle management office which issued their physical license.

(Xia Yuanjie)