Publié · Cameroon
China’s New Electronic Vehicle License Rules: What Foreign Founders Need to Know
China has published a new national standard for electronic vehicle licenses, introducing an authorization mechanism and enhanced security features. The standard takes effect on April 1, 2027. Here’s a practical overview for foreign founders operating vehicles in China.
China’s New Electronic Vehicle License Standard: A Practical Guide for Foreign Founders
Foreign founders running a business in China often need to manage company vehicles or use personal vehicles for business purposes. A recent national standard for electronic vehicle licenses (电子行驶证) introduces changes that could affect how you authorize others to use your vehicle’s electronic license and how verification works. This article summarizes the key points from the official announcement and explains what they mean for foreign entrepreneurs.
What Is the New Standard?
The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the Standardization Administration of China (SAC) have approved and released the national standard “Traffic Management Electronic Certificates – Motor Vehicle License” (《交通管理电子证照 机动车行驶证》). The standard will take effect on April 1, 2027. It is part of a series of national standards for traffic management electronic certificates developed by the Ministry of Public Security to regulate the generation, processing, and sharing of these electronic documents.
This follows the earlier implementation of the national standard for electronic driving licenses (《交通管理电子证照 机动车驾驶证》), which has been in effect since July 1, 2026. Together, these two standards cover both electronic driving licenses and electronic vehicle licenses.
Background: Electronic Licenses in China
China has been rolling out electronic licenses nationwide. Electronic driving licenses were promoted across the country by the end of 2021, allowing drivers to apply for and display them via the “Traffic Management 12123” (交管12123) mobile app. Electronic vehicle licenses have been fully implemented nationwide since November 2024. The new standards aim to unify and secure these digital documents.
Key Provisions of the New Standards
The two standards cover four main areas:
1. Unified License Information Requirements
The standard for electronic driving licenses specifies the information they must contain, including the driver’s identity details (name, license number) and driving qualification information (permitted vehicle types, accumulated points, license status). The standard for electronic vehicle licenses specifies registration information (vehicle type, plate number, vehicle identification number) and dynamic information (vehicle status).
2. Innovative Authorization Mechanism
The electronic vehicle license standard introduces an authorization feature. Vehicle owners can authorize others to use their electronic vehicle license for specific business scenarios. The authorization includes details such as the authorized user and the purpose of use. All authorization actions are traceable and auditable, which helps prevent misuse or impersonation of the license.
3. Enhanced Security Technical Protection
Both standards require that data files be digitally signed using the domestic SM2 cryptographic algorithm. This provides anti-forgery and anti-tampering capabilities. Sensitive information is displayed in a masked form.
4. Unified Format and Coding Rules
The license numbers and identifiers for both types of electronic licenses are unified nationwide. Dynamic information is updated in real time through the public security traffic management information system. This provides a unified technical basis for sharing and mutual recognition of electronic licenses across regions, departments, and platforms.
What This Means for Foreign Founders
If your company owns vehicles or if you use vehicles for business, the new standard will affect how you handle electronic vehicle licenses. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Authorization for business use: The new standard allows vehicle owners to authorize others (such as employees or business partners) to use the electronic vehicle license for specific purposes. This can be useful when employees need to drive company vehicles or when you need to delegate vehicle-related tasks. The authorization is recorded and traceable, which adds a layer of accountability.
- Verification via app: After the standard takes effect, when you present an electronic driving license or electronic vehicle license, others can verify its authenticity by scanning the QR code using the “Traffic Management 12123” app. This makes it easier for businesses and individuals to check licenses when needed.
- Security and compliance: The use of SM2 digital signatures and masked sensitive information means that electronic licenses are more secure against forgery and tampering. This can help foreign founders comply with local regulations and reduce the risk of fraudulent documents.
- Cross-region recognition: The unified format and real-time updates aim to facilitate the recognition of electronic licenses across different regions and platforms. This could simplify administrative processes for companies operating in multiple locations.
It’s important to note that the standard applies to electronic vehicle licenses and driving licenses issued by Chinese authorities. Foreign founders should ensure that their company vehicles and drivers are properly licensed and that any authorization of electronic licenses follows the new rules once they take effect.
Timeline and Implementation
The electronic driving license standard has been in effect since July 1, 2026. The electronic vehicle license standard will take effect on April 1, 2027. Foreign founders should plan accordingly and update their internal procedures for handling electronic licenses if necessary.
Conclusion
The new national standards for electronic vehicle and driving licenses introduce a structured framework for digital licenses, with an emphasis on security and traceability. For foreign founders, understanding these changes can help streamline vehicle-related operations and ensure compliance. As the implementation dates approach, it’s advisable to stay informed about how the new rules may affect your business.
For assistance with company registration and ongoing operations in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.
This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.