פורסם · Hebrew

China Publishes National Standard for Electronic Vehicle Licenses: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

China has approved a new national standard for electronic vehicle licenses, effective April 1, 2027. The standard introduces an authorization mechanism allowing vehicle owners to delegate use of their electronic license and sets unified technical requirements. For foreign founders operating company vehicles in China, this means more streamlined digital processes and enhanced security. Here’s a breakdown of what the standard entails and how it may affect your business.

China’s New Electronic Vehicle License Standard: Key Updates for Foreign Founders

Foreign founders running businesses in China often need to manage company-owned vehicles, handle administrative procedures, and ensure compliance with local regulations. A recent development from China’s top market regulator and standards body could simplify some of these tasks. On [date], the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the Standardization Administration of China approved a national standard for electronic vehicle licenses—specifically, the “Traffic Management Electronic Certificate: Motor Vehicle Driving License.” The standard will take effect on April 1, 2027.

This article summarizes the official announcement from the SAMR website, focusing on practical implications for foreign entrepreneurs. We’ll explain what the standard covers, how it builds on existing electronic license systems, and what it means for your operations in China.

Background: Electronic Licenses in China

China has been progressively rolling out electronic versions of driving licenses and vehicle licenses. According to the source, electronic driving licenses were promoted nationwide by the end of 2021, allowing drivers to apply for and display them via the “Traffic Management 12123” mobile app. Electronic vehicle licenses became fully available nationwide in November 2024. To regulate the generation, processing, and sharing of these electronic certificates, the Ministry of Public Security has been developing a series of national standards.

Before this new standard, a national standard for electronic driving licenses—the “Traffic Management Electronic Certificate: Motor Vehicle Driving License”—had already been implemented as of July 1, 2026. The newly approved standard for electronic vehicle licenses complements that earlier standard. Together, they aim to provide a unified technical framework for electronic certificates in traffic management.

What the New Standard Covers

The standard for electronic vehicle licenses, along with the existing standard for electronic driving licenses, addresses four main areas:

1. Unified Certificate Information Requirements

The standard for electronic driving licenses specifies the information to be included, such as the driver’s name, license number, permitted vehicle types, accumulated points, and license status. Similarly, the new standard for electronic vehicle licenses defines the required information for vehicle licenses, including vehicle type, plate number, vehicle identification number, and dynamic information such as vehicle status. This ensures consistency and interoperability across systems.

2. Innovative Authorization Mechanism

One of the key features of the new standard is the introduction of an authorization mechanism for electronic vehicle licenses. The standard adds fields for authorized users and purpose of use. This means that a vehicle owner can authorize another person to use the electronic vehicle license for specific business scenarios. The entire process is traceable, helping to prevent misuse or fraudulent use of the certificate. For foreign founders, this could be particularly useful when delegating vehicle-related tasks to employees or third-party service providers.

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. Additionally, sensitive information is displayed in a desensitized manner. These measures are designed to protect the integrity and confidentiality of electronic certificates.

4. Unified Format and Coding Rules

The standards unify the certificate numbers and identifiers nationwide for both electronic driving licenses and electronic vehicle licenses. Dynamic information is updated in real-time from the public security traffic management information system. This provides a unified technical basis for sharing and mutual recognition of electronic certificates across regions, departments, and platforms.

Practical Implications for Foreign Founders

For foreign entrepreneurs operating in China, the new standard could bring several practical benefits:

• Simplified verification: After the standard takes effect, individuals can present their electronic driving license or electronic vehicle license, and verifiers can scan a QR code using the “Traffic Management 12123” app to check authenticity. This makes it easier for businesses to verify documents when conducting transactions or complying with regulations.
• Delegation of vehicle-related tasks: The authorization mechanism allows company vehicle owners to grant temporary access to employees or agents for specific purposes, with a full audit trail. This can streamline operations such as vehicle inspections, rentals, or other business uses.
• Cross-platform recognition: Unified standards facilitate the acceptance of electronic certificates across different regions and platforms, reducing administrative hurdles for companies operating in multiple locations.

It’s important to note that the standard will not be implemented until April 1, 2027. Until then, existing practices continue. Foreign founders should stay informed about further developments and consider how electronic certificates might integrate with their internal compliance and fleet management systems.

Conclusion

China’s move to standardize electronic vehicle licenses reflects a broader trend toward digitalization and efficiency in public services. For foreign founders, understanding these changes can help in navigating administrative processes more smoothly. As the implementation date approaches, businesses should monitor official channels for additional guidance.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.

For assistance with company registration and operations in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.