An electronic driver’s license cannot fully replace a paper document. This was stated by Alexander Bashkin, a member of the Federation Council and participant in the Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State-Building.
Following the outcomes of a recent roundtable on the digital driver’s license, Bashkin explained that there was a consensus to urge the Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation to continue advancing the State Services project. The aim is to enhance the platform known as automatic submission, which enables the electronic license to be submitted when needed.
Asked whether a complete replacement of the paper driving license with an electronic version is necessary, the senator noted that experts and lawmakers have concluded this is not required and cannot be fully achieved. The point was made that having a backup paper document remains important for certain situations and for ensuring broad accessibility.
Bashkin highlighted several key reasons why a total switch to an electronic format is not feasible at present. Security concerns and operational reliability were emphasized, along with practical considerations such as uneven internet coverage across regions and the possibility of a mobile device losing power or becoming damaged. These factors collectively underline why a paper license still plays a critical role in ensuring seamless verification on the roads.
In late November, legal professionals offered critiques regarding the introduction of electronic driver’s licenses in Russia, pointing to potential legal and practical gaps that needed addressing before a full transition could be considered. These discussions reflect the broader challenge of aligning digital innovations with existing regulatory frameworks and everyday user realities.
Historically, traffic police enforcement has relied on physical documentation and routine checks to verify driving credentials. The emergence of digital solutions raises important questions about how officers should interact with electronic records, how data is secured, and how road-side verifications are conducted to maintain efficiency without compromising privacy or safety. The debate continues as policymakers weigh the benefits of digital convenience against the need for reliable, universal access to credentials in all conditions.
For residents and travelers in large countries like Canada and the United States, the question of digital driver’s licenses mirrors a broader trend toward digital identity and mobile credentials. While many regions are piloting or adopting electronic options, practical considerations such as offline verification, cross-border recognition, and the integrity of the issuance process remain central to public confidence. The conversation in Russia echoes global discussions about how best to blend electronic records with traditional paper documents to support lawful driving and effortless verification in real-world scenarios. Clear guidelines and ongoing improvements to digital platforms help ensure that users can rely on their credentials whether online or offline, and whether they are at a busy checkpoint or a remote location without stable internet access.
Ultimately, the ongoing dialogue around electronic driver’s licenses emphasizes the need for robust safeguards, dependable fallback options, and a system that remains functional under diverse conditions. The evolving approach aims to deliver the benefits of digital convenience while preserving the reliability and universal reach of traditional documents. Stakeholders continue to monitor progress, test new features, and refine processes to ensure that digital tools enhance, rather than hinder, the everyday experience of drivers and law enforcement officers alike.