The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs proposes a new driver’s license format without a back-printed barcode
In a move set to change how driver credentials are issued in Russia, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has drafted a policy aimed at replacing the current driver’s license format. The proposal suggests removing the barcode that currently appears on the back of the license. The draft order, titled “On Acceptance of Driver’s License,” has been published on the federal government portal for public consideration.
The accompanying explanatory note explains that when issuing a license, there will be no need to create a barcode on the back. This implies a shift away from the barcode element that many drivers have grown accustomed to seeing on their documents. Officials indicate that the barcode is no longer essential for the storage or retrieval of license information, and that the change would streamline the production process.
Authorities have stated that the barcode was not being used to read information at this time. If the new policy is approved, the change could take effect on March 1 of the current year. The barcode currently located on the back of the driver’s license is designed to help verify the document’s authenticity, but under the new plan alternative verification methods would be implemented.
In related commentary, Serhiy Radko, formerly a lawyer with the Freedom of Choice automobile movement, asserted that traffic police officers have the authority to request driver’s licenses and vehicle documents during inspections. This perspective underscores questions about how document verification would function in practice if the barcode is eliminated and what other checks would replace it when a routine stop occurs.
Experts note that any transition of this kind requires careful consideration of administrative procedures, printing standards, and the mechanisms by which authorities confirm identity and document legitimacy. Public safety and administrative efficiency would be central to debates about the proposed format change, including how manufacturers produce licenses and how law enforcement agencies access or verify license data without the barcode. Stakeholders are watching how the new approach would integrate with existing traffic safety systems and whether it might affect cross-border recognition or regional interoperability in areas where drivers travel frequently. The conversation also touches on privacy concerns, data handling practices, and the potential for modern alternatives such as digital credentials or updated secure features on physical licenses. The ultimate goal, as described by officials, is to maintain a reliable, verifiable license system while simplifying issuance processes and reducing redundant features.
As the legislative process unfolds, observers expect further briefings and clarifications from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The outcome will depend on how well new verification methods are articulated, how printing standards are updated, and how stakeholders respond to the possibility of a barcode-free license becoming the standard going forward. The ongoing discussion highlights the balance between security, convenience, and administrative efficiency in public service documents, with the full implications likely to unfold in the months ahead and potentially set a precedent for similar reforms in other jurisdictions.