Travel proof no longer needed for a physical driving licence
Motorists across Malaysia, listen up. The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has just announced a change that’ll make it much easier to get a physical copy of your driving licence again. From 23rd January 2026, the requirement to show proof of overseas travel has been dropped entirely, so drivers can opt to have a physical card in their wallets again and not have to rely solely on their smartphones for their digitalised driver’s licence.
What’s changed about physical driving licences?
Sure, our smartphones have made it possible for us to ditch almost all our cards and go out without a bulky wallet in our pockets. This includes our driver’s licence, which motorists across Malaysia have been able to access from an app since the Road Transport Department (JPJ) moved to digitalising the road tax and licence in 2023.
But if you would like to have a physical card with you again for more peace of mind, you can now opt for one again.
According to a report by Bernama, the MOT is allowing Malaysians to receive a physical printout of their driving licence again, starting 23rd January. This move takes into account feedback that they’ve received from the public.
Malaysians who wanted a physical driving licence had to previously prove that they were planning to travel overseas, in the form of flight tickets or other travel documents, when applying at the Road Transport Department JPJ.
What should Malaysian drivers do now?
Starting from 23rd January, applicants can simply go to any JPJ counter or Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) and request a physical printout without showing travel proof.
Image credit: Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia via Facebook
There is an RM20 printing fee for Malaysian citizens and an RM100 fee for non-citizens. Certain groups, including senior citizens aged 60 and above, holders of Class A and A1 licences, and registered persons with disabilities, can still receive their physical licences free of charge.
Digital licences issued via the MyJPJ app remain an option, offering convenience and free access for renewals and verification, but the physical card is now easier to obtain too.
Travel proof no longer need for physical driving licence
Getting a physical driving licence in Malaysia just got much simpler. So If you prefer the old-school way of having a physical card to go with your digital one, you can now get it without having to prove travel plans.
Cover image adapted from: Janet, Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia via Facebook