JPJ Lifts Travel Proof Rule for Physical Driving Licence

Motorists in Malaysia will soon be able to request a physical driving licence card without having to justify the need for one, following a policy update by the Ministry of Transport (MOT).

From Jan 23 2026, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) will no longer require proof of overseas travel for the printing of a physical Malaysian Driving Licence (LMM). The change removes a key condition that previously limited access to the card and is intended to simplify the process for motorists who still prefer a physical licence.

The decision comes as Malaysia continues to push ahead with digital licensing. Since the Digital Driving Licence was introduced in Feb 2023, adoption has been strong, with the MyJPJ application now recording over 13 million users. Through the app, motorists can renew their licences online and access a digital version without visiting a JPJ office.

Despite this, feedback received by MOT showed that some motorists continue to value a physical card, especially for practical reasons such as travelling or driving overseas. Until now, applicants were required to present documents like flight tickets to qualify - a step that has now been removed entirely.

With the revised policy, any motorist may apply for a physical LMM card at all JPJ counters and Urban Transformation Centres (UTCs) nationwide, with no category-based restrictions. The printing fee is set at RM20 for Malaysian citizens and RM100 for non-citizens.

The existing policy offering free physical licences to selected groups remains unchanged. This includes senior citizens aged 60 and above, holders of Class A1 and Class A licences, and registered Persons with Disabilities (OKU) under the Department of Social Welfare (JKM).

Motorists who prefer to remain fully digital can continue using the Digital Driving Licence via MyJPJ app, with renewals completed entirely online.

MOT and JPJ said the move reflects a more flexible, user-focused approach, allowing motorists to choose between digital convenience and a physical card, without unnecessary administrative hurdles.