The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has unveiled a new redesigned physical driving licence card (LMM), which will come with several enhanced safety features. The new card design has now begun distribution in stages at selected JPJ outlets nationwide.
According to JPJ’s press release, the new LMM cards feature the Sultan Abdul Samad building in front, alongside abstract wave elements, while the back showcases the Istana Negara (national palace) surrounded by floral motifs.
It’ll also come with design elements that effectively prevent illegal tampering and forgery, and is also designed to withstand wear-and-tear from 10 years of use. But if you’re thinking of heading to JPJ right now to get yourself a new shiny card, hold your horses.
As with before, the physical version of the driving licence will only be available for two types of applicants: non-citizens, and Malaysians who are travelling (and driving) abroad. For the latter, that will also involve the application for an International Driving Permit (IDP), which will cost an additional RM150 per year.
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For the general public, the newly designed cards will only be available in digital format within the MyJPJ app when the applicant’s driving licence is renewed, in line with the country’s switch to the digital licence (e-LMM) system first introduced in 2024.
Speaking to media at an event yesterday, JPJ director-general, Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said, “If you are renewing as usual, you will get the digital licence via MyJPJ. But if the applicant is going overseas, they can request the physical version of the driving licence.
“We know not all countries accept digital licences except for Singapore, which has accepted it, but there are other countries that do not. Travellers need to carry a physical licence along with an International Driving Permit (IDP), which can be applied for at JPJ. Every country has different regulations” he added.
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