No change: Drivers must carry original documents despite digital shift

The department clarified that the government resolution adopted earlier this year and effective as of July 1 does not exempt drivers from the obligation to provide original documents to traffic officers.

The resolution introduced the electronic format of 17 types of official documents, which can now be accessed via the my.gov.uz website, as well as the MyGov and “Ijtimoiy karta” mobile applications. Starting from July 1, these digital versions are to be recognized as legally equivalent to paper documents at banks, notary offices, railway and airport check-ins for domestic travel, government and corporate service providers, and in official interactions involving citizen registration or service delivery.

This procedure is also valid at the Traffic Safety Department’s public service centers, including registration and examination offices.

However, Article 135, Clause 4 of the Administrative Offences Code states that while operating a vehicle, drivers are legally required to present the original biometric passport or ID card to a traffic inspector. Once the original ID is provided, the officer is not authorized to request the driver’s license or any other documents.

Earlier reports had confirmed that, under this resolution, digital passports would be accepted for check-in procedures at domestic airports starting July 1.