Ever since the Road Transport Department (JPJ) stopped automatically issuing physical licenses for drivers, we have had to rely fully on the JPJ app or website to renew our licenses. That is all great since it will save everyone a trip to the JPJ office, which, let’s face it, is not our cup of tea. The trouble is, when you drive cross-border or overseas, most outside agencies only recognize physical licenses, despite you having an International Driving Permit (IDP). So, like it or not, you will have to apply for the physical driving license at your local JPJ office.
The first time I visited, they demanded that I show proof of my hotel booking. Apparently, they will not issue the physical license to anybody without a solid reason. So I booked the hotels and printed the booking confirmation. From my research on the internet, I also needed to bring a copy of my identity card and fill up the JPJ L1 form.
I arrived at the JPJ office bright and early that Friday morning. The doors only opened at 7:45 AM, but the queue had already snaked to the next building, and I was at the back. Remember to download the JPJeQ beforehand because you need it to scan the QR code to register your queue number. They stopped issuing paper tickets a while ago. I was the 50th person in line when I got in. To their credit, the numbers progressed very quickly, and 40 minutes later, my number was up.
I submitted all my documents, and the officer only took a look at my hotel booking. She did not take the IC copy nor the JPJ L1 form. I forgot to ask whether they were even required, but I suggest you prepare them anyway just in case. Don’t bother calling the JPJ office nearby because nobody will pick up. She asked if I wanted to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP). I replied, “Is it necessary if I’m only going as far as Hat Yai?” She said no, so I didn’t. The IDP costs another 150 ringgit to apply and is only valid for a year. Totally not worth it if we’re going to Hat Yai, a city just north of the border. Apart from that, to get a physical copy, I had to renew my driving license for at least another year. I paid for 5 years instead because I surely don’t wish to spend another hour at the office next time.
So that concludes the steps you need to take to get your physical driving license from the JPJ office.
