Can a Driver's License Be Laminated a Second Time?

[McKeira]

Driver's licenses can be laminated a second time, but the supplementary page cannot be laminated. The main function of the original copy is to record the driver's basic information and the types of vehicles they are licensed to drive. To prevent these key details from wearing out, the original copy is laminated. The supplementary page primarily serves to record reminders and requires annotations, hence it cannot be laminated. If a driver's license expires within one year, the holder can apply for a renewal at the vehicle management office. If the license has been expired for more than one year but less than three years, the holder must pass the subject one exam before they can renew it normally. If the license has been expired for more than three years, it will be revoked.

[LorenzoFitz]

I've been driving for almost twenty years and have never laminated my driver's license a second time. The government-issued plastic card already has an anti-counterfeiting layer and is quite durable. If you laminate it again, the heat sealing might damage the embedded chip, making it unreadable by card readers and causing big trouble during annual inspections. A neighbor once tried laminating theirs, and the chip got damaged—the traffic police said it was an invalid document, forcing them to visit the DMV for a replacement, wasting both time and money. DMV regulations state that any modifications to the license, including secondary lamination, count as violations and may result in penalty points or warnings. For storage, just keep it in a wallet card slot—avoid squeezing or exposing it to direct sunlight. If the card wears out, don’t try DIY fixes; apply for a replacement directly. The cost is low, and it ensures safe driving. Road safety hinges on details—don’t sacrifice convenience to save small money.

[LeDaniella]

I got my driver's license two years ago. Right after receiving it, I thought the lamination looked really cool, so I went to a small shop to laminate it again. Once at a roadblock, the machine couldn't scan the information, and the traffic police said the chip might have been damaged, telling me to get it replaced immediately. After a lot of hassle, I finally understood: the plastic layer of the driver's license is strong enough, and secondary lamination can easily melt the internal circuits due to high temperature, or cover the QR code or photo, making the document invalid. Now I just keep it in my wallet, wrapped in a soft cloth to prevent scratches. The DMV website also warns against additional processing of the license to avoid damaging the magnetic strip. Daily storage is simple—don't always think about DIY. If the card gets damaged, replacing it only costs a few dozen bucks—don't wait for a small issue to become a big problem. Driving is about smoothness, and having compliant documents is the first step.

[NoraDella]

Do not laminate your driver's license twice. The document comes with its own protective layer, and laminating may damage the chip, causing the card reader to fail to recognize it, leading to issues during vehicle inspections. Covering card information such as photos or anti-counterfeiting points may also be considered as altering the document, violating traffic regulations. The DMV process emphasizes keeping the license in its original state. It is recommended to simply place it in a wallet compartment without adding extra materials. If the license is severely worn, apply for a new one to avoid penalties. Simple maintenance is the safest approach.