Can a driving license be reissued without the original owner if it is lost?
3 Answers
The driving license cannot be reissued if the original owner cannot be found. According to the reissuance procedure for driving licenses, to replace or reissue a driving license, the identity proofs of the motor vehicle owner and the agent must be provided. Here is the relevant information: Driving without a driving license is prohibited: According to the Road Traffic Safety Law, driving a motor vehicle on the road requires carrying the driving license and the driver's license. If stopped by traffic police and found without these, a fine will be imposed and 1 point will be deducted from the driver's license; in more severe cases, the motor vehicle may be temporarily impounded until the driver can present the corresponding valid documents to reclaim it. Information on reissuing a driving license: The motor vehicle owner should fill out the "Application Form for Replacement or Reissuance of Motor Vehicle Driving License" and submit it along with a copy of the owner's identity proof and three vehicle photos to the local vehicle management office under the jurisdiction of the motor vehicle to apply for a reissued "Motor Vehicle Driving License."
I remember once my friend lost the vehicle license, and the original owner was on a business trip abroad, frantic with worry. Later, we managed to contact the original owner, who sent an electronic power of attorney and a scanned copy of their ID card. We printed these out, took the vehicle registration certificate and my ID card, and rushed to the DMV. The staff verified the information and quickly processed the replacement procedure. It only took an afternoon, and we managed to get it done without the original owner being present. The whole process was quite straightforward—the key was the owner's consent and authorization, with the power of attorney signed to confirm the reason. If the original owner could prepare these documents in advance, there would be no issue for an agent to handle it on their behalf. Safety first—don’t drive without the license to avoid fines and trouble. I suggest taking photos of important documents as backups in case of such emergencies.
Oh, if the vehicle license is lost and the original owner isn't around, it's not a big deal. You can handle it online. For example, many city vehicle management offices now have official WeChat accounts or apps where you can upload the owner's power of attorney and ID photos, fill in the vehicle information, and submit the application. After that, just schedule an appointment to pick up the license. I haven't personally tried this proxy method, but a buddy of mine has done something similar. As long as the owner is willing to cooperate and send an authorization, and you bring all the required materials including the registration certificate and copies of both parties' IDs, it should be fine. The speed of reissuance depends on the location, but it's usually done within three days, so don't worry about delays. If the original owner completely refuses to cooperate, then you'll have to find other solutions, such as pursuing the license through legal channels. In any case, don't drive without a license—it's too risky.
