Can an expired driver's license be renewed in a different location?
3 Answers
An expired driver's license can be renewed in a different location. Time regulations: If the license has been expired for less than one year, it can be renewed normally; if it has been expired for more than one year but less than three years, the license will be canceled, but it can be renewed by passing the subject one test; if it has been expired for more than three years, the license will be invalid and cannot be renewed. In addition to applying for renewal at the vehicle management office, you can also apply for renewal through the following methods: Renewal via the "Traffic Management 12123" APP. Download the "Traffic Management 12123" APP, then select Service Center -- Expired License Renewal Service -- fill in the required information. The new license is generally delivered by mail. Visit the "Police-Medical-Post" service point at a postal business hall to process the renewal. The entire process, from registration to medical examination to the production of the new license, takes only half an hour. Currently, only a few cities have opened this service, such as Hangzhou.
My driver's license had been expired for two years while I was working in another city. I quickly asked a friend and found out that I could renew it in a different location. When I went to the DMV, the staff told me that for overdue renewals, I first had to pay a fine, then undergo a medical exam to prove my vision was okay, and submit proof of local address or employment. The whole process took most of the day but went smoothly, except that due to the long overdue period, I had to retake the written test (Subject 1). I think the key is to bring all necessary documents, like ID card and photos of the old license, and make an online appointment in advance to avoid long queues. Driving with an expired license is a no-go—getting caught means points deduction, fines, and even credit impact. Safety first. Better get it done ASAP to avoid ending up on a blacklist.
Last year, my neighbor forgot to renew his driver's license when it expired. He was on a business trip in another city, so he handled it directly at the local vehicle management office. He needed to first obtain a temporary residence certificate, bring it to the vehicle management office, fill out forms, undergo an eye exam, and pay a late fee—then it was done. Renewing the license in a different location is no problem; the process is similar to renewing it locally, just requiring some extra documents like a work contract or rental agreement. Note that handling it within one year of expiration is easier, but if it's over a year, you might need to retake the theory test. It’s best to set a reminder to avoid affecting travel. Driving with an expired license could lead to insurance companies refusing claims in case of an accident, so be careful.
