Can I Renew My Driver's License a Few Days Late?
2 Answers
You can renew your driver's license after the renewal deadline. However, you are not allowed to drive from the time your license expires until you receive the new one. If caught driving during this period, you will be penalized for driving without a valid license. What to do if the renewal deadline is exceeded by less than one year: If the renewal deadline is exceeded by less than one year, the driver's license will be in an "overdue for renewal" status. The driver can bring their ID card, expired driver's license, and a medical certificate issued by a county-level or military regimental-level medical institution to the vehicle management office to complete the renewal procedure. No written or practical tests are required to renew the license. What to do if the renewal deadline is exceeded by more than one year but less than three years: If the renewal deadline is exceeded by more than one year but less than three years, the driver's license will be in a "canceled but recoverable" status during this two-year period. Although the license is canceled, it can be reinstated. The driver only needs to take the written test (Subject 1) at the vehicle management office. Upon passing the test, they can proceed with the normal renewal process. What to do if the renewal deadline is exceeded by more than three years: In this case, the driver's license will be in a "canceled" status, meaning the driving qualification is revoked and cannot be reinstated. The driver must retake all required tests, just like a new applicant, to obtain a new driver's license.
Last time when I went to renew my driver's license, the traffic police said it's not a big deal to be a few days late, but try not to delay too long. Theoretically, you can renew your license 90 days before the expiration date, and you can still apply normally within one year after expiration. My friend was a week late, and after the medical check-up, it was done directly, just with an additional fee for the cost. However, pay attention to the timeline: if it's over a year past expiration, you'll have to retake the written test, and if it's over three years, the license will be completely invalid. It's recommended to set a reminder on your phone and handle it in advance for peace of mind, as getting caught driving without a valid license during a traffic stop would be quite embarrassing.
