Can I renew my driver's license without an ID card?
2 Answers
Without an ID card, you cannot renew your driver's license. Materials required for renewing a driver's license: original and photocopy of ID card, original and photocopy of work residence permit or temporary residence permit, motor vehicle driver's license, and medical examination certificate. Process for renewing a driver's license: take a photo, undergo a medical examination, obtain an application form, review, and pay the fee. First, go to a photo studio qualified for driver's license photos to get the photo + "Digital Image Collection System Receipt"; then go to the hospital designated by the vehicle management office for a medical examination, verify your ID card, submit a photo, and obtain the medical examination form; then bring your ID card and residence permit to the vehicle management office to take a number and queue up, and obtain the driver's license application form; after filling it out, submit the above documents and forms to the staff at the window for review; after approval, pay the fee to renew your driver's license. It should be noted that before renewing your license, you must first deal with any traffic violations. Nowadays, it is very convenient to check and handle traffic violations. Car owners can check for violations in advance or handle them when renewing their license at the vehicle management office. After deducting points, be sure to pay the fine in time. If there are unpaid fines, you cannot renew your license. The renewal must be done within 90 days before the driver's license expires. If an out-of-town driver's license is not renewed within 90 days before expiration, the license will be in an invalid state, and an invalid license cannot be used to drive on the road. If the renewal is overdue by less than one year, it can be renewed normally; if overdue by 1-3 years, you must retake the subject one test; if overdue by more than 3 years, the license will be voided, and you can only re-register and retake the exam.
When it comes to renewing your driver's license, I must remind you that you absolutely cannot forget your ID card. The traffic authorities rely on it to verify your true identity—otherwise, how can they confirm the license is yours? If someone fraudulently applies for it, safety becomes a serious issue. I once had a friend who forgot their ID and ended up wasting time running around, only to have to go back home to retrieve it. Nowadays, the licensing process is quite strict—even if you're a seasoned driver, you can't skip this step. I recommend checking your bag for your ID before heading out each time; forming this habit can save you a lot of hassle. If you do forget, ask the counter if a passport or household register can substitute, but this depends on local regulations and usually isn't reliable. Don't see it as a bother—safety comes first.
