Can I renew my expired driver's license in another city?
2 Answers
You can renew your expired driver's license in another city. The 2021 regulations for out-of-city driver's license renewal state that there are no restrictions on renewing your driver's license in another city. According to Article 57 of the 'Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses,' motor vehicle drivers should apply for renewal at the vehicle management office where the driver's license was issued or at any other vehicle management office within 90 days before the expiration of their driver's license. Driver's license renewal can be done at any vehicle management office nationwide without restrictions. However, the prerequisite is that the driver's license is about to expire. If it has already expired or has been overdue for a long time, renewal in another city may not be accepted. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the local traffic department for specific details. 2021 regulations for out-of-city driver's license renewal: Documents required for renewal in another city. For renewal in another city, you need to provide your ID card and its copy, driver's license, physical condition certificate, photo receipt, and other materials. No additional proof of residence or temporary stay is required, making the process simpler and faster. You can choose to handle the renewal online. First, go to a designated hospital for a physical examination and obtain the 'Motor Vehicle Driver Physical Condition Certificate.' After obtaining the certificate, log in to the comprehensive traffic safety service management platform, click on the 'Driver's License' service, and then click on 'Renewal Upon Expiration' to proceed. Note that if your license has been expired for more than 11 months but less than 1 year, you need to apply for renewal at the vehicle management office where the driver's license was originally issued.
Last month, I just renewed my driver's license in Shenzhen while working in Guangzhou—no need to go back to my hometown. You can renew your license in a different location within one year after its expiration. Just bring your ID card, old driver's license, and a white-background photo to the local vehicle management office, where you can take an on-the-spot physical exam with a machine testing your vision and color blindness. Important reminder: if your license has been expired for over a year, you’ll need to retake the written test (Subject 1), and if it’s been over three years, you’ll have to retake the entire driver's license exam. My renewal took only half an hour—now that everything is nationally connected, it’s super convenient. Just don’t wait too long after expiration. I recommend checking the list of vehicle management offices supporting out-of-town renewals in advance via the Traffic Management 12123 app.
