Can I renew my six-year driver's license in another city?
4 Answers
You can renew your six-year driver's license in another city. As long as your driver's license is still within its validity period, you do not need to return to the original issuing location for renewal. You can simply complete the renewal process at the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your current city. Documents required for renewal: Bring two copies of your ID card, two 1-inch color passport photos, the original ID card, the original driver's license, and a medical examination certificate from a county-level or higher hospital (free physical examinations are also available at the DMV). Renewal conditions: For holders of large passenger vehicle, tractor, city bus, medium passenger vehicle, or large truck licenses, there should be no demerit points in the current scoring cycle, or for holders of other license types, the demerit points should not exceed 12 in the current scoring cycle; For holders of large passenger vehicle, tractor, city bus, medium passenger vehicle, or large truck licenses who have demerit points in a scoring cycle, or holders of other license types involved in a fatal traffic accident with equal or greater responsibility without having their license revoked, they must have completed the required educational review; The applicant must have no pending traffic violations or unresolved traffic accidents; The applicant's physical condition must meet the driving license requirements; The driver's license must not be seized, detained, suspended, revoked, canceled, or annulled by law.
You can renew your expired driver's license in a different city without any issues! Last year when my C1 license expired, I handled it at the Guangzhou Vehicle Management Office without needing to return to my hometown. Just prepare three things in advance: your old driver's license, ID card, and two one-inch white background photos. The key is to get a medical check-up first—just visit any internet-connected hospital for a driver's physical exam, which costs about 30 yuan. I recommend downloading the 'Traffic Management 12123' app on your phone to book an appointment and avoid long queues. Fill out an application form on-site, pay a 10-yuan fee, and you'll get your new license in half an hour. Now it's super convenient nationwide—you don’t even need a temporary residence permit. After renewal, remember to update your e-license in the 12123 app for easier access to violation checks and more.
I just completed my out-of-town driver's license renewal in Hangzhou last month, and the entire process was faster than expected. Find the nearest vehicle management office to your home, remember to bring your ID card and old driver's license, and it's best to take photos in advance to save time. Pay attention to the medical examination - not all hospitals can perform driver's medical exams. It's safer to search for 'driver's medical examination hospitals' on the map before going. The clerk told me that the renewal period has been relaxed now - you can apply 90 days before expiration, and normal renewal is possible within one year after expiration. A friend of mine delayed too long and was required to retake the subject one test - don't follow his example. After out-of-town renewal, your license's jurisdiction will change to your current city of residence. If you want to retain your original jurisdiction, you'll need to go back to your hometown to handle it.
Getting a driver's license renewed in another city is actually super easy. Last Friday, I took half a day off to get it done. I had booked a 2 PM appointment in advance on the 12123 APP. At the DMV, I first queued for the physical exam, which checked my vision, color blindness, and grip strength, then took a photo. When submitting materials at the counter, I realized I forgot to make a copy of my ID card, but they just scanned the original with a high-resolution scanner. The new license was produced on-site in about 20 minutes, with the validity period extended for another 10 years. A reminder for friends planning to renew: if you wear glasses, remember to test your corrected vision, and avoid wearing white clothes in the photo as it can cause issues with system recognition. The whole process was like banking, with a ticket machine guiding you—no stress at all.
