Can I still renew my driver's license after the renewal period has expired?
2 Answers
If the license has been expired for less than a 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 revoked, but it can be renewed by passing the subject one exam; if it has been expired for more than three years, the license will be invalid and cannot be renewed. Renewal period: A motor vehicle driver should apply for renewal at the vehicle management office of the driver's license issuing authority within 90 days before the expiration of the motor vehicle driver's license. When applying, the "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form" should be filled out. Penalties for expired driver's license: Driving a motor vehicle during the expired period is not allowed, otherwise it can be treated as driving without a license. If the driver's license has been expired for less than a year, the driver can renew it at any time, but if driving on the road, a fine of 200 yuan will be imposed. If the driver's license has been expired for more than one year without renewal, the traffic management department will revoke it according to the law. Among them, if the expiration period is less than three years, the driver must retake and pass the subject one exam to restore the driving qualification. Driving on the road during this period will result in a fine ranging from 200 yuan to 2000 yuan. If the driver's license has been expired for more than three years, the license will be completely revoked, and the driver must retake the driver's license exam to drive again. Otherwise, driving on the road will be treated as driving without a license, with a fine of 2000 yuan and administrative detention for up to 15 days.
Of course you can renew an expired driver's license, I've personally handled similar cases before. A few days' delay isn't a big deal, just go directly to the DMV and pay a small fine to get through. However, if it's expired for over a year, you might have to retake both the written and road tests, which is as troublesome as starting from scratch - don't take it lightly. Handling it early saves hassle and avoids potential points deduction or fines if caught by police. Remember to bring your ID and old license, and don't forget to check your local DMV's appointment times - you can do it online, don't disrupt daily life. Driving with an expired unrenewed license is illegal, and insurance may not cover accidents, creating unnecessary trouble for yourself.
