Can I still renew my driver's license if it has expired?
3 Answers
Yes. According to relevant regulations, if your driver's license has expired for less than one year, you need to go to the vehicle management office to renew it. If the expiration period exceeds one year but is less than three years, the license is in a restorable cancellation status. You only need to retake the subject one exam at the vehicle management office, and upon passing, you can renew your license. Before renewing, please note: 1. Expiration date: Check your driver's license carefully to know the exact expiration date. 2. Traffic violations: Handle any traffic violation records promptly; otherwise, you will not pass the system review. 3. Regulations on unlicensed driving: Driving a motor vehicle on the road before receiving the new driver's license is considered unlicensed driving. 4. Validity period: New drivers receive a driver's license valid for six years. If the driver has not accumulated 12 penalty points in any scoring cycle during the six-year validity period, they can renew it for a ten-year validity period. If the driver has not accumulated 12 penalty points in any scoring cycle during the ten-year validity period, they can renew it for a long-term valid driver's license.
I just helped my dad renew his expired driver's license a couple of days ago, so I'm very familiar with the process. Renewing an expired license is definitely possible, but it depends on the situation: If it's been expired for less than a year, it's the easiest—just bring your ID, old license, and medical certificate to the DMV, and you'll get a new one in half an hour. If it's been expired for one to three years, it's a bit more troublesome; you'll need to retake the written test (科目一) before you can renew. If it's been over three years, the license is completely void, and you'll have to reapply for the driving test. Important reminder: Never drive with an expired license—if caught, it's considered driving without a license. A fine is the least of your worries; if an accident happens, the insurance company won't pay a dime. Nowadays, you can also handle it via mobile apps like 交管12123—just upload the required documents, and the new license will be mailed to you, saving you a trip to the DMV. It's best to handle it three months in advance to be safe.
Last week, I just accompanied Uncle Zhang, my neighbor, to renew his expired driver's license. He was lucky it was only eight months overdue. As long as it's within one year of expiration, just bring three things: ID card, old driver's license, and a medical examination report, and the DMV will issue a new one in twenty minutes. If it's over a year, you'll need to take the theory test, and over three years means retaking the driver's license exam. The key point many people don't know is that the license's expiration date is printed on the supplementary page—check it regularly. I recommend setting a phone reminder 90 days before expiration to avoid the peak renewal period. I've seen cases where people only realized their license had been expired for three years, forcing them to return to driving school, pay fees, and retake the test—wasting both money and time. If you're worried about visiting the DMV, some cities now allow the entire renewal process to be completed via smartphone.
