Can I still renew my expired driver's license?
3 Answers
It depends on how long it has been expired. A driver's license cannot be renewed if it has been expired for more than 1 year. The validity period of a motor vehicle driver's license is 6 years, 10 years, or long-term. You should apply for renewal at the vehicle management office where the license was issued within 90 days before its expiration. If a driver fails to renew the license within 1 year after its expiration, the license will be automatically revoked by the system. If the license has been expired for less than 1 year: You can still renew the license normally, but you cannot drive on the road before renewal. If the license has been expired for more than 1 year but less than 3 years: It falls under the category of "revocation with possibility of restoration," and you can regain your driving qualification after passing the subject one exam. If the license has been expired for more than 3 years: You will have to retake the driving test.
Last time, I didn't notice that my driver's license had expired and was fined 200 yuan when pulled over by traffic police while driving. But getting a new one was indeed possible, so I immediately went to the DMV. I brought my ID card, old driver's license, and a one-inch photo, filled out an application form, and got the new license in 20 minutes. The staff explained that you can directly renew it within one year of expiration, but beyond that, you have to retake the test. The lesson was profound: the license has an expiration date, so it's best to renew it 90 days in advance. Set a phone reminder to avoid procrastinating like I did. Delaying can lead to insurance issues or unnecessary risks—safety first, act promptly.
As someone who frequently pays attention to traffic regulations, I understand that it's still possible to renew an expired driver's license, but driving must be stopped. The law states that an expired license is invalid, and driving with one constitutes unlicensed driving, with potential fines up to 2,000 yuan, or even detention or revocation in severe cases. The renewal process is straightforward: visit the local vehicle management office to submit materials such as ID card, medical examination report, and photos, and it can be done on the spot. A short expiration period isn't a big deal, but exceeding one year requires retaking the theoretical exam. Don't wait until an accident happens to act—insurance companies may refuse to pay claims, leaving you fully liable. Timely action protects yourself and complies with the law.
