Can the DMV Replace Driver's Licenses on Weekends?
3 Answers
Driver's licenses cannot be replaced on weekends. According to national working hours and holiday regulations, weekends are public rest days, and the traffic management office is closed, making it impossible to handle driver's license replacement in person. Therefore, if you plan to visit the DMV in person on weekends, it is not possible. You will need to wait until a weekday to make an appointment for the replacement. To replace a driver's license, the following documents are required: the "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form," proof of identity (such as an ID card), the original driver's license, and a digital photo. If the replacement is due to the license's expiration, you must also submit a physical condition certificate issued by a county-level or above medical institution, a medical institution at the regimental level or above of the stationed troops, or the Disease Prevention and Control Center. There are three main steps to replace a driver's license: handling traffic violations, undergoing a replacement medical examination, and submitting the required documents. In fact, as long as the replacement is done within 90 days before the driver's license expires, the process for replacing a license in a different location is the same as replacing it locally—both follow the three steps mentioned above. However, it is important to note the 90-day deadline. If this deadline is exceeded, meaning the driver's license has expired without being replaced, you can only replace it at the original issuing location of the license. For handling traffic violations, vehicle owners can check for violations in advance or handle them when visiting the DMV for replacement. After deducting points, it is essential to pay the fine promptly. If there are unpaid fines, the license cannot be replaced.
I usually enjoy driving, and when my driver's license was about to expire, I wanted to save time by renewing it on a Saturday. However, the DMV was locked, and the security guard said they don’t operate on weekends—they’re generally only open Monday to Friday due to system maintenance and staff rest. Later, I asked some driver friends, and they all said the most reliable option is to go early on a weekday, like Monday to Thursday mornings, when there are fewer people and faster queues. Nowadays, some big-city DMVs are piloting weekend shifts, but it’s a very small portion, and most services still operate on weekdays. I recommend making an appointment in advance on the ‘Traffic Management 12123’ app for license renewal—uploading photos and ID information makes online processing super convenient, avoiding wasted trips. Prepare your materials in advance, including medical exam reports and photos, to avoid delays on-site. Timely license renewal is crucial—don’t wait until the last minute and risk issues.
Many neighbors in our community are aware that the Vehicle Management Office is closed on weekends, and generally, driver's license renewal can only be handled on weekdays. A few days ago, I took my son to renew his license and clarified the policy: the Vehicle Management Office follows the working hours of government institutions, with most locations closed on Saturdays and Sundays unless there is a special announcement. The main reasons are insufficient data synchronization and limited processing capacity on weekends. It is recommended to take half a day off on a weekday to handle the renewal, call 12328 in advance for consultation, or check the official website for operating hours to avoid a wasted trip like my first attempt. Additionally, many services have been moved to online platforms, allowing you to apply for license renewal via your phone, which is faster and saves time. A driver's license is crucial for safe driving, so handle it promptly and don’t neglect it to avoid fines or travel disruptions.
