Do I need to go in person for a driver's license renewal?
3 Answers
No, you don't need to go in person to renew your driver's license when it expires. You can authorize an agent to handle the renewal on your behalf. According to regulations, the agent must bring the applicant's ID card, driver's license, medical certificate for motor vehicle drivers, the driver's photo, as well as the agent's own ID card to the vehicle management office to complete the renewal procedures. The required documents and precautions for driver's license renewal are as follows: Documents required for driver's license renewal: "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form"; the identity proof of the motor vehicle driver; the motor vehicle driver's license; a medical certificate issued by a county-level or above medical institution or a military medical institution at the regimental level or above. For those applying for a small automatic transmission passenger vehicle for the disabled, a medical certificate issued by a specialized medical institution designated by the provincial health department must be submitted. Precautions for driver's license renewal: Generally, drivers should complete the renewal procedures within three months before the driver's license expires. Since the renewal process takes some time, if the new license has not been received by the time the old one expires, the old license will become invalid. In the event of a traffic accident during this period, the insurance company will not provide compensation.
I just went through the driver's license renewal process last month, and it required my personal presence throughout. The DMV counter strictly prohibits代办 (proxy handling) for a simple reason: they need to verify your ID photo in person and take a new photo on-site for system entry. I brought my medical report, ID card, and old license, and while queuing, I saw someone attempting代办 get turned away immediately. The staff emphasized signatures must be done face-to-face to prevent forgery. Some cities now offer online application channels, but even when the new license is delivered by post, you must personally present your ID to sign for it. The entire process hinges on identity verification—no substitutes allowed.
According to traffic regulations, renewing a driver's license generally requires personal attendance. The key reasons are to take an updated photo for the system database and to conduct a vision test confirming physical fitness. However, there are exceptions: with hospitalization proof or overseas travel difficulties, a notarized power of attorney can authorize a relative to handle it. The agent must prepare original IDs for both parties, medical examination reports, and the authorization letter. A colleague once assisted his father through this process, requiring three rounds of document submissions. Some cities now allow online material uploads, but after approval, the licensee must personally visit the counter to sign and activate – bypassing in-person steps is impossible. It's advisable to start the process at least ten days early to avoid expiration delays.
