Do I need to go in person to renew my expired driver's license?
3 Answers
Go to the service window of the local vehicle management office to obtain the form "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form" and fill it out properly. Submit the required materials and the completed "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form" to the service window of the local vehicle management office, and obtain the driver's license management service acceptance receipt. Use the driver's license management service acceptance receipt to pay the processing fee at a POS machine or any branch of China Construction Bank. The processing time is three working days. When collecting the new license, you will need the driver's license management service acceptance receipt, the original driver's license, and the identity proof of the person collecting it.
You do need to personally visit to renew an expired driver's license. I just went through the process, which is straightforward: first bring your ID card and original driver's license, then go to a designated nearby hospital for a simple physical exam including vision and hearing tests. After obtaining the medical certificate, head straight to the DMV counter to fill out the renewal application. Staff will take your photo on-site for identity verification. The whole process takes about 30 minutes and costs just a few dozen yuan. I recommend starting preparations one month before expiration to avoid fines or penalty points for driving with an expired license. Some people think having a friend handle it is easier, but regulations require personal attendance to prevent impersonation and protect safety/privacy. Delaying also disrupts travel plans. In short, early preparation makes it hassle-free.
Regarding the renewal of an expired driver's license, I've checked the official information. The basic rule is that you must visit the vehicle management office in person. The steps are quite straightforward: prepare materials including copies of both sides of your ID card and recent photos. Booking an appointment via the app in advance can save you queuing time. Once there, you'll need to undergo a medical examination before processing the license. The medical check requires you to personally complete some basic tests to ensure you meet the physical requirements. I recommend not trying to save effort by having someone else handle it for you—traffic regulations clearly state that personal verification is a mandatory requirement, which helps prevent risks and keeps things simple. When driving regularly, pay attention to date reminders to avoid the hassle of dealing with an expired license. The cost isn't much, and you can often get your new license the same day if things go smoothly.
