Do I need to take photos for driver's license renewal?
4 Answers
Photos are required for driver's license renewal. The materials needed for renewal include two copies of ID card, two 1-inch bareheaded color recent photos, original ID card, original driver's license, and a physical examination certificate from a county-level or above hospital. Renewal methods: The motor vehicle driver shall bring the required materials to the vehicle management office where the driver's license was issued to apply for renewal. The vehicle management office will complete the renewal procedures within one working day after passing the review. Renewal via "Traffic Management 12123" APP. Download the "Traffic Management 12123" APP, select Service Center -- Expiration Renewal Service -- fill in the information in order. The new license is generally delivered by mail. Go to the "Police-Medical-Post" service point of the post office to handle the renewal. It only takes half an hour from registration, physical examination to the production of the new license. At present, only a few cities have opened this service, such as Hangzhou.
I just renewed my driver's license last year, and taking a photo was indeed required. The DMV has a dedicated photo service, so I took it on-site after waiting in line for half an hour. The photo requirements were a white-background, color, bareheaded photo without glasses, with the head occupying two-thirds of the frame. I also brought my ID card and old driver's license, filled out a form at a self-service machine, and the whole process took about forty minutes, which went smoothly. I recommend checking the DMV's working hours in advance to avoid delays due to crowds. Additionally, some big cities have online appointment systems that can save a lot of time. The photo is mandatory for the personal information on the new license, so don't skip this step. Also, prepare a medical examination report—a simple check-up at a small clinic will suffice. The total cost for the renewal, including the photo, was less than 100 yuan.
Having driven for over a decade and renewed my license several times, each time required submitting photos. The DMV has a photo area, or you can bring your own white-background photos that meet the specifications—33mm by 48mm, no hats, taken within the last six months. Bring your ID, old driver's license, and medical examination certificate. The medical exam at a community hospital takes about ten minutes and isn't expensive. Remember, it's best to arrive early at the DMV to avoid long queues, especially during peak hours. If the photos don't meet requirements, you'll have to retake them, which is time-consuming, so it's wise to bring a couple of extras just in case. The new card arrives within a week after renewal, and the whole process is smooth and efficient—just make sure all your documents are in order for a hassle-free experience.
Renewing your driver's license definitely requires photos, as the DMV uses them to print the new card. I recommend preparing two standard-sized, white-background, bareheaded color photos in advance to avoid last-minute on-site photography. Bring your ID card and old license, and booking an appointment online is better to avoid crowds. The medical checkup is simple—just a vision test at a clinic, completed within half an hour. If all materials are ready, the process is quick, with minimal costs for photos, totaling just a few dozen yuan. Once renewed, promptly receive the new card to ensure your driving remains legal and compliant.
