Does the Driver's License Renewal Require Personal Attendance?
4 Answers
Personal attendance is not necessarily required. Within 90 days before the expiration of the driver's license, you can bring your ID card, driver's license, physical condition certificate, and three photos to the vehicle management office at the issuing location to fill out the "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form" and submit it for the renewal process. After paying a small processing fee, you can receive your new driver's license. Relevant knowledge about the physical conditions required for applying for a driver's license: 1. Height: (1) For large passenger vehicles, tractors, city buses, large trucks, and trolleybuses, the height requirement is 155 cm or above. (2) For medium-sized passenger vehicles, the height requirement is 150 cm or above. 2. Vision: (1) For large passenger vehicles, tractors, city buses, medium-sized passenger vehicles, large trucks, trolleybuses, or trams, the naked or corrected vision in both eyes must reach 5.0 or above on the logarithmic visual acuity chart. (2) For other vehicle types, the naked or corrected vision in both eyes must reach 4.9 or above on the logarithmic visual acuity chart. (3) For those with monocular vision impairment, if the naked or corrected vision in the right eye reaches 5.0 or above on the logarithmic visual acuity chart and the horizontal field of vision reaches 150 degrees, they can apply for a driver's license for small cars, small automatic transmission cars, low-speed trucks, three-wheeled cars, or small automatic transmission passenger cars for the disabled. 3. Color Vision: No red-green color blindness. 4. Hearing: (1) Able to distinguish the direction of sound with each ear 50 cm away from a tuning fork. (2) Those with hearing impairments who can meet the above conditions with hearing aids can apply for a driver's license for small cars or small automatic transmission cars. 5. Upper Limbs: Both thumbs must be intact, and each hand must have at least three other fingers intact with normal limb and finger movement functions. However, those with missing finger tips or a missing right thumb can apply for a driver's license for small cars or small automatic transmission cars. 6. Lower Limbs: (1) Both lower limbs must be intact with normal movement functions, and the length difference should not exceed 5 cm. However, those with a missing left lower limb or loss of movement function can apply for a driver's license for small automatic transmission cars. (2) Those with missing right lower limbs or both lower limbs, or loss of movement function but able to sit independently, can apply for a driver's license for small automatic transmission passenger cars for the disabled. 7. Trunk and Neck: No movement dysfunction.
I've been driving for 30 years and have renewed my driver's license several times. Each time, I personally went to the DMV to handle the procedures because the renewal process requires on-site photo taking and a new medical report to prove your identity. The medical examination includes vision and hearing tests to ensure you can still drive safely. Nowadays, some places allow proxy renewals, but you need a hospital certificate proving mobility difficulties plus a power of attorney, which is quite troublesome. Just bring your ID card, old driver's license, and photos yourself—the process is quite fast. Don't wait until it expires; not only will you face fines, but it might also affect your insurance. It's advisable to regularly check the renewal cycle, usually every 6 or 10 years. In short, safety comes first. It's best to spare an hour to make the trip yourself to avoid future disputes.
As someone who frequently drives, I always feel that renewing my driver's license is a chore. Why must I be present in person? The photo needs to confirm it's really you, and the medical check includes simple vision and reaction tests—these steps can't be skipped. I've tried using an online appointment app, which saved some queuing time, but ultimately, I still had to go in person for confirmation. Proxies are generally not allowed unless under special circumstances. A reminder to everyone: bring your documents and fees, don’t forget to handle any issues with your old license to avoid travel disruptions. If you work in a different location, check the local regulations. Keep an eye on the DMV’s official website for updates.
Driving safety is no trivial matter, and renewing your driver's license must be done in person. This is because taking a photo and undergoing a medical examination are mandatory, including checks on vision and hearing to certify your fitness to drive. Proxy renewals are rarely permitted unless accompanied by a doctor's certificate. Bring your ID card, medical report, and photos for a simple and quick process. Don't delay—driving with an expired license carries significant risks.
