How early can I renew my driver's license?
2 Answers
Driver's license renewal can be processed 90 days in advance. Motor vehicle drivers should apply for renewal at the vehicle management office of the driver's license issuing authority within 90 days before the expiration of their driver's license. When applying, they must fill out the "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form". Documents required for renewal: Bring two copies of ID card, two recent 1-inch color photos without hats, original ID card, original driver's license, and a medical examination certificate from a county-level or above hospital (free medical examination is also available at the vehicle management office). Renewal process: The motor vehicle driver submits the required documents to the vehicle management office of the driver's license issuing authority for renewal. The vehicle management office will process the renewal within one working day after approval. If the driver's license has expired for less than one year, it can be renewed normally; if it has expired for more than one year but less than three years, the license will be canceled, but it can be renewed by passing the subject one test; if it has expired for more than three years, the license will be invalid and cannot be renewed.
I've been driving for over ten years and often help friends with these matters. You can renew your driver's license up to 90 days in advance—don't wait until it expires. I always set a calendar reminder on my phone and go to the DMV exactly three months before expiration. Just bring your ID card, a passport-sized photo, and a medical report, and you're all set. The fee is usually a few dozen yuan, and it takes about half an hour. The advantage is giving yourself some leeway—if your documents are incomplete or the DMV is crowded, you won’t panic. Getting it done early also lets you drive with peace of mind. If it expires, you could face fines and penalty points from traffic police, which just isn’t worth it. Make it a habit to check your documents' validity—safety first, fewer hassles on the road.
