How early can I renew my driver's license that expires on October 28th?
2 Answers
You can start the renewal process 90 days before your driver's license expires on October 28th. Documents required for license renewal upon expiration: Prepare 3 white-background color photos, original ID card and 1 copy (front and back), original driver's license (main card and supplementary card), and medical examination certificate (it's cheaper to prepare the photos and ID copies in advance than at the renewal site). Medical examination requirements for license renewal: The medical examination must be conducted at a hospital (only Monday to Friday), mainly checking vision and hearing, taking about ten minutes. The hospital will stamp the medical form after completion. Remember to bring a white-background color photo for the examination, otherwise it cannot be conducted as the hospital needs to stamp across the photo.
My driver's license last expired on October 28th, and I can renew it a full 90 days in advance. This means I can start the process from late July, which I do every year to avoid unnecessary hassle. There are many benefits to renewing early, such as avoiding peak periods with fewer people and shorter queues, plus having time to supplement any missing materials if needed. At the DMV, you'll need to bring basic documents like the original and photocopy of your ID card, recent photos, and a medical examination report. The medical check-up at the hospital is quick, usually taking just half an hour. If you wait until it's almost expired to remember, you might face fines or points deducted if checked on the road, not to mention the anxiety. I recommend setting a phone reminder to start the process as soon as July arrives. Modern tools like appointment apps are super practical, saving you the hassle of waiting on-site. From personal experience, renewing early isn’t just about following rules—it’s a smart choice to create a safety buffer for yourself.
