How early should I apply for a driver's license renewal in a different location?
2 Answers
According to the expiration date recorded on the driver's license, you can apply for a license renewal within 90 days before the expiration date. Renewal within one year: If the renewal is done within one year, the annual review can proceed normally. According to regulations, the driver should apply for a renewal at the vehicle management office of the license issuing authority within 90 days before the expiration date. If the license expires within one year, the annual review will not be canceled. Renewal overdue by more than one year: If the driver's license is overdue for renewal by more than one year, the vehicle management office will cancel the license. If the cancellation period is less than two years, you will need to schedule and pass the theoretical exam (Subject 1). Renewal overdue by more than three years: You will need to reapply for the driver's license examination.
Last year, while working in another city, my driver's license was about to expire, so I was thinking about the best time to apply for a renewal. Generally, applying 90 days in advance is the safest bet to avoid last-minute chaos. Renewing your license in a different location is quite convenient—you can do it directly at the local vehicle management office in your place of residence without needing to return to your hometown. I remember bringing my original ID card, a few recent photos, and a medical examination report, which had to be done at a designated hospital. Sometimes, you might have to wait in line for a day or two, so starting early ensures you don’t run into delays. It’s best to make an online appointment before applying to save waiting time. For those who drive frequently, waiting until the last minute to renew could lead to issues like system errors or incomplete documentation, which might result in an expired license. Driving with an expired license could mean fines or even having your car impounded—quite a risk! I always remind my friends to check their license expiration dates regularly and not wait until the last moment to panic.
