How Early Should You Apply for a Driver's License Renewal?
4 Answers
Article 57 of the "Traffic Regulations and Penalty Points Rules": Motor vehicle drivers shall apply for license renewal at the vehicle management office where the driver's license was originally issued or at another vehicle management office within 90 days before the expiration of their current driver's license. If the driver's license expires, traffic police will impose a fine upon discovery, but no penalty points will be deducted. There is a latest deadline for license renewal. If the license has been expired for less than one year, it can be renewed through the normal process; if expired for one to three years, the license will be revoked, but it can be re-obtained by passing the subject one exam; if expired for more than three years, the license will be permanently revoked. Article 57 of the "Traffic Regulations and Penalty Points Rules": Motor vehicle drivers shall apply for license renewal at the vehicle management office where the driver's license was originally issued or at another vehicle management office within 90 days before the expiration of their current driver's license. When applying, the applicant must fill out an application form and submit the following documents and certificates: the driver's identity proof, the current driver's license, and a medical fitness certificate issued by a county-level or higher medical institution or a military medical institution at the regiment level or above. For those applying for a special small automatic transmission passenger vehicle for the disabled, a medical fitness certificate issued by a specialized medical institution designated by the provincial health authority must be submitted. Materials required for driver's license renewal: original ID card and its copy, a qualified medical examination form from a hospital designated by the vehicle management office, three one-inch white-background color photos, a completed driver's license renewal application form, and the processing fee. Photos and medical examination reports required for renewal can be prepared by the applicant. If concerned about the validity of self-prepared materials, applicants can directly process these at the traffic police department's certification hall to avoid delays. Important notes regarding driver's license renewal: About renewal: For annual review and renewal of an expired driver's license, the old license must be surrendered to the vehicle management office. All traffic violations related to the license must be resolved before renewal; otherwise, the application will not be accepted. Driver's license renewal can be processed through the mobile app "Traffic Management 12123," or via the vehicle management office, traffic management departments, or public security authorities, ensuring an efficient renewal process.
I remember thinking about this before renewing my driver's license last year. Usually, you can start the process 90 days before your license expires—don't do it too early, within three months is ideal. I went to the DMV two months in advance, bringing my ID card, a copy of my old license, three one-inch photos, and a medical report (the medical checkup takes about half an hour at designated hospitals). The whole process was smooth—submit the documents, take a photo, and you can get your new license on the spot. I recommend doing it early, as the DMV gets crowded during peak hours, and long queues are common. Driving with an expired license is not allowed—the fine is minor, but the penalty points are troublesome. Also, a friendly reminder to everyone: check your license status regularly.
The optimal time to renew your driver's license is within 90 days before expiration, as applying too early may not be accepted by the system. For example, some local apps only allow submissions within three months. The required documents are straightforward: copies of both sides of your ID card, your old driver's license, a medical examination report, and a standard photo. The medical check includes vision, hearing, etc., costing a few dozen yuan. You can process the renewal at the DMV or online via the Traffic Management 12123 App, with home delivery for convenience. Don't delay beyond the deadline, as exceeding one year will require retaking the exam, which is troublesome. Nowadays, the app is faster than queuing, thanks to technological advancements.
Safety is the top priority when driving, so never delay renewing your driver's license on time! The 90-day window before expiration is the golden period. Driving with an expired license risks a 2,000-yuan fine and vehicle impoundment—my friend learned this the hard way. Required materials at the DMV include ID card, photos, and a medical certificate confirming your fitness to drive. Renewing on time avoids legal risks; make checking expiry dates a habit. Delays could lead to unlicensed driving accidents with severe liability. In short: renew early, safety first.
