How long after expiration can a small car driver's license still be renewed?
2 Answers
Motor vehicle driver's licenses can be renewed within three years after expiration. Validity period of motor vehicle driver's licenses: Motor vehicle driver's licenses issued at different times have varying validity periods, including 6 years, 10 years, and long-term. Before the expiration of the validity period, renewal can be processed up to 90 days in advance. The renewal can be done at the local vehicle management office or traffic management department of the public security authorities, or through the mobile app "Traffic Management 12123". What to do if a motor vehicle driver's license has been expired for two years: To restore the driving qualification of a motor vehicle driver's license, it is necessary to pass the subject one test of the driver's license. After successfully passing the subject one test, the driving qualification of the motor vehicle driver's license can be restored.
I've been driving for over a decade and have come across quite a few people who didn't notice their driver's license had expired. Generally speaking, if your license expires within a year, it's very convenient to renew it at the DMV—just bring your ID, photos, and a medical report, with no additional tests required. However, if it's overdue by more than one year but less than three, you'll need to retake the theoretical part of the exam (Subject 1), which means brushing up on traffic rules and finding time to go to the testing center. If you let it lapse for over three years without renewal, the license becomes invalid, and you must retake the entire process from Subject 1 to Subject 4, which is both time-consuming and labor-intensive. I recommend everyone develop the habit of regularly checking their license expiration date and renewing it three months in advance to avoid complications. Driving without a valid license carries significant risks—getting pulled over by traffic police could result in fines and points, and in case of an accident, insurance may not cover you.
