How Long Before Expiry Should a Driver's License Be Renewed?

[LeEverly]

Article 57 of the "Traffic Regulations Penalty Rules": The motor vehicle driver shall apply for license renewal at the vehicle management office of the original issuing place or elsewhere within 90 days before the expiry of the motor vehicle driver's license. If the driver's license has expired, traffic police will impose a fine upon discovery, but no points will be deducted. There is a latest deadline for license renewal. If the license has expired for less than one year, it can be renewed through the normal process; if it has expired between one to three years, the license will be canceled, but it can be re-obtained by passing the subject one exam; if it has expired for more than three years, the license will be canceled. Article 57 of the "Traffic Regulations Penalty Rules": The motor vehicle driver shall apply for license renewal at the vehicle management office of the original issuing place or elsewhere within 90 days before the expiry of the motor vehicle driver's license. When applying, the applicant shall fill out the application form and submit the following documents and certificates: the identity proof of the motor vehicle driver, the motor vehicle driver's license, and a medical certificate of physical condition issued by a county-level or higher medical institution or a military medical institution at the regiment level or above. For applications for a special small automatic passenger vehicle for the disabled, a medical certificate of physical condition issued by a specialized medical institution designated by the provincial health authority shall 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 color photos with a white background, a completed driver's license renewal application form, and the processing fee. The photos and medical examination certificate required for renewal can be brought by the applicant. If concerned about the validity of self-provided materials, applicants can directly process them at the traffic police station's license office to avoid delays. Related matters for driver's license renewal upon expiry: About renewal: For annual review and renewal of an expired driver's license, the old license must be surrendered to the vehicle management office. Before renewal, all traffic violations related to the license must be resolved; otherwise, the application will not be accepted. Motor vehicle driver's license renewal can be processed through the mobile app "Traffic Management 12123," or through the vehicle management office, traffic management department, or public security authorities, effectively completing the renewal process.

[VonLeo]

I just started driving not long ago when I encountered my driver's license nearing expiration. Many experienced drivers told me you can renew it 90 days in advance. It's best not to delay. I prepared my ID card, white-background photo, and medical examination report two months ahead and went to the DMV to get it done. There was a long queue that day, and I waited quite a while. It would have been worse if I had gone later. Fines for late renewal are the least of your worries—if caught, you might face suspension and have to retake the test, which isn’t worth it. The new license now has a 10-year validity period, which is much more convenient. Remember, the medical report must be from within the last month—an expired one means a wasted trip. Safety first—renewing on time ensures you're legally on the road. As drivers, we should take responsibility.