How long before the driver's license expires should it be renewed?
4 Answers
According to Article 57 of the Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses, motor vehicle drivers should apply for license renewal at the vehicle management office of the driver's license issuing location or elsewhere within 90 days before the expiration of the motor vehicle driver's license. An application form must be filled out when applying. The following materials are required for renewing the driver's license: 1. The identity proof of the motor vehicle driver. 2. The motor vehicle driver's license. 3. A medical certificate of physical condition issued by a medical institution at or above the county level or the regimental level of the military. For those applying for a 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 must be submitted. 4. Three one-inch color photos.
I remember that when my driver's license is about to expire, I need to renew it three months in advance—this is based on years of driving experience. Renewing it so early is because the process takes time, such as handling documents, waiting in line for processing, and allowing room for adjustments in case of any issues. I usually check the steps on the DMV website first, prepare a 2-inch white-background color photo, a copy of my ID card, and make sure the medical report isn’t expired. When applying, online appointments are faster, avoiding delays due to crowds. After getting the new license, I immediately verify the details to ensure no mistakes in the name or date. This approach saves hassle and avoids the risk of a 200-yuan fine and penalty points for driving with an expired license—safety comes first. Regularly checking the expiration reminder is crucial; don’t wait until the last day to act.
Nowadays, it's common to handle driver's license matters through apps, and you need to start the process three months before expiration. Log in to the transportation service platform, register an account, upload photos and identification documents, and fill in basic information. The system automatically reminds you of the processing progress, and after paying a small fee, the new license is mailed to your home quickly. Remember to confirm your medical examination is valid one month in advance to avoid repeated trips. I like this convenient method as it saves the hassle of queuing. If you delay until the last minute, you might encounter online issues or document rejections, which can waste time. A friend of mine was fined 500 for driving with an expired license and regretted it too late. Getting it done early gives peace of mind.
As a parent, I prioritize driver's license renewal and remind family members to get new licenses three months before expiration. Bring ID card and two photos to the nearest vehicle management office, and complete the process on the same day with all materials ready. Starting this early provides buffer time to avoid unexpected delays affecting daily commutes. When my son's license was about to expire, I made sure he handled it promptly for safer driving and smoother insurance claims. Don't wait until the last minute to act, as it increases risks of fines during roadside checks.
