How Long Does It Take to Get a Renewed Driver's License?
2 Answers
You can obtain your renewed driver's license on the same day of application if your current license is expiring. The renewal must be processed at the vehicle management office where the license was originally issued, and you can apply for renewal up to three months in advance. 1. Documents required for renewal: Original driver's license, original and copy of ID card, four one-inch color photos with white background and no hat, and a medical examination certificate from a county-level or above hospital. 2. Procedures at the vehicle management office: 1. Undergo a medical examination at a county-level or military hospital at the regiment level or above. 2. Take a number at the vehicle management office, traffic police branch, or district (city) county traffic police brigade, then submit the required documents at the service window. 3. Pay the relevant fees at the payment window. 4. Collect your driver's license at the license window.
I've been driving for over 20 years and need to renew my driver's license every decade. I just renewed mine last year. Remember to bring your ID card, photos, and medical examination report to the vehicle management office. In big cities like Beijing or Shanghai, the process is efficient—you can usually get your license the same day. When I did it, I queued up in the morning to submit the materials and got it done in about an hour. In some suburban areas or small towns, it might take two or three days, but booking an appointment online in advance can speed things up. I recommend going in the morning when it's less crowded, and make sure not to forget any materials like the medical form or copies. Overall, if you have all the required documents, the process is quite smooth. Checking the local vehicle management office's phone number beforehand can give you peace of mind and save you a wasted trip. Last time I renewed it in my hometown, it only took a day, which was pretty fast. The key is not to wait until after the expiration date to renew, to avoid travel inconveniences. A driver's license is crucial for safety—driving with an expired one isn't worth the risk of breaking the rules.
