How Long Does It Take to Get a Replacement After Losing Your Driver's License?
2 Answers
When replacing a lost driver's license, you can receive it immediately if processed at the vehicle management office, while online replacement takes at least 3 days to obtain the license. A lost driver's license remains valid until reported, so it's crucial to report the loss and apply for a replacement promptly to prevent misuse by criminals and avoid unnecessary complications. Driving Without a License Is Prohibited: Besides being prone to misuse, losing your driver's license also affects your ability to drive legally. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," driving without carrying your driver's license can result in your vehicle being impounded if caught by traffic police. You may also face a fine and a 1-point deduction. The vehicle will only be returned once the driver can provide the license. Steps After Loss: If your driver's license is lost or damaged, you can submit a replacement application along with the required materials to the traffic management department of the public security authority. After verification and acceptance, the authority will issue a replacement within 3 days of receiving the application.
Losing my driver's license last time was really scary, so I hurried to the DMV to get a replacement. Just bring your ID card and photos, fill out the form on-site, and pay a fee of about 20 yuan. The staff said the normal processing time is 5 working days, and some cities offer instant service, but mine took 4 days to be mailed home. It's recommended to apply for a temporary driving permit for emergencies—just bring the temporary permit and ID card to drive. By the way, here's a handy tip: using the Traffic Management 12123 APP for online replacement is faster now—upload your ID photos, and it’s done in two or three days, saving you the hassle of queuing. It’s also a good idea to take a photo of your license and save it on your phone so you can quickly prove your identity if it’s lost. Anyway, the sooner you deal with it, the better, to avoid affecting your daily commute.
