How long in advance should I apply for a driver's license renewal upon expiration?
3 Answers
You need to apply for a driver's license renewal 90 days in advance upon expiration. According to Article 57 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," when applying, you must fill out an application form and submit the following documents and certificates: 1. Document 1: The identity proof of the motor vehicle driver. 2. Document 2: The motor vehicle driver's license. 3. Document 3: A medical certificate of physical condition issued by a county-level or higher medical institution or a military medical institution at or above the regimental level. For applying for a small automatic transmission passenger vehicle for the disabled, you must submit a medical certificate of physical condition issued by a specialized medical institution designated by the provincial health authority.
You can start preparing for license renewal 90 days before your driver's license expires. I just helped a family member with this last month. The reason for starting so early is to give us enough time to handle all the procedures, such as getting a physical exam at designated hospitals and preparing white-background ID photos. In case of missing documents or long queues at the vehicle management office, you won't be caught off guard. Also, a reminder: many places now allow appointments through the 12123 Traffic Management APP, which can save a lot of time. Driving with an expired license is treated as unlicensed driving, so don't wait until the last few days.
According to traffic regulations, you can apply for a driver's license renewal within three months before its expiration. I just completed the renewal process last week and found that doing it early is indeed convenient. Remember to bring your original ID card, medical examination report, and a one-inch photo. Some cities now also support online application before picking up the new license in person. Don't wait until there's only one or two weeks left to start preparing—if you encounter issues like needing a re-examination for your medical check or system maintenance, it could be troublesome. It's best to set a reminder on your phone and start the process at the DMV 90 days in advance to ensure everything goes smoothly.
