How long in advance should I apply for a license renewal?

[MartinDella]

Article 57 of the "Traffic Regulations Penalty Points Details": Motor vehicle drivers shall apply for a license renewal at the vehicle management office of the license issuing location or elsewhere within 90 days before the expiration of their motor vehicle driving license. If the license has expired, traffic police will impose a fine upon discovery, but no penalty points will be deducted. There is a latest deadline for license renewal. If the license has been expired for less than one year, the renewal can proceed through the normal process; if expired between one to three years, the license will be revoked, but it can be re-obtained by passing the subject one exam; if expired for more than three years, the license will be revoked. Article 57 of the "Traffic Regulations Penalty Points Details": Motor vehicle drivers shall apply for a license renewal at the vehicle management office of the license issuing location or elsewhere within 90 days before the expiration of their motor vehicle driving license. When applying, an application form must be filled out, and the following documents and certificates must be submitted: the identity proof of the motor vehicle driver, the motor vehicle driving license, and a medical condition certificate issued by a county-level or military regiment-level medical institution. For those applying for a small automatic transmission passenger vehicle for the disabled, a medical condition certificate issued by a specialized medical institution designated by the provincial health authority must be submitted. Materials required for license renewal: original ID card and its copy, qualified medical examination form from a hospital designated by the vehicle management office, three one-inch white-background color photos, a completed license renewal application form, and the processing fee. Photos and medical examination certificates required for renewal can be brought by the applicant. Those worried about their documents not meeting the requirements can have them processed directly at the traffic police department's certification hall to avoid delays. Relevant matters regarding license renewal upon expiration: About renewal: For annual review and renewal of an expired driving license, the old license must be surrendered to the vehicle management office. All related traffic violations must be settled before renewal; otherwise, the application will not be accepted. Motor vehicle driving license renewal can be done through the mobile app "Traffic Management 12123," or through the vehicle management office, traffic management departments, or public security authorities, effectively completing the license renewal process.

[IsaacDella]

I've learned my lesson the hard way about license renewal, so I want to explain it clearly. For driver's license renewal, traffic regulations stipulate that you can only submit your application within 90 days before the expiration date—meaning no more than 90 days in advance. Applying too early isn't allowed, and waiting too long risks expiration. I recommend getting it done 60 to 70 days ahead for a more relaxed process. Required materials include your original ID card, old driver's license, a one-inch white-background photo, and a medical exam certificate—you can schedule a simple check-up at designated hospitals. Last week, I personally visited the DMV and used the official app to book an appointment in advance, saving me the hassle of waiting in line. A word of advice: don’t leave it until the last minute, as mistakes are more likely to happen. If your license expires within a year, you can still remedy the situation, but after a year, you’ll have to retake the theory test, which costs more time and money. It’s best to schedule it alongside your vehicle’s annual inspection—saving money while ensuring road safety.

[IslaLynn]

During my years as a taxi driver, I often encounter new drivers asking how early they should renew their license. Based on personal experience, it's best to start preparations two months in advance. Gathering the required materials takes time: you need to bring your ID card, take standardized white-background photos, and obtain a medical report from an authorized hospital. I remember one client who waited until only ten days were left, ended up stuck in long queues, and missed his driving shift. Officially, you can apply for renewal 90 days before the expiration date, but I advise against cutting it too close. Starting early allows you to book appointments online, such as using the 12123 APP to submit documents and upload photos, speeding up the process. Also, your driver's license remains valid for driving during the renewal period—no issues there. However, driving with an expired license risks fines or insurance claim rejections, which isn’t worth it. Nowadays, renewing is straightforward, so I always tell friends and family to act early to avoid hassle.

[ArcherDella]

To all driver friends, I must emphasize that safety comes first when renewing your license. Timely processing is key—the legal application period is within 90 days before your license expires; applying too early isn't allowed. I usually act one or two months in advance to ensure all materials are ready: ID card, driver's license, photos, and medical report (make sure to choose an official medical facility for it to be valid). Delaying is risky—if it expires, you can still remedy it within the first year, but after that, you'll have to retake the test. Driving without a valid license means insurance won't cover accident losses. The process isn't complicated: a trip to the DMV or handling it via an app saves time and effort, and you can also check for other vehicle issues.