How Long is a Driver's License Valid After Expiration?
2 Answers
Driver's license renewal can be delayed for up to 3 years after expiration. If a driver's license is not renewed within 3 years after expiration, it will be forcibly invalidated and cannot be renewed. Penalties for driving with an expired license: Driving a motor vehicle with an expired license is treated as driving without a license. If the license has been expired for less than one year, the driver can renew it at any time, but driving during this period will result in a fine of 200 yuan. If the license has been expired for more than one year, the traffic management department will cancel it. If the expiration period is less than three years, the driver must retake and pass the theory test (Subject 1) to restore driving privileges. Driving during this period may result in a fine ranging from 200 to 2,000 yuan. If the license has been expired for more than three years, it will be permanently canceled. To drive again, the driver must retake all driving tests. Otherwise, driving without a valid license will result in a fine of 2,000 yuan and up to 15 days of administrative detention.
My driver's license had expired before, and I later learned that you can normally renew it within one year after expiration without retaking the test. If it has been over one year but less than three years, you may be required to retake the written test (Subject 1). If it exceeds three years, the license becomes completely invalid, and you’ll have to start from scratch. Driving with an expired license and being caught by traffic police counts as unlicensed driving, resulting in a fine of several hundred yuan and possibly a 12-point deduction, leading to immediate license revocation. It’s recommended to visit the DMV for renewal at least one month before your license expires. Nowadays, some apps can remind you of the expiration date, which is very convenient. Don’t forget to bring your ID card and recent photos, and complete a simple medical check-up in advance—don’t let busy work schedules make you overlook this. Develop a habit of regularly checking all vehicle documents, including the vehicle registration certificate and insurance policy, as safe travel is the top priority.
