How long is it valid to renew a driver's license after it expires?
2 Answers
You can renew your driver's license up to 90 days in advance. If it has been expired for less than one year, it is considered a normal renewal. If it has been expired for more than one year, you will need to pass the subject one test to restore it. If it has been expired for more than three years, the driver's license will be forcibly canceled. If the registered residence of a motor vehicle driver is relocated outside the jurisdiction of the original vehicle management office, the driver should apply for a renewal at the vehicle management office of the new residence. If a motor vehicle driver resides outside the jurisdiction of the issuing vehicle management office, they can apply for a renewal at the vehicle management office of their current residence. Additional information: A motor vehicle driver should apply for a renewal at the vehicle management office of the issuing jurisdiction or another jurisdiction within 90 days before the expiration of the driver's license. When applying, the driver should fill out an application form and submit the following documents and certificates: 1. The identity proof of the motor vehicle driver; 2. The motor vehicle driver's license; 3. A medical certificate issued by a county-level or higher medical institution or a military medical institution at the regimental level or above. For those applying for a special small automatic transmission passenger vehicle for the disabled, a medical certificate issued by a specialized medical institution designated by the provincial health authority should be submitted.
I remember that it's most convenient to renew the driver's license within one year after it expires. Last month, I accidentally found out that my license had been expired for three weeks. I rushed to the DMV to ask, and the staff said that as long as it hasn't exceeded one year, I could simply get a new license by submitting my ID, photo, and medical examination report, which was done quickly. If it's over one year but less than three years, you'll have to retake the theoretical exam (Subject 1). If it's over three years, the license is completely invalid, and you'll have to start learning from scratch at a driving school. I always remind myself to check the expiration date of my license—usually, you can renew it 90 days before the 10-year validity period ends. Don’t delay too long, as driving with an expired license could result in a fine ranging from 200 to 2,000 RMB, and your vehicle might be impounded, which is very risky. It’s best to set a reminder on your phone to avoid trouble.
