How to Handle the Relocation of a Driver's License to Another Region?
3 Answers
The procedure for relocating a driver's license to another region is as follows: The driver must bring their identity proof, driver's license, relevant documents, and photos to the local vehicle management office to apply. The local vehicle management office will verify the information online and process the transfer. Driver's license relocation refers to the procedure where a vehicle owner moves their driver's license to their new place of residence due to reasons like job relocation or moving house, to avoid the hassle of annual license review. This process can be divided into transferring out and transferring in a driver's license. Situations where driver's license relocation cannot be processed include: 1. Unresolved traffic violations or accidents; 2. The driver's license is under suspension; 3. The driver's license is still in the probationary period.
I just went through this process, and it was quite straightforward. First, you need to make sure your driver's license is within the validity period and has no traffic violation records. Then, prepare the original ID card, the original driver's license, and three recent one-inch white background photos. Make an appointment with the local vehicle management office for the transfer-in service via the Traffic Management 12123 APP. When you arrive, go directly to the counter to fill out the application form. Now that the system is nationwide, you don't have to go back to your hometown to handle it, which saves a lot of hassle. You might also need an on-site physical exam to test your vision and color recognition. If everything is fine, you can get your new license in half an hour. The whole process only cost me fifteen yuan for the administrative fee. Remember to go on a weekday morning when there are fewer people, so it's faster.
As a frequent business traveler, I've changed my driver's license registration location three times in five years. The trick is to check local requirements in advance on the traffic management app: some cities require residence permits, for example Shanghai mandates proof of residence for over six months. Photos must show ears with no jewelry, and there are often quick photo spots near vehicle management offices. I recommend avoiding the end-of-month peak periods - last time I went at 2pm on Friday afternoon with very few people in line. The new license is issued on the spot while the old one is collected, so you'll never have to worry about forgetting to bring out-of-town documents during checks. The most crucial part of the whole process is having complete materials - don't forget your ID card photocopy.
