How to Renew an Expired Driver's License from Another Location?

[JosephRose]

There are several ways to renew an expired driver's license from another location: apply for renewal at the vehicle management office; use the "Traffic Management 12123" app for renewal; or visit the "Police-Medical-Post" service point at a postal office to process the renewal. Download the "Traffic Management 12123" app, then select Service Center -- Expired License Renewal Service -- fill in the required information. The new license is generally delivered by mail. Visit the "Police-Medical-Post" service point at a postal office to process the renewal. The entire process, from application registration and medical examination to the production of the new license, takes only about half an hour. Currently, this service is only available in a few cities, such as Hangzhou. Driver's License Renewal Deadline: Motor vehicle drivers should apply for renewal at the vehicle management office where the driver's license was originally issued within 90 days before the license's expiration date. When applying, they must fill out the "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form." Penalties for Expired Driver's License: Driving a motor vehicle with an expired license is prohibited and may be 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 200 RMB fine. If the license has been expired for more than one year without renewal, the traffic management department will revoke it. If the expiration period is less than three years, the driver must retake and pass the subject one exam to restore their driving eligibility. Driving during this period will result in a fine ranging from 200 to 2000 RMB. If the license has been expired for more than three years, it will be permanently revoked. The driver must retake the entire driver's license exam to drive again. Otherwise, driving will be treated as driving without a license, resulting in a 2000 RMB fine and up to 15 days of administrative detention.

[DeSpencer]

I remember when my driver's license expired last year, I was on a business trip in Shanghai, not in my hometown Beijing. I went directly to the Pudong Vehicle Management Office, bringing my original ID card, expired driver's license, and three one-inch photos. On-site photo taking is also available but costs a bit more. The key is to provide a medical examination report, which requires a routine check-up at a designated hospital to ensure your vision meets the standard. The whole process, from queuing to getting the new license, took only one and a half hours, with a fifty-yuan service fee. Now it's even more convenient—the nationwide unified Traffic Management 12123 APP allows you to submit materials and photos online. Once approved, the new license is delivered by express, saving time and effort. Renewing your license in a different city isn't complicated at all. As long as you have all the required documents, any vehicle management office nationwide can handle it. Just don’t delay too long after expiration; renewing within a year is the safest.