How to Renew an Expired Vehicle License?
4 Answers
If your vehicle license has expired, you should promptly bring the required documents to the local vehicle management office for renewal. If the license has already expired, meaning the annual inspection is overdue (the expiration date is usually indicated on the supplementary page of the license), you must complete the inspection within the validity period. After passing the inspection, a new validity period will be stamped on the supplementary page. For vehicles eligible for the 6-year exemption from on-site inspection, you only need to apply for the annual inspection exemption sticker every 2 years at the vehicle management office, and no endorsement is required on the supplementary page. For non-exempt vehicles, the owner must bring their ID card, vehicle license, and compulsory insurance policy to the local motor vehicle inspection station. After passing the inspection, they will receive an inspection sticker, and the supplementary page of the license will be endorsed. Consequences of driving with an expired license: If the vehicle license is not inspected on time, the vehicle cannot be driven legally. Driving without a valid inspection is considered illegal and may result in a 3-point penalty, a fine, and possible vehicle impoundment. If an accident occurs while driving with an expired license, the driver may bear full or primary liability, and the insurance company will not cover the damages. If the vehicle license is not inspected on time, it means the vehicle itself has not been inspected. If the vehicle fails to obtain an inspection sticker for three consecutive inspection cycles, it will be forcibly scrapped.
When my vehicle license is about to expire, I usually handle it 30 days in advance. Bring the original ID card, the original vehicle license, the vehicle registration certificate, and a valid insurance policy to the local vehicle management office. Make an appointment or take a number to queue directly. After the staff verifies the materials, they will take a new photo or inspect the vehicle's condition. Pay a fee of about 20 yuan for the processing cost, and you can get the new license on the spot. The whole process takes less than an hour, but if it's crowded, it's better to go early or choose online processing. If you don't renew it on time and are checked on the road, you will be fined 200 yuan and deducted 1 point, which may even affect the annual inspection. It is recommended to set a reminder on your phone to avoid forgetting. Online processing is more convenient. Log in to the 'Traffic Management 12123' APP to submit an application and have it mailed to your home, saving time and hassle.
As a novice driver, I once nervously went through the process of renewing my vehicle license. I prepared the necessary materials in advance: my ID card, the original vehicle license, at least two vehicle photos (standard size 45mm×35mm), and proof of insurance. I headed straight to the appointment window at the vehicle management office, filled out an application form, and paid a 20-yuan processing fee. The staff quickly verified the materials and issued a new license on the spot. The key is not to let it expire, otherwise, you'll face fines and it could affect your vehicle usage. The online process is simpler—just upload the materials via the app, make the payment, and have it mailed to your home. For beginners, it's advisable to regularly check the validity period and glance at it often. Driving safety is fundamental, so don’t take it lightly—ensure all documents are within their validity period.
I have experience with renewing an expired vehicle license. Just bring your ID card, vehicle license, vehicle registration certificate (big green book), and insurance policy to the DMV - they'll process it on the spot. Pay the fee, take a photo, and get your new license in less than half an hour. Nowadays you can even submit materials online to skip the queue. Do it a few days early - don't wait until it expires to avoid fines or affecting your annual inspection. Safe driving requires valid documents - don't neglect this small but important matter.
