If the driver's license expires and is lost, is it necessary to apply for a replacement first?
4 Answers
If the driver's license expires and is lost, it is necessary to apply for a replacement first. Here is part of the introduction to the license renewal process: Introduction: After preparing the above materials, go to the city's driver's license management office to collect the form, pay the physical examination fee, and undergo the physical examination. If you have a physical examination receipt slip within this cycle, you do not need to undergo the physical examination again. Bind the above materials (including the physical examination receipt slip) together and submit them for approval. After approval, go to the payment counter to pay the fee and submit all materials. Processing Time: If all materials are complete, the entire process takes about one and a half hours to receive the new license. Application Conditions: Damage: If the motor vehicle driver's license is damaged and unrecognizable, the motor vehicle driver must apply for a replacement at the vehicle management office where the license was issued within 30 days; Information Change: If the motor vehicle driver's information recorded on the license changes within the jurisdiction of the vehicle management office, the motor vehicle driver must apply for a replacement at the vehicle management office where the license was issued within 30 days; Voluntary Downgrade: The motor vehicle driver voluntarily applies to lower the permitted driving vehicle type.
Driver's license about to expire and lost? What a coincidence, I just went through this last week. Remember that day I searched my wallet but couldn't find my license, then noticed it was about to expire too, so I rushed to the DMV to clarify. The staff explained I had to report it lost and get a replacement first, because renewal procedures require physical documents - how can you get a new one without the card? I filled out forms, submitted photos, paid 80 yuan, waited a week for the new card before proceeding with renewal. The whole process was manageable but time-consuming, so I suggest you act quickly - driving without a license is risky, getting caught means fines, points deduction, and affects insurance claims. Develop good habits like taking a photo of your license to store in your phone (useful if lost), or set phone reminders for expiration dates. Bottom line: lost + expiring means you must replace before renewing to stay compliant.
I've handled this several times, and as an experienced driver, I know the drill. If your driver's license is lost and expired, you must apply for a replacement first because you can't proceed with the renewal without the original document. Simple steps: 1) Report the loss online or at the police station to get a certificate; 2) Bring your ID card and a one-inch photo to the DMV to fill out forms for a replacement; 3) Apply for a renewal immediately once you receive the new card to save time. The DMV system is usually interconnected and can handle both processes together. Don’t risk driving without a license—getting caught by the police means fines and 12 points deducted, which isn’t worth it. Safety first. The replacement doesn’t cost much and can be done in a week, so don’t delay. Also, keep a small bag in your car with important documents or copies to prevent similar situations.
It's essential to replace a lost driver's license before it expires. Last time I accidentally lost my card close to its expiration date, the DMV staff told me I had to prioritize replacement because renewing requires having the physical card as a basis. The process is straightforward: report the loss, fill out a replacement application, and renew immediately after receiving the new card. The whole procedure is smooth—low risk and minimal cost—but delaying could lead to violations, such as fines or even affecting your credit record if caught driving without it. Timely action is advised for safety.
