Is an ID card required for driver's license renewal?
3 Answers
When applying for a driver's license renewal upon its expiration, an ID card or temporary ID card must be submitted. Additional information: Article 48 of the new traffic regulations stipulates that motor vehicle drivers should apply for license renewal at the vehicle management office of the license issuing authority within 90 days before the expiration of their driver's license. When applying, they must complete an application form and submit the following documents and proofs: proof of identity of the motor vehicle driver; the driver's license; and a medical certificate of physical condition issued by a county-level or higher medical institution or a military medical institution at or above the regimental level. Special circumstances: For those applying for a special small automatic passenger vehicle for the disabled, a medical certificate of physical condition issued by a specialized medical institution designated by the provincial health department must be submitted. The proof of identity for residents is the 'Resident ID Card' or 'Temporary Resident ID Card'. For mainland residents living in temporary residence, the proof of identity is the 'Resident ID Card' or 'Temporary Resident ID Card', along with a residence or temporary residence permit issued by the public security authorities.
When renewing your driver's license, you do indeed need your ID card. I remember last year when I went to the DMV to update my license, I specifically brought the original and a copy of my ID card. The staff immediately checked my ID to verify my identity information, saying it was a basic requirement; otherwise, they couldn't process it. I also brought recent white-background photos and my original driver's license. Some places even require a simple health checkup to prove you're fit. That time, I waited in line for quite a while and saw someone who forgot their ID card being turned away, wasting their trip and time. I recommend checking the official website or calling ahead to confirm the required documents to avoid such hassles.
Renewing a driver's license requires an ID card, as it's the nationally mandated identity verification method. Every time I go through the process, the DMV staff checks details like the name and photo on the ID card to prevent fraudulent claims or mistakes. Don't forget to bring your original driver's license, a one-inch bareheaded photo, and occasionally a medical examination form. The whole process takes about half an hour and goes smoothly if all materials are complete. If you lose your ID card, you must apply for a replacement first; otherwise, you can't proceed. For safety, I always keep a photocopy ready as a backup.
