Is Damaged License Replacement the Same as Expired License Replacement?
2 Answers
Damaged license replacement and expired license replacement are not the same. Damaged license replacement means: The driver's license is damaged and cannot be recognized, so you must apply for a replacement. Expired license replacement means: The driver's license has expired and needs to be renewed. The penalties for driving with an expired license are as follows: You are not allowed to drive a motor vehicle during the expired period, otherwise you 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 if caught driving, they will face a fine of 200 yuan. If the license has been expired for more than one year but less than three years, the traffic authorities will revoke it. To restore the driving qualification, the driver must retake and pass the subject one exam. Driving during this period may result in a fine ranging from 200 to 2,000 yuan. If the license has been expired for more than three years, it will be permanently revoked. The driver must retake the driver's license exam to drive again. Otherwise, driving without a valid license may result in a fine of 2,000 yuan and up to 15 days of administrative detention.
When people ask me if replacing a damaged driver's license is the same as renewing an expired one, I tell them they're completely different! As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience who's handled several traffic accidents, I've encountered this issue multiple times.
Replacing a damaged license refers to when your license is physically damaged or lost, requiring you to urgently visit the DMV for a replacement. The process is straightforward: just bring your ID card and a few photos to the service window, fill out a form, pay a small fee, and you'll get a new license in a few days. Importantly, this doesn't affect your license's expiration date - the new license will maintain the original expiry date.
Renewing an expired license is different. Before your license expires, you must first get a physical examination report from an authorized medical center. Then you'll need to bring your old license, photos, and health certificate to the DMV. This process is more cumbersome as it involves vision, hearing, and other tests - especially troublesome for elderly drivers.
Additionally, damaged license replacement usually occurs due to accidental damage, which is low-cost but shouldn't be delayed as it could cause problems. License renewal is legally mandated for safety reasons, and neglecting it could result in fines.
My advice to drivers: always use a protective license holder to prevent damage, and start preparing for your physical exam three months before expiration to avoid disrupting your travel plans.