Is ID Card Required for Driver's License Renewal?

[DiSophia]

When applying for driver's license renewal upon expiration, you must submit either an ID card or temporary ID card. Here is supplementary information: 1. Regulations: Article 48 of the new traffic regulations stipulates: Motor vehicle drivers should apply for license renewal at the vehicle management office of the original license issuing authority within 90 days before the license expires. When applying, you must fill out an application form and submit the following documents: The driver's identification document; The motor vehicle driver's license; A physical condition certificate issued by a county-level or military regiment-level medical institution. 2. Special circumstances: For applications involving specially modified small automatic passenger vehicles for disabled persons, you must submit a physical condition certificate issued by a medical institution designated by the provincial health authority. For resident identification, it refers to either the 'Resident ID Card' or 'Temporary Resident ID Card'. For mainland residents living temporarily elsewhere, the identification refers to either the 'Resident ID Card' or 'Temporary Resident ID Card', along with residence or temporary residence certificates issued by public security authorities.

[LeBella]

When renewing your driver's license, you must bring the original ID card as it's the key material for the DMV to verify your identity. Last time I went for renewal, besides checking my ID card, the staff also asked me to fill out a medical examination form and a license renewal application form. Remember to make an appointment in advance, as many places now offer online appointment channels to save queuing time. It's advisable to prepare a copy of your ID card as well, as some counters may require the copy for filing. If your ID card is lost, you must first go to the police station to apply for a temporary ID card before proceeding with the renewal. The whole process takes about half an hour to complete. Just remember not to wear light-colored clothes when taking the photo, otherwise you may be asked to retake it against the white background.

[MacZoey]

Bringing your ID card is definitely required. I just helped my dad with this last month. For those over 60 renewing their license, there's an additional step: you need to take a reaction test at a designated hospital. Remember to check the working hours of your local DMV, as some are only open for half a day on Saturdays. If your driver's license is about to expire, you can start the renewal process three months in advance—don't wait until it's expired. For out-of-town renewals, you'll need to bring your residence permit, plus two copies. A special reminder for those who usually wear glasses: wear them during the medical check, or you'll fail the vision test and have to queue again. The same goes for reading glasses.

[OBrynlee]

I've got experience with this. The original ID card is essential, but it's not enough on its own. You need to settle any traffic violations in advance - unpaid fines will prevent license renewal. It's best to take the photo on-site, as self-brought ones usually have incorrect dimensions. Keep the medical examination form unfolded as it bears the hospital's perforated seal. A little tip: clip your ID card and old driver's license together with a paperclip to avoid missing documents and queuing in vain. If your license is damaged and you want to replace it simultaneously, you must specifically note 'damaged license replacement' on the application form, which costs an extra 10 yuan in processing fees.

[StCaleb]

Not only is an ID card required, but it must also be valid. Last time, a young man brought an expired ID card and ended up making a wasted trip. Many cities now offer police-postal services, allowing ID card renewal at post offices, but the ID card still needs to be verified on-site. Whether a temporary ID card can be used depends on local regulations, so it's advisable to call 12345 in advance for consultation. The renewal fee typically includes a processing fee of 10 yuan and a medical examination fee of around 40 yuan. You can pay with cash or via WeChat. After receiving the new ID card, don’t leave immediately—double-check the personal information and validity period carefully.

[StBrooklyn]

Must bring your ID card! Once when accompanying my wife to renew her license, she forgot hers and had to go back home, wasting an hour. Note that you can still renew on the expiry date of your driver's license, but if it's expired for even one day, you'll have to retake the written test. For military personnel converting to a civilian license, bring the original discharge certificate. A temporary ID card is acceptable but must be used together with the household register. Don't show your teeth in the photo, and wearing a dark-colored top is the most hassle-free. It's recommended to put all materials in a transparent folder: original ID card + photocopy, old driver's license, medical examination report, and three one-inch white-background photos. Saturdays are especially crowded, so it's fastest to go on a weekday morning.