Is it troublesome to renew a driver's license after it expires?
2 Answers
Renewing the license is not troublesome. You just need to bring your ID card, the original driver's license, and one copy to the local traffic department to apply for renewal. Below are the renewal process and time limit: Process for renewing a driver's license: Fill out the motor vehicle driver's license application form; staff will verify the document records, demerit points, etc. If there are no issues, the next step is to take a photo on-site for the new license; then undergo a physical examination to obtain a motor vehicle driver's physical condition certificate; return to the original counter for final signing, where staff will ask you to sign the application form, collect the fee, and print the new license, completing the renewal process. Time limit for renewal: Generally, the new license is valid for 6 years. If there are no full demerit point records within the first 6-year validity period, the next renewal will be valid for 10 years; the expiration date is marked on the license, and you must personally go through the renewal process within 3 months before it expires.
I just renewed my driver's license a few days ago, and it was actually much simpler than I expected. The most troublesome part was the physical examination, which had to be done at designated hospitals or self-service medical machines near the vehicle management office. I brought my ID card, old driver's license, and three one-inch white background photos, and the whole process took just over an hour. The key is not to delay too long—you can still renew normally within one year of expiration, but after that, you'll have to retake the written test (Subject 1). In some cities, you can even handle it directly on the Traffic Management 12123 app and have it delivered by courier to save a trip. The most important thing is to make an appointment in advance, which can save you half a day of queuing.
