Is there any problem if I don't pick up my driver's license for a long time?
4 Answers
For initially issued motor vehicle driver's licenses with B2 or A3 vehicle class endorsements, an annual review is required. As long as the license is retrieved and the annual review is processed within one year, there will be no issues. Here are the relevant details: Other vehicle classes: For other initially issued driver's license classes, the license can be renewed within 90 days before the expiration date (every 6 years). That is, counting from the initial issuance date on the license, the license can be retrieved and renewed within three months before the expiration date. Cancellation: The driver's license will not expire due to not being picked up, as long as the submission of physical condition certificates (annual review) and renewal procedures are processed on time. However, if the submission of physical condition certificates (annual review) is not processed upon expiration or the license is not renewed within one year after the expiration date, the driver's license will be canceled.
I'm quite qualified to speak on this issue, as my friend learned the hard way last year. After passing the Subject 4 exam, the DMV issues a learner's driving permit, which has an expiration date! Generally, you must complete all tests and obtain your license within three years. But if you delay claiming your license after passing, it gets even more troublesome. I've checked the regulations of many local DMVs—if you don’t claim your license within a year of passing, your records will be purged. At that point, you’ll have to retake Subject 1 to reactivate your file, essentially making all your previous efforts worthless. Someone I know delayed claiming their license for two years due to a job transfer and was told they had to retake the theory exam, leaving them furious. Remember to visit the license issuance window immediately after passing to avoid wasting all your hard work.
Back when I just got my license, I was curious about this too. Personal experience tells me that delaying the pickup can really cause trouble. The paper records at the DMV have a retention period—staff mentioned that files unclaimed for over a year get marked as void. The worst part? You never know the exact cutoff date, and enforcement varies by region. My driving instructor shared a case where a student returning from abroad after two years found their records permanently locked. What's more troublesome is handling traffic violations requires presenting the physical license, making temporary proofs a hassle. My advice? Head straight to the license pickup counter after passing the final test—you'll have that little booklet in hand within half an hour.
Lessons learned the hard way: Last April, after passing the subject four test, I thought everything was settled. However, in November, when I wanted to rent a car, I realized that my driver's license was still unclaimed at the DMV. Rushing to the counter, I was told that my file was nearing the cleanup deadline and I almost had to retake the theoretical exam. The staff explained that the validity period of the driving skill certificate after passing the test is usually 30 days, but the storage period for the physical driver's license after production is mostly 12 months. If not claimed within the deadline, you may need to resubmit a medical examination form, verify your file, or even have your test results voided in some regions. Nowadays, the DMV can send SMS reminders, but it's safest to set a calendar reminder on your phone and claim the license within two weeks after passing the test.
