Must a driver's license renewal be processed locally when it expires?
4 Answers
Driver's license renewal does not require returning to the local area for processing. Relevant information: 1. Application for transferring household registration should be submitted to the vehicle management office of the destination: According to Article 49 of the "Order No. 139 of the Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China", if a motor vehicle driver's household registration is transferred out of the jurisdiction of the original vehicle management office, they should apply for a license replacement at the vehicle management office of the destination. 2. Nationwide open application for out-of-town applications: Now, all types of driver's licenses can be applied for and tested in different places nationwide. Applicants can apply for a driver's license in their place of residence with their ID card and residence permit. 3. Driver's license renewal can also be processed in different places: The replacement and renewal of driver's licenses (including renewal upon expiration, renewal upon reaching the specified age, renewal due to information changes, renewal due to damage, renewal due to changes in physical conditions that reduce the permitted driving models, replacement due to loss, etc.) and review can be processed in different places with an ID card.
I often travel around for business and have encountered the issue of an expired driver's license several times. Actually, there's no need to go back to my hometown to handle it anymore. The policy has long allowed for license renewal in a different location; you just need to visit a local vehicle management office where you currently reside. Bring your ID card, a few one-inch photos, and a health examination report, fill out an application form on-site, and the process is quite straightforward. If you're too lazy to go out, some cities even support online appointments or app applications, making it much more convenient. However, it's important to note that driving with an expired license isn't just a simple fine if caught by traffic police—it could result in points deducted or even detention. So, if you notice your license is about to expire, take care of it promptly. Don't delay for more than a year, or you'll have to retake the written test (Subject One).
Last year, my driver's license suddenly expired while I was staying at my children's place out of town. The younger generation helped check the policy and said I could renew it directly at the local DMV without the hassle of returning to my original jurisdiction. The process wasn't complicated either—just bring my ID, original driver's license, and medical examination report, and the staff handled it in minutes. The key is to remember to prepare the materials in advance and not wait until the last minute to realize it's expired, especially for veteran drivers who tend to overlook this. Can you still drive for a short time if it expires? It's better not to take the risk—if caught, it could affect insurance claims. It's a good idea to set a memo reminder for the renewal date when driving regularly.
According to the latest traffic regulations, renewing an expired driver's license no longer requires returning to the original issuing location. A cross-region acceptance mechanism is now implemented, allowing license renewal procedures to be processed at any municipal-level vehicle management office. Simply bring valid identification and a health certificate, fill out a license renewal application form, and submit it. It is advisable to apply in advance when the license is nearing expiration to avoid risks of penalty points or fines after expiration. Additionally, those whose licenses have been expired for over one year should be cautious as they may need to retake the driving test.
