What are the precautions for replacing a damaged or expired driver's license?
3 Answers
Precautions for replacing a damaged or expired driver's license: Before applying for a replacement of an expired driver's license, ensure that there are no pending traffic violations or unresolved accident cases. If the driver's name or date of birth has changed, submit a proof of change issued by the local police station. If required by regulations, also submit the "Inspection Education Record Form" after completing the inspection education. Documents required for driver's license replacement: Identity proof of the motor vehicle driver; the original driver's license; a medical certificate issued by a county-level or military medical institution at the regimental level or above. For applicants applying for a special small automatic transmission passenger vehicle for the disabled, a medical certificate issued by a specialized medical institution designated by the provincial health authority must be submitted. In addition to applying for a replacement at the vehicle management office, you can also apply through the following methods: Replacement via the Traffic Management 12123 App. Download the app, then select Service Center -- Expired License Replacement Service -- fill in the required information. The new license is usually delivered by mail. Visit a police-medical-post service point at a postal office for license replacement. The entire process, from registration to medical examination to the production of the new license, takes only about half an hour. Currently, this service is only available in a few cities, such as Hangzhou.
As a regular car owner who drives frequently, I recently had my driver's license torn by my nephew and had to rush to the DMV for a replacement. For a damaged license replacement, you need to bring the original ID card, two one-inch white background photos, and also write a statement explaining how it was damaged, such as water damage or tearing. Don’t delay—it can be processed the same day, but there’s a small fee of a few dozen yuan. Remember, for a renewal due to expiration, the validity period is about ten years, so make sure to apply at least one month before it expires to avoid fines while driving. I also recommend getting a health check-up in advance, as vision and blood pressure must meet the standards—especially for those who frequently work overtime, as health metrics can easily exceed limits. Delaying too long might affect car insurance claims, so develop a habit of checking your license regularly to avoid trouble over minor issues.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I've gone through license renewal several times. After turning fifty, extra attention is required. Before each renewal, I visit designated hospitals for physical exams, checking vision, hearing, etc., with stricter requirements as age increases. Bring ID, photos—similar to damaged license replacement, but damaged ones require additional explanation of the cause, like accidental tearing. I always choose weekdays for DMV visits to avoid peak hours and reduce wait times. Complete documentation ensures one-time approval; fees are low but cutting corners risks license suspension for overdue renewals. Combining daily driving habits, I remind everyone to check license validity annually and synchronize with vehicle inspections for worry-free driving.
