What are the steps for renewing a driver's license after 6 years in Chengdu?
3 Answers
Prepare a 1-inch photo and a medical examination certificate, then go to the license processing hall at the traffic police station. Fill out a driver's license renewal application form, bring your ID card and driver's license to the processing hall, and submit the documents, medical examination certificate, and photo to the staff. After verification, collect your new driver's license.
Just went through the process of renewing my driver's license in Chengdu, and it was quite straightforward. About three months before the license expires, gather the required materials: ID card, original driver's license, a few recent one-inch photos, and a medical examination certificate from a designated hospital. Some major hospitals like West China Hospital have dedicated driver's license medical checkup points—don't forget to bring a small amount of cash (around a few dozen RMB) for the exam fee. Next, download the Traffic Management 12123 App to book an appointment at the vehicle management office. In Chengdu, places like the Wuhou District Traffic Police Branch are quite convenient. Fill out the application online, upload the photos and medical exam receipt, and after scheduling the appointment, just take a number on-site, wait in line for document review, and it’s done in about half an hour. The new license will be mailed to your home within a week or can be picked up on-site. Don’t wait until the last minute—handling it early saves a lot of hassle. After renewal, remember to check for SMS notifications. Nowadays, you can also use an electronic driver's license when driving, making daily checks worry-free.
As a frequent driver in Chengdu, I recommend using the app for the entire driver's license renewal process to save time. First, check the expiration date of your license, then open the Traffic Management 12123 App to register and log in. There's an option for license renewal where you can fill in personal details and upload a white-background, bareheaded electronic photo. Next, schedule a medical check-up at a nearby top-tier hospital like Chengdu Second People's Hospital, which costs less than 50 yuan, and the report will be synchronized to the app system. Then, submit your application online, pay a processing fee of around 20 yuan, and choose to pick up the new license or have it mailed. The online part takes only about ten minutes, and the offline visit to the vehicle management office takes just half an hour for signature confirmation—highly efficient. Chengdu's vehicle management offices are also open on weekends, so booking in advance avoids queues. The key is ensuring the photo meets specifications and isn't blurry to avoid retakes. Last time, I completed the process in a week without hassle. Remember to renew on time to avoid penalties for overdue licenses.
