What Documents Are Required for Driver's License Renewal?

[StVincent]

When renewing your driver's license, you need to bring two photocopies of your ID card, two 1-inch bareheaded color photos (taken recently), the original ID card, the original driver's license, and a medical examination certificate from a county-level or above hospital (free physical examinations are also available at the vehicle management office). Motor vehicle drivers should apply for license renewal at the vehicle management office of the issuing authority within 90 days before the expiration of their current driver's license. When applying, they must fill out the "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form". Renewal Process: The motor vehicle driver should bring all required documents to the vehicle management office of the issuing authority to apply for renewal. The vehicle management office will process the renewal within one working day after verifying the documents. The following conditions must be met for renewal and inspection: Holders of large passenger vehicle, tractor, city bus, medium passenger vehicle, or large truck driver's licenses must have no demerit points in the current scoring cycle, or holders of other types of driver's licenses must have fewer than 12 demerit points in the current scoring cycle.

[MaverickAnn]

I just went to the DMV to renew my driver's license, and here's what you need to prepare: original and photocopy of your ID card, the old driver's license must be brought along, and a one-inch white-background photo—it's recommended to bring a couple of extra copies. The most crucial item is the medical examination form, which must be done at a designated hospital or a self-service medical examination machine, checking items like vision and color blindness. A reminder to everyone: don't fall into the trap of renewing an expired license—if it's expired for over a year, you'll have to retake the written test (Subject One). If you're authorizing someone else to handle it for you, you need to bring the original ID cards of both yourself and the authorized person, as well as a handwritten letter of authorization. Before you go, it's best to download the Traffic Management 12123 app on your phone to check the nearest service location and avoid the peak crowds on Mondays and at the end of the month.

[AubreyRose]

Renewing your driver's license requires four essential documents: your original ID card, the soon-to-expire old license, three recent one-inch white-background photos (taken within six months), and a medical report stamped by the vehicle management office. Don't underestimate the photo requirements—wear dark-colored clothes, and avoid jewelry or glasses that cause glare. The medical report is now more convenient, as many vehicle management offices have self-service medical checkup machines at their entrances, costing just 20 yuan and taking five minutes. It's advisable to prepare photocopies in advance, as the queues for on-site copying are often long. By the way, the processing fee can now be paid via mobile phone scan—remember to keep the electronic receipt. The entire renewal process takes about half an hour and can be done up to 90 days before expiration.

[SanOmar]

Renewing an expired driver's license is actually quite simple, with three core requirements: proof of identity (ID card or household register), the old driver's license, and a physical condition certificate issued by a county-level hospital. It's advisable to bring cash and a driver's license photo, although many places now support electronic payments and on-site photography. Requirements vary slightly by location—Shanghai also requires a residence permit, while Beijing requires online appointments. It's recommended to download the Traffic Management 12123 APP, which allows you to check the process and even complete a video medical examination. A money-saving tip: getting the medical check-up at a community hospital is 30 yuan cheaper than at a medical examination institution, and taking your own photo with a phone, editing it, and having it printed at a photo shop can save you another 50 yuan.

[Hadley]

Just helped my dad with his license renewal yesterday. Remember these five must-bring items: original ID card, old driver's license, two white-background photos, qualified medical examination form, and the processing fee. Special emphasis on the medical report - it's not a regular checkup but must be done at DMV-connected facilities for driver's physical exams. Photos must show ears clearly without glasses, and collar shouldn't be too high. Non-local residents might need residence permits, so calling ahead is safest. Getting caught driving with an expired license leads to fines, and driving past the validity period counts as unlicensed driving. Recommended to process three months before expiration - you'll get the new license on the spot and can opt for the 10-year validity version.