What Happens If You Don't Surrender Your Old Driver's License When Adding a Driving Category?
3 Answers
Continuing to use the old driver's license without surrendering it when adding a driving category will result in a fine. Procedures after passing the additional driving test: After passing the additional driving test, the old license must be surrendered, and a new one will be issued. If the old license is not surrendered, it cannot be used anymore. Continued use is illegal and will incur a fine. Important notes after passing the additional driving test: You cannot drive between the time the old license is surrendered and the new one is issued. Relevant laws and regulations: According to Article 19 of the 'Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses,' when applying to add a driving category, in addition to filling out the 'Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form' and submitting the proofs specified in Article 18, the current motor vehicle driver's license must also be submitted.
Having driven for decades, I know that not surrendering your old driver's license when upgrading is no small matter. Here, the traffic authorities require you to hand in your old license as part of the procedure for issuing a new one. If you try to hide it and don't submit it, the newly issued license may be deemed invalid. If you're stopped by traffic police and they find an issue with your new license, the consequences could range from a verbal warning to a fine of several hundred yuan, or even points deducted. My neighbor once tried skipping this step, thinking it would save time, but was pulled over right after hitting the road. Not only did he waste time dealing with it, but he also lost face. Worse, such negligence can disrupt your driving record continuity, giving insurance companies an excuse to deny claims in case of an accident. In short, to avoid trouble, always submit your old license when upgrading—only then will your new license be valid.
I was chatting with some friends who just got their driver's licenses, and the issue of not submitting the old license when upgrading is quite annoying. I remember last year when I helped a buddy with his license upgrade—he was too lazy to go back and hand in his old one. A few weeks later, while driving out for a trip, he was pulled over by the police. They checked his documents and found the old license was still active in the system, not canceled. They insisted it was non-compliant, deducted points on the spot, and made him write a statement. This completely disrupted his plans—ruined the trip and cost him money. Honestly, not submitting the old license can create security risks, like someone else using it fraudulently, or causing you to drive with unease, leading to distractions and accidents, which would be even worse. My advice: don’t cut corners. As soon as you get your new license, make a trip to the DMV to hand in the old one and ensure everything’s properly updated. That way, you can drive with peace of mind.
