What is the Difference Between Replacement and Renewal of a Driver's License?

[LaElliott]

Replacement: When a driver's license is lost, a new one needs to be issued. Article 63 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses": If a motor vehicle driver's license is lost, the motor vehicle driver shall apply for a replacement at the vehicle management office of the issuing authority or another vehicle management office outside the issuing authority. Renewal: The driver's license is not lost, but its validity period has expired, requiring a new license to be issued. Article 57 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses": A motor vehicle driver shall apply for a renewal at the vehicle management office of the issuing authority or another vehicle management office outside the issuing authority within 90 days before the expiration of the motor vehicle driver's license. Renewal: When a driver's license is about to expire, it must be renewed with a new one, which can be done up to 90 days in advance. Plan your time wisely to prevent expiration. Before renewal, check for any traffic violation records. If there are any, they must be cleared before renewal. Fill out the renewal application form and submit the following documents and proofs: Identity proof of the motor vehicle driver. The motor vehicle driver's license. A medical condition certificate issued by a county-level or military medical institution at the regiment level or above. Submit all documents and materials to the staff, pay the fee, and receive the new driver's license. Replacement: Apply for a replacement promptly. Otherwise, driving without a license may result in fines if caught by traffic police. Fill out the replacement application form and submit the following documents and proofs: Identity proof of the motor vehicle driver. A written statement declaring the loss of the motor vehicle driver's license. Submit all documents and materials to the staff. The process is usually completed on the spot. The difference between a replaced license and the original one lies in the barcode (also known as the license core code) on the back of the main copy: After replacement, the original driver's license becomes invalid and must not be used. If the original driver's license is used after obtaining a replacement, the old license will be confiscated by the traffic management department of the public security authority, and a warning or fine may be imposed. Replacement is for when the driver's license is lost, and a new one is issued to replace the original. Renewal is for when the driver's license is not lost, but its validity period has expired, requiring all information to be updated before a new one is issued.