What is the process for renewing a driver's license after its expiration date?
2 Answers
Motor vehicle driver's license renewal process is as follows: 1. Download and print the Motor Vehicle Driver Physical Condition Certificate form from the official website of the online traffic management bureau; 2. Fill out the form and attach the photo; 3. Undergo a physical examination at a hospital's medical center, bringing your driver's license; 4. Bring your driver's license, ID card, two forms, and three copies to the vehicle management office or station for processing. The vehicle management office provides free copying services. Handling of an expired driver's license is as follows: 1. If expired for less than one year, it can be renewed normally; 2. If expired for more than one year but less than three years, the license will be canceled, but it can be renewed by passing the subject one test; 3. If expired for more than three years, the license becomes invalid and cannot be renewed; 4. Driving a motor vehicle with an expired license is prohibited and may be treated as driving without a license.
My driver's license expired a few months last year, and I just went to renew it. To be honest, it was a bit of a hassle. First, I had to confirm how long it had been expired—generally, you can renew it directly if it's been less than a year past the expiration date. I went to the hospital for a quick check-up, just basic tests like vision and color blindness, and got the medical report. Then, I prepared the required documents: my ID card, the old driver's license, and a few white-background photos. I chose to go to the local DMV to handle it. I brought all the materials, filled out an application form, paid a small fee, and waited a few days for approval before getting the new license. If it's been expired for too long—say, over a year—you might have to retake the written test (Subject 1), so I recommend not delaying and handling it early to save trouble. If you're caught driving with an expired license during this period, you could face fines and demerit points, so it's safer to renew it ASAP. Nowadays, some places even support online processing through the Traffic Management 12123 app, where you can upload your documents for a quicker process.
