What to Do If Driving License and ID Card Are Lost?
3 Answers
First, reapply for the ID card or temporary ID card, then reapply for the driving license. The process for reapplying for a lost ID card: The applicant or a representative should go to the local public security authority (usually the police station) at the permanent residence to complete the reapplication procedures. Fill out the "Resident ID Card Application Form." The staff will verify the household registration booklet and review the "Resident ID Card Application Form." Pay the document processing fee and receive the application receipt. Upon receiving the collection notice or after 60 working days from the application date, bring the receipt to the application location to collect the ID card. Driving license reapplication: If the motor vehicle driving license is lost, the driver should apply for a replacement at the vehicle management office where the license was originally issued or another authorized office. When applying, fill out the application form and submit the following documents: the driver's identity proof; a written statement declaring the loss of the driving license. If the application meets the requirements, the vehicle management office should reissue the driving license within one day. After the driver receives the new driving license, the original one becomes invalid and must not be used. During the period when the driving license is legally seized, detained, or suspended, the driver cannot apply for a replacement.
I have some experience with this, as I've encountered the same situation before. Let me share the specific steps. If your ID card is lost, the first thing to do is to report the loss at the nearest police station. This can prevent someone from misusing it, especially with the prevalence of fraud these days—safety first. After reporting the loss, you'll receive a certificate, which you can use to apply for a replacement ID at the police station. It usually takes about ten days. For a driver's license, you’ll need to report the loss at the vehicle management office and bring a copy of your ID card or a temporary ID to apply for a replacement. Remember, don’t rush to drive without it—getting caught by the police without a license can be troublesome. During the replacement period, you can use your passport or residence permit as a backup form of identification. Here’s a small tip: keep photos of your documents on your phone for emergencies—it makes things much easier.
Last time I lost both certificates together, it was really nerve-wracking. First, I rushed to the police station to report the loss. The officer had me fill out a loss declaration form, which gave me some peace of mind. Then I borrowed some photocopying materials from a neighbor and immediately headed to the DMV to apply for a replacement driver's license. Their efficiency was decent, and the new license arrived by mail within a week. In the meantime, I relied on that temporary identity proof for taking taxis and buses. Later, I used the public security system's online platform to schedule a home delivery for the ID card replacement, saving me the hassle of queuing. The whole process took about two weeks. Just remember to always carry a copy of the loss report with you—it won't interfere with supermarket QR code scans or anything. Cost-wise, it wasn't expensive, just a few dozen yuan for each certificate's processing fee. The sooner you replace them, the better.
