What to Do If I Can't Find My Driver's License?
2 Answers
If you cannot find your driver's license, you can apply for a replacement. To replace your driver's license, you can bring the relevant documents to the vehicle management office at the place where the driver's license was issued or to any other vehicle management office outside the issuing jurisdiction. You can apply for various services such as renewal upon expiration, renewal beyond the specified age, replacement due to damage, replacement due to changes in driver information, replacement due to changes in physical condition, or reissuance due to loss. The legal basis is as follows: Article 63 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses" states that if a motor vehicle driver's license is lost, the motor vehicle driver shall apply for a replacement at the vehicle management office where the driver's license was issued or at any other vehicle management office outside the issuing jurisdiction. When applying, the applicant shall fill out an application form and submit the following documents and certificates: (1) the identity proof of the motor vehicle driver; (2) a written statement of the loss of the motor vehicle driver's license. The vehicle management office that meets the requirements shall reissue the motor vehicle driver's license within one day. After the motor vehicle driver obtains the replacement driver's license, the original driver's license becomes invalid and must not be used anymore.
I've also experienced losing my driver's license. That day when I was about to drive out, I searched high and low but couldn't find it, and I was so anxious I could jump out of my skin. But I immediately reminded myself not to impulsively drive—driving without a license carries too much risk, and I'd be fully responsible for any accident. I quickly checked the traffic management department's phone number and learned I needed to go to the DMV to get a replacement. I took my original ID card and a recent photo, then took a taxi there directly. The process wasn't complicated: fill out a loss report, pay a small fee of a few dozen yuan, and get a temporary proof on the spot. A few days later, the new license was mailed to my home. Since then, I've learned my lesson and used the traffic management app 12123 to create an electronic backup, which I can show anytime in an emergency. I suggest you act immediately—delaying might cause problems. Filing a report to prevent identity theft is also important.
