What to do if I forgot to renew my driver's license and it's expired?
2 Answers
If you forgot to renew your driver's license and it's expired, you are not allowed to drive, otherwise you will be fined. Depending on the length of the expiration period, there are three scenarios: 1. Expired for less than 1 year: If you do not drive during the expired period, there will be no major impact as long as you renew it promptly. 2. Expired for more than 1 year but less than 3 years: You need to apply to the vehicle management office to retake the subject one test, and you can renew the license only after passing it. 3. Expired for more than 3 years: The driver's license will be revoked, and you can only reapply for a new driver's license. Therefore, it is important to comply with traffic rules and drive properly, and renew your driver's license in time before it expires.
I've been through this once—forgot to renew my driver's license until two months after it expired. I rushed to the DMV to handle it, needing to bring my original ID, old driver's license, a physical exam report (get one from a hospital or clinic), and a few photos. The staff said there’s a small fine for the delay, around 100-200 RMB, and I had to retake a simple theory test, like multiple-choice questions on traffic rules. The whole process was quick—done in half a day. Just don’t drive until you get the new license to avoid fines or vehicle impoundment. Remember, the length of the expiration doesn’t matter much—if it’s short, it’s a simple renewal. But if you wait too long, say over a year, you might have to retake the full driver’s course, which is more hassle. Now I set a calendar reminder on my phone three months in advance to prepare the documents, just to be safe. DMV lines are often long, so go early or check if your local office offers online appointments to save time.
