What to Do If the Driver's License Expires and Is Not Renewed in Time?
2 Answers
If the driver's license expires and is not renewed in time, you can apply for a deferred renewal. If a motor vehicle driver is unable to renew the license within the specified time due to reasons such as military service or going abroad, they may apply for deferred renewal at the vehicle management office where the driver's license was issued. When applying, the applicant must fill out an application form and submit proof of identity, the motor vehicle driver's license, and documentation supporting the reason for deferral. During the deferral period, the driver is not permitted to operate a motor vehicle. If the driver's license has been expired for more than one year but less than two years, the driver can restore the license to normal use by passing the subject one exam. If the license has been expired for more than two years, the driver must reapply for a new license.
A while ago, I forgot to renew my expired driver's license and only remembered after two months. I immediately contacted the DMV, and they said I was lucky it was still within the one-year grace period. I brought my ID card, old license, and two white-background photos to the DMV, where I first took a simple vision test on a self-service health check machine. The staff reminded me to clear any previous traffic violations before processing the renewal. The whole process took about half an hour and cost a 10-yuan fee. If it had been over one year but less than three years, it would have been more troublesome, requiring a retake of the written test. It's especially important to note that driving is prohibited from the moment the license expires, otherwise it's considered unlicensed driving. I've now set a phone reminder for my license expiration date and recommend renewing it three months in advance to avoid any issues.
