What to Do If the Driver's License Has Expired?
4 Answers
Driver's license expiration requires different handling depending on the duration. Below are the specific processing methods for driver's license renewal after different periods of expiration: Less than 12 months: If the driver's license has expired for less than 12 months, it can be renewed as usual. Between 1 and 3 years: If the expiration period is over 1 year but less than 3 years, you need to retake the subject 1 exam to renew the license. After passing the exam, you can obtain the driver's license. More than 3 years: If the expiration period exceeds 3 years, you need to reapply for a driver's license. Driving during the expired period is not allowed and may be treated as driving without a license. If the validity period has been exceeded for more than 3 years, the driver's license is considered invalid and canceled, requiring a new application for a driver's license.
I also forgot about my expired driver's license last time until three months had passed, which is actually quite common. If it's expired for less than a year, it's the simplest—just bring your ID card and old license to the DMV for a physical exam and photo, and you can get a new one on the spot. If it's been over a year but less than three years, it's a bit more troublesome—you'll need to retake the theory test (Subject 1). If it's been over three years, the license is completely invalidated, and you'll have to go through the entire process of enrolling in driving school again. Remember to make an appointment in advance on the 12123 App to avoid peak periods like Mondays and the end of the month. Skip the crowded DMV for the physical exam—go to a designated hospital first to save time. The most easily overlooked detail is that the photo requires a white background and dark-colored clothing; if you're wearing light-colored clothes, you'll have to borrow a jacket. Hiring a temporary driver is quite expensive—my neighbor was fined 2,000 yuan last month for driving without a license because of this.
My dad renewed his driver's license two months after it expired, thanks to my urging. For those over fifty, remember to focus on the vision test—my dad almost failed because his reading glasses prescription wasn't strong enough. The process is much simpler now: the self-service kiosk at the DMV handles the medical check and photo in just ten minutes, no need to queue at the counter. Three key reminders: first, check the designated local medical checkpoints in advance—some community hospitals offer weekend services; second, the old license will be punched and invalidated, so keep it as a memento; third, you can check the progress on the 12123 app, but updates are slow, so don’t panic. A colleague of mine waited until his license was 11 months expired and got rear-ended—the insurer nearly denied the claim upon discovering the expired license, a risk often overlooked. The renewal fee is just ten yuan, but don’t forget cash—some counters only accept it.
Just renewed my driver's license: Direct renewal process applies if expired within one year. Key items to bring: original ID card + photocopy (avoid queues at DMV copiers). Medical exam is simple - mainly vision and color blindness tests. On-site photos are pricey, bringing compliant ID photos saves ¥30. Watch the review date on license supplement page - don't confuse it. Most common hiccup: unpaid traffic tickets (my renewal flagged an unpaid parking fine from 6 months ago). Weekends are packed - taking half-day leave for morning appointment saves time. Double-check name/address on new license - my friend spent weeks correcting a typo in his address.
