What to Do If the License Renewal Is Overdue?
2 Answers
Once discovered, the driver will be fined. However, within one year after the expiration date, the driver can still go to the traffic management department to renew the driver's license. If the license has been expired for more than one year, the driver's license will be in a "revocable but recoverable" status, and the driver needs to take a regulatory test at the vehicle management office before renewing the license.
I forgot to renew my driver's license and panicked only after it expired. Checking online guides, I found the process isn't too difficult. First step was visiting a designated local hospital for a medical checkup, spending a few dozen yuan to get a health certificate. Then I took my ID card, expired license, and a 1-inch white-background photo to the DMV to fill out the renewal application. For short overdues like my two-week case, you might just pay a small fine for direct renewal; if delayed too long (like several months), you may need to retake the theory test (Subject 1). Advice: Don't drive yourself there - ride a bike or take public transport to avoid being checked on the road. A few days' delay isn't catastrophic, but driving during the overdue period could void insurance coverage in case of accidents, creating bigger trouble. After getting it done in half a day, I set a phone reminder to avoid forgetting next time.
