What to Do If the Original Driver's License Continues to Be Used After a Replacement?
2 Answers
After obtaining a replacement for a new driver's license, the old driver's license cannot be used according to the law, even if the old one is found later. When applying for a replacement, submitting a lost declaration of the motor vehicle driver's license to the vehicle management authority of the traffic police means the old driver's license is simultaneously invalidated. If the original driver's license is lost and later found after obtaining a replacement, the driver should submit the original license to the vehicle management office or destroy it themselves, and must not use both licenses simultaneously. If a driver violates the regulation by continuing to use the original driver's license, the public security traffic management department will impose corresponding fines and confiscate the original license.
I just encountered this situation. Continuing to use the original driver's license after obtaining a replacement is indeed a big issue. According to traffic regulations, once the new license is issued, the old one automatically becomes invalid. If you're caught driving with the old license during a police check, it will 100% be treated as an invalid document. The consequences can range from fines and penalty points to possibly having your license revoked or facing other troubles. I accidentally used the old license for a few days after getting the replacement, only to realize the new one was tucked away in some documents and hadn't been taken out. I was warned as a result, and promptly stopped using the old license and switched to the new one. My advice is to tear up the old license or surrender it to the vehicle management office immediately after receiving the new one, and don't let it stay in your car. Also, if you've already used the old license for a while, don't panic but switch to the new one right away. Check if any traffic violations were recorded due to this, and if necessary, take the new license to the traffic police station to inquire about avoiding penalties. Insurance is another thing to watch out for—if you're involved in an accident and try to file a claim with the old license, the insurance company might refuse to pay. That's why I always keep the new license in a visible spot in my car to remind myself to use it, just to avoid any mishaps.
