What to Do If You Forget to Renew Your Driver's License?
2 Answers
Driving is prohibited once your driver's license has expired. Additionally, regulations stipulate that if a license is not renewed within one year after expiration, the traffic management department will revoke the driver's license. If the license has been expired for more than two years, the driver can restore its normal use by passing the subject one exam. If the license has been revoked for more than two years, the driver must reapply for a new one. Relevant details are as follows: 1. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": Driving with an expired license is considered unlicensed driving. Offenders may face a fine ranging from 200 to 2,000 yuan and could be detained for up to 15 days. In cases of serious accidents resulting in casualties, criminal liability will be pursued. 2. For those abroad: If a driver cannot renew their license on time due to military service or being abroad, they should apply for an extension with the municipal vehicle management office. The application must include a completed form, the driver's ID, the driver's license, and proof of the reason for the extension. The extension can last up to three years, during which the driver is not allowed to operate a motor vehicle.
I once forgot to renew my driver's license, and it expired for a full three months. At that time, I still drove to work and was fined 200 yuan when stopped by traffic police, which made me realize the seriousness of the situation. I rushed to the vehicle management office immediately, where they asked me to bring my ID card, the old driver's license, and a one-inch photo for reissuance. A physical examination was mandatory, but fortunately, my vision and other aspects were normal, so it didn’t take much time. The whole process took about a morning and cost around a few dozen yuan. Since then, I’ve set calendar reminders on my phone to avoid forgetting again. An expired license not only results in fines but also means insurance companies may not cover accidents, which is even riskier. My advice is: if you realize you’ve forgotten, don’t drive—contact the local vehicle management office immediately to schedule a renewal. Handling it early saves trouble.
