What to Do If You Forgot to Renew Your Driver's License?
2 Answers
If the renewal period exceeds one year and the driver's license is in an expired but not renewed status, you can renew the license without taking any subject exams. If the driver's license has been expired for more than one year but less than three years, the driver only needs to take Subject One at the vehicle management office. Upon passing the exam, they can proceed with the normal renewal process. If the driver's license has been expired for more than three years beyond the renewal period, the license status will be 'cancelled.' The driver must reapply and take all the required exams to obtain a new driver's license.
Last weekend, I suddenly realized my driver's license had expired for three months, which gave me a scare. I quickly checked the traffic bureau's rules online: renewals within 30 days of expiration don't incur fines, but exceeding that means paying late fees or retaking the theory test. I went to the local DMV with my documents: ID card, old driver's license, a 2-inch photo, and a medical examination certificate from the community hospital. After queuing for half an hour on-site, I found out while filling out the application form that I was fined 50 yuan for the overdue renewal, totaling 100 yuan in fees for the new license. The whole process was straightforward, but the half-day trip to the DMV taught me a lesson—to set a phone calendar reminder for next year's renewal. Everyone should handle this promptly; don't drive with an expired license. Safety first to avoid being caught. Now I feel much more at ease, and I suggest you check the dates and take action immediately.
