What to Do If Your Driver's License Expires Without Review?

[Felix]

If your driver's license has not been reviewed for one year after expiration, as long as you do not drive, the traffic police department will generally only remind you without imposing penalties. You can go to the vehicle management office to renew your license. Consequences of failing to review an expired driver's license: 1. If it has been more than one year but less than two years without review: The traffic police department will cancel (recoverable) the license, and you need to retake the subject one exam before you can renew your license. 2. If the license has not been reviewed for more than two years: The license will be canceled by the traffic management department, and you must re-enroll in a driving school and pass all three subject exams to obtain a new license. 3. Related penalties: Driving with an expired and unreviewed driver's license will result in a fine ranging from 200 to 500 yuan.

[NaomiLynn]

I also encountered the issue of an expired driver's license while driving before, and I was really panicked at that time. If your driver's license has expired without annual review, you must not continue driving on the road. If caught by traffic police, you may face a fine ranging from 200 to 2000 yuan, and in severe cases, your driving privileges could be revoked. I suggest you quickly check your expiration date: if it's within one year of expiration, it's still manageable—just bring your ID card, recent white-background photo, and physical condition proof to the DMV or use the Traffic Management 12123 App to apply for a replacement. I’ve done it on the App, and it’s quite convenient; the process was completed within a few days after scheduling a medical check-up. If it’s expired for over a year, you’ll have to retake the written test (Subject One), which is more troublesome. It’s a good idea to set a calendar reminder on your phone three months before the expiration date to prepare the materials in advance—it can save you a lot of hassle. Safe driving is no small matter; don’t lose big for small gains.

[RachelFitz]

I know about this. Last year, my cousin forgot about his driver's license expiration for half a year and almost got into trouble. Once a driver's license expires without renewal, it's considered invalid, and continuing to drive can result in fines and demerit points. The renewal process isn't complicated: first, go to a nearby hospital for a driver's physical exam, then apply for a replacement license on the Traffic Management 12123 app by uploading the medical report and a photo ID. I helped him with it—everything was done online, and the new license arrived in about two days if the review was quick. For in-person processing, remember to make an appointment in advance to avoid a wasted trip. Also, policies vary slightly by region—some cities offer instant replacement, while others require mailing. Frequent travelers should set app reminders to stay on top of renewals—it saves a lot of hassle.

[LeoFitz]

If your driver's license has expired due to forgetting the annual review, don't rush to drive. First, check the expiration period: if it's within one or two years, simply renew it; if longer, you'll need to retake the theoretical exam. The renewal requires just three things: a medical certificate, ID card, and photo, which can be processed either at the vehicle management office or online. Personally, I recommend setting an annual reminder on your phone and preparing in advance for safety.