What to Do If Your Driver's License Has Expired After 6 Years?
2 Answers
The first renewal of a driver's license is required after six years, and the second renewal after ten years. If a driver is unable to renew the license within the specified time due to reasons such as military service or being abroad, they can apply for a delayed renewal procedure at the vehicle management office where the license was originally issued, within the validity period of the license review. Additionally, the maximum delay for a driver's license renewal application is three years. It is important to note that during the extension period, the driver is not allowed to operate a motor vehicle. When applying for a delayed renewal, the materials to be submitted include two copies of the ID card (front and back), a copy of the driver's license (original and duplicate), as well as proof of the reason for the delay, such as enlistment notice, military officer's certificate, or valid entry-exit visa. Extended Information: For those whose driver's license has been expired for less than one year after the six-year renewal period, they can apply for renewal at the vehicle management office where the license was originally issued or at another location. When applying, they should fill out an application form and submit the following documents and proofs: 1. The identity proof of the motor vehicle driver; 2. The motor vehicle driver's license; 3. A medical certificate regarding physical condition issued by a county-level or higher medical institution or a military medical institution at the regimental level or above. For those applying for a special small automatic passenger vehicle for the disabled, a medical certificate regarding physical condition issued by a specialized medical institution designated by the provincial health authority should be submitted.
After my driver's license passed the six-year expiration date, I realized immediately that I couldn't delay. Renewing it is quite simple: bring your ID card, current driver's license, a few white-background photos, and get a quick medical check-up at the hospital to obtain the report. Don’t worry about being fined by traffic police for overdue renewal. Use a mobile app like Traffic Management 12123 to handle it online—fill in your information, upload photos, and schedule a time to pick up your new license. If it’s expired for over a year, you might need to retake the theoretical exam, but as long as you act promptly, it’s generally not a problem. Check the expiration date before driving and make it a habit to avoid trouble. I also recommend setting up WeChat notifications so you’ll get a reminder before the next expiration. The whole process takes about a week—safety first, don’t risk driving without a valid license for convenience.
