What to Do If Your Driver's License Has Expired for a Month Without Renewal?

[StDominic]

If your driver's license has expired for a month without renewal, you can apply for a deferral. The maximum deferral period is three years, during which the driver is not allowed to operate a motor vehicle. If the driver's license remains unrenewed for more than three years after its expiration, it will be revoked. Below is an introduction to driver's licenses: 1. Overview of Driver's License: A driver's license, also known as a 'driving permit,' is a legal document required for individuals to operate motor vehicles. 2. Driver's License as a 'Permit': Operating a motor vehicle requires certain driving skills. Without these skills, reckless driving can lead to traffic accidents. Therefore, drivers must have a license to drive on public roads. For those who have mastered safe driving techniques, the document that permits them to drive is the 'driver's license,' signifying it as a 'permit.' 3. Definition of Driver's License: Internationally, a driver's license is defined as 'a document issued by the competent authority permitting the holder to drive a motor vehicle.' In China, it is defined as 'a legal certificate issued by the administrative department to individuals who have learned and mastered traffic regulations and driving skills, passed the required tests, and are legally permitted to drive certain types of motor vehicles.'

[Lucian]

My driver's license expired last month, and I only realized it when I went to refuel that day. I quickly checked online and found that I could still renew it normally within one year of expiration, but I needed to do it as soon as possible. First, I went to the hospital for a driver's physical examination, which cost me 30 yuan. Then, I headed straight to the vehicle management office with my ID card, a white-background ID photo, and my old driver's license. The staff said it was good that it had only been a month, so I didn't need to retake the test. After filling out the forms and paying a 10-yuan fee, I got my new license on the spot. However, they reminded me that driving during the expired period counts as driving without a license, and if caught, I would face points deduction and fines. This scared me so much that I now have my wife drive me to work.

[FinnLynn]

I experienced the same thing last year when my driver's license expired for a month. According to the law, driving with an expired license is considered unlicensed driving, which can result in fines and vehicle impoundment if caught. My advice is to stop driving immediately and take your ID card and old license to the DMV. Nowadays, most cities have 24-hour self-service kiosks—I renewed mine at one in Xiamen at 8 PM, and it only took 20 minutes. Remember to complete your medical exam beforehand, as many hospitals now have dedicated driver examination channels. Most importantly, don't touch the steering wheel until you get your new license—I've seen people have their licenses revoked for this very reason.

[LeLeo]

Your driver's license has been expired for a month, so you'd better handle it quickly. I just got mine renewed last week. The process is very simple: First, go to a hospital for a special driver's physical exam, which costs about 40 yuan. Bring the medical report, your ID card, the old driver's license, and two white-background ID photos to the vehicle management office. Fill out the 'Driver's License Renewal Application Form' at the counter, pay a 10-yuan processing fee, and you can get your new license on the spot. Make sure to check if there are any outstanding traffic violations and clear them in advance if necessary. The vehicle management office is also open on weekends; I went on a Saturday and only queued for about ten minutes. Don't drive until you get your new license—taking public transport or a taxi is the safest option.