What to Do If Your Driver's License Hasn't Been Renewed for Over 6 Years?
3 Answers
If your driver's license has been expired for less than one year, you can still go through the normal renewal procedure. Bring the required documents and choose the nearest traffic police detachment, vehicle management office branch, or one-stop units authorized by the traffic management department (such as public security hospitals) to process the renewal.
Oh, speaking of expired driver's licenses, I have personal experience with this. I was so busy with work that I delayed renewing my license for almost 7 years, and when I finally needed to drive, I realized the severity of the issue. I rushed to the local DMV to inquire, and the staff directly told me that my license had been invalidated and I had to reapply, which was almost like getting a license for the first time. I had to go through a medical exam, sign up for theory classes, and even enrolled in a driving school to review for the written tests (Subjects 1 and 4). The whole process took two months, and only after passing the exams and obtaining the new license could I drive with peace of mind. My advice is: don't delay—take action immediately. Otherwise, not only could you face fines if caught by traffic police, but if an accident occurs without a valid license, insurance won't cover it. The time cost is too high, so it's better to get it done early and save yourself the hassle.
Having a driver's license expired for over 6 years sounds scary, but handling it isn't that complicated. I've been in a similar situation before—I only realized my license had been expired for years after losing it. The first step is to look up the local DMV's phone number or official account online and schedule an appointment. Bring your ID card, original driver's license (if available), and photos to the appointment. You might need to retake the physical exam and pass the theory test (Subject 1). The cost isn't high, roughly a few hundred yuan. The staff were quite patient during the process, explaining each step clearly. Make sure to review traffic regulations beforehand—the question bank has been updated, so retaking the test is easier. Once completed, you can apply for a new license. The key is not to panic—the system is designed to help people.
