What to Do If Your Driver's License Renewal Is a Few Days Late?
2 Answers
Drivers can renew their license at any time within one year after the expiration date. Penalties for driving with an expired license: Driving during the expired period is prohibited and may be treated as driving without a license. If the license has been expired for less than one year, the driver can still renew it at any time, but driving during this period will result in a 200 RMB fine. If the license has been expired for more than one year without renewal, the traffic management department will revoke it. For licenses expired for less than three years, the driver must retake and pass the written test (Subject 1) to regain driving privileges. Driving during this period may result in a fine ranging from 200 to 2,000 RMB. If the license has been expired for more than three years, it will be permanently revoked. To drive again, the driver must retake the entire licensing process. Otherwise, driving without a valid license will result in a 2,000 RMB fine and up to 15 days of administrative detention. Renewal deadline: Drivers should apply for renewal at the local vehicle management office where the license was originally issued within 90 days before the expiration date. The application requires filling out the "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form."
I remember last year I also delayed my license renewal by half a month. I panicked and asked a friend, who said it's okay as long as I stopped driving immediately. Generally, there's no fine for a license expired just a few days, but don't get caught driving with it, or it'll be considered unlicensed driving with fines and points. You need to visit the DMV right away for a replacement. Bring your ID, old license, and two to three 1-inch photos. Look up your local DMV address online, call ahead to check if a medical report is needed, and make an appointment to skip the queue. The renewal is quick, with a fee of just a few dozen yuan, and you'll get the new license the same day or within a few days. Don't delay too long—if it's over a year, you might have to retake the theory test, which is a real hassle. Later, I set a phone calendar reminder two weeks before expiration to avoid forgetting. Driving safety is crucial; don't lose big for small gains.
