What to Do When Your Driver's License Expires After 3 Years?
3 Answers
If your driver's license has been expired for less than 12 months, you can renew it as usual. However, if it has been expired for more than one year but less than three years, you will need to retake the written test (Subject 1) to renew your license. If your license has been expired for more than three years, you will need to reapply for a driver's license. No annual review is required during the 6-year validity period of the driver's license. Drivers should renew their license at the local traffic police branch within 90 days before the expiration date.
My driver's license expired last year, and I remember going to the vehicle management office three months in advance to renew it. I needed to prepare my ID card, old driver's license, and a one-inch white-background color photo. It's best to have the photo taken at a photo studio in advance to meet the specifications. The medical check-up was very simple—just a basic physical examination at a designated hospital, which took about ten minutes. The vehicle management office was quite crowded, and I had to wait a while before it was my turn at the window. The staff were very helpful; after verifying my documents, they issued a new license, costing about 50 yuan. The renewed license is valid for six years. Failing to renew it on time could result in fines or even having to retake the theoretical test, which is quite troublesome, so it's better to act early. I also found that applying online is more convenient—using the 'Traffic Management 12123' app to upload documents allows you to receive the new license in a few days, saving time and effort and avoiding queues. Don’t forget to check the dates on both the old and new licenses.
The driver's license must be renewed within 90 days before expiration. Last time I did it two months in advance. Bring your original ID card, old driver's license, one-inch bareheaded white background photo, and medical examination certificate. You can get the medical check at community hospitals or designated institutions—it's very simple. You can either go to the local DMV counter or download the Traffic Management 12123 APP to apply online. After submitting materials online and passing the review, the new license will be mailed directly to your home, which is very convenient. The renewal process is quick, and the fee is about 20-50 yuan—don't be tricked by intermediaries charging extra. The consequences of expiration are severe, including fines or retaking the written test, so don't procrastinate until the last minute. Take care of your license—avoid folding or damaging it. After renewal, note the new validity period, usually 6 years, to save hassle later. Handle such small matters early to drive with peace of mind.
