What to Do When Your Driver's License Expires in Another Location?
2 Answers
If your driver's license expires in another location, the solution is to renew it locally, but you must have a local residence permit or household registration. According to regulations, motor vehicle drivers should apply for renewal at the vehicle management office of the driver's license issuing location within 90 days before the expiration of the motor vehicle driver's license. The required documents for the application include: 1. The identity proof of the motor vehicle driver; 2. The motor vehicle driver's license; 3. A medical certificate issued by a county-level or above medical institution or a military medical institution at the regimental level or above, proving the physical condition. For those applying for a special small automatic passenger vehicle for the disabled, a medical certificate issued by a specialized medical institution designated by the provincial health authority is required.
A while ago, I was on a business trip in Shanghai when I realized my driver's license had expired for a month. I was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan and called my friends for advice—they all told me not to panic. I went straight to the local vehicle management office, bringing my ID card, expired license, and a few one-inch photos. I also had to visit a hospital first for an eye exam to get a medical certificate. There, I filled out an application form and got my new license after waiting for about an hour. The whole process took half a day and cost just a few dozen yuan. I recommend checking local policies online in advance, as some cities support out-of-town license renewal, making it more convenient. Delaying it could lead to fines if caught by the police, and driving without a valid license means no insurance coverage, so handling it ASAP is the safest bet. Also, remember to avoid small repair shops—going to an official one is much safer.
