What to Do When Your Driver's License Is Lost and Needs Renewal?

[AlexaLynn]

Go to the service window of the local vehicle management office to obtain and fill out the "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form" correctly. Submit the required documents and the completed "Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form" at the window. Upon approval and acceptance, a driver's license management service acceptance receipt will be issued. The vehicle owner should pay the processing fee at a POS machine or any branch of China Construction Bank using the driver's license management service acceptance receipt. The processing time is three working days. When collecting the new license, you will need the driver's license management service acceptance receipt, the original driver's license, and the identity proof of the person collecting it.

[DiKatherine]

Losing your driver's license and having to replace it is indeed frustrating. I recently went through this myself. The first reaction is not to panic—immediately go to the nearest police station or traffic police office to report the loss and obtain a lost certificate. This is a legal requirement to protect yourself from misuse. Then head straight to the DMV—remember to bring your original ID card, as identity verification is mandatory for license replacement. If your license is about to expire, inform the staff to apply for a renewal at the same time to save hassle. I recommend booking an appointment in advance via the traffic management app to avoid wasting a whole day in line. You’ll need to retake your license photo on-site, which costs around 50 yuan. Don’t drive while waiting for the new license—it’s too risky and could lead to fines or points deducted. I had a friend drive me around for a few days. Now, I keep my license in a fixed wallet slot to prevent loss and set a phone reminder to renew it three months before expiration.

[OAubrey]

As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I know exactly how to handle a lost and expired driver's license. First step: don't drive to deal with it to avoid risks; go to the local police station to report the loss and get a proof slip. Second step: prepare the required materials—ID card, two-inch color photo (you can also take one at the vehicle management office), then queue up at the vehicle management office to fill out forms for reissuance and renewal. Be patient with the process; last time it took me two hours to get it done. If it's crowded, you can save time by booking an online appointment. The fee is usually just a few dozen yuan, not expensive. Avoid driving temporarily; I usually ride a shared bike or take public transport as a transition. Finally, I recommend everyone regularly check their license's location and renew it early when it expires—safe driving relies on having a valid license. Also, consider using an electronic driver's license app for backup in case of emergencies.

[McMartin]

Oh dear, I'm getting old and forgetful - my driver's license was lost and about to expire. First step is to play it safe by reporting the loss at the police station to get a certificate, safety first. Then go to the vehicle management office to fill out an application form. They'll take my photo for a new license while updating the expired one - just bring my ID card, no rush as the staff are quite helpful with guidance. The whole process is better done in the morning when it's less crowded, takes about half an hour with a small fee of several dozen yuan. Remember never to drive without a license - accidents would be troublesome, my son often helps by calling taxis for me. Now I keep my license in a fixed pocket with labeled position so I won't lose it again. The vehicle office has online appointment options but it's slower for elderly using phones, in-person service works better.