Where and How to Renew an Expired Driver's License?
2 Answers
If your driver's license has been expired for less than one year, you can bring your ID card, driver's license, physical condition certificate, driver's license photo, and other required documents to the vehicle management office. If the expiration period is less than three years, your license is in a 'canceled but recoverable' status. You just need to retake the subject one exam at the vehicle management office. After passing the exam, you can renew your license. If the license has been expired for more than three years, it will be canceled, and you will have to retake the driving test at a driving school.
When my driver's license is about to expire, the renewal process is generally handled at the local vehicle management office, or at some traffic management service stations in certain cities. First, go there to queue up and get a number, bringing along the original and photocopy of your ID card, the expired driver's license, and recent one-inch bareheaded photos. Don’t forget to visit a designated hospital in advance for a simple medical check-up, mainly an eye test, to obtain a medical examination report. At the counter, fill out a license renewal application form. After the staff verifies your documents, you’ll need to pay a fee, usually a few dozen yuan in cash or via QR code payment. The new license may be printed on the spot or mailed to your home in a few days. The entire process takes about half a day, so it’s advisable to go early to avoid peak hours and long queues. Also, check if the photos meet the standards—they should have a white background and be clear front-facing shots, otherwise your application might be rejected, making the trip pointless. It’s best to handle the renewal one month before expiration to avoid last-minute rush. Nowadays, some apps also offer online services, saving you the hassle of traveling, but make sure you have a stable internet connection.
