Where to Apply for a Driver's License Renewal?
2 Answers
Driver's license renewal should be processed at the vehicle management office that originally issued the driver's license. Before applying, ensure all traffic violations and accidents related to the driver's license are resolved. Prepare the original and a copy of the motor vehicle driver's license, the original and a copy of the resident ID card, three recent one-inch white-background color photos of yourself, and a medical examination certificate from a district or county-level hospital or above. If a motor vehicle driver has not accumulated 12 or more penalty points in any scoring period during the six-year validity period of the driver's license, they will be issued a motor vehicle driver's license with a ten-year validity period upon renewal. If a motor vehicle driver has not accumulated 12 or more penalty points in any scoring period during the ten-year validity period of the driver's license, they will be issued a long-term valid motor vehicle driver's license upon renewal.
I recently renewed my driver's license and found that the most convenient way was to go to the local Vehicle Management Office, commonly known as the DMV. In China, every city has such offices, some with multiple branches, and their addresses can be easily found via Baidu Maps or Gaode APP. Before going, make sure to bring all the required materials: original ID card, a recent white-background photo, and if it's a renewal due to expiration, you also need to undergo a medical examination to obtain a health certificate. Last time, I chose to go on a weekday morning when there were fewer people and no queues, which made the process more efficient. By the way, remember to make an appointment one or two weeks in advance through the 'Traffic Management 12123' mobile APP to avoid being late or missing documents, making the whole process faster. Don’t wait until after the expiration date to renew, as you might face fines, and finding a place for emergency renewal can be more troublesome.
