Where to Renew Driver's License?
4 Answers
According to Article 123 of the 'Regulations on the Application and Use of Driver's Licenses' issued by the Ministry of Public Security, motor vehicle drivers should apply for license renewal at the vehicle management office of the license issuing authority within 90 days before the expiration of their current driver's license. Here are the relevant details: 1. Notes: There is a deadline for driver's license renewal. You can process it within 90 days before expiration. If missed, you can still renew normally if the expiration is within one year; if the license has been expired for more than one year but less than three years, the license will be revoked, but you can still renew it by passing the subject one test; if expired for more than three years, the license becomes invalid and cannot be renewed. 2. Renewal Time: Renewal can only be done in advance and cannot be postponed without valid reasons (if postponed for any reason, you must explain to the traffic management department in advance). According to regulations, renewal can be processed three months in advance. If it's about to expire, you should process it as soon as possible. If postponed, a fine will be imposed.
Last time I went to renew my driver's license at our city's Vehicle Management Office, it went quite smoothly. You need to bring your ID card, the old driver's license booklet, and a 1-inch photo. It's best to check the address and business hours of the Vehicle Management Office in advance, as some places are open on weekends. The process is not complicated: take a number upon entering, fill out a simple application form, pay the fee (usually in cash or via QR code payment), and wait for the photo to be taken. The whole process can be completed in half an hour if it goes quickly. I recommend going in the morning when there are fewer people to avoid the lunchtime rush. Remember to renew your license in time—you can do it 90 days before it expires. Don't wait until it's expired, as driving with an expired license can result in fines. Safety first. Some people say you can use an agent, but I recommend going to the official Vehicle Management Office for peace of mind.
As a Gen Z, I think using a mobile phone is the most convenient way to renew a driver's license. Just download the Traffic Management 12123 APP: after logging in with real-name authentication, upload ID proof and a photo of the old license, choose a selfie to upload (don’t be too casual), and pay a small express fee to get it done. The new license will be delivered to your home, saving a lot of time. It's suitable for students or busy workers. However, make sure the photos are clear and formal, otherwise, you’ll have to redo it. Support may vary by city—like in my area, first- and second-tier cities are all covered. If the APP doesn’t work, the DMV is still a backup option, so don’t delay.
To renew your driver's license, just go to the DMV. As an experienced driver with decades of experience, you only need to bring your ID card, old license, and photos—usually no hassle. The process is simple: fill out a form, pay the fee, take a photo, and wait for the new license. It's recommended to renew it early before expiration, especially for those over 70 who might need a medical certificate to avoid issues. Weekday mornings are less crowded and faster.
