Why is the driver's license renewal denied despite normal status with a history of drug use?
4 Answers
When an individual commits such illegal acts, their driver's license will be revoked immediately. The individual must complete a mandatory isolation period of 3 years, then provide their ID card, a health certificate, and relevant proof issued by the local police station to reapply for a driver's license.
I've encountered similar issues before and know a bit about the process. According to traffic regulations, people with a history of drug use will indeed face obstacles when renewing their driver's license, even if the status shows normal. This is mainly due to legal requirements—those with drug use records within the past three years are prohibited from driving, and license renewal will be directly rejected. As long as the system detects a drug use record, the vehicle management office's backend will automatically lock the application. This isn't the staff being difficult; it's a mandatory national buffer period for drug rehabilitation. I recommend checking the exact time of drug use. If it has been more than three years, quickly obtain a drug rehabilitation certificate from the anti-drug department, undergo a drug-driving test at a designated hospital, and bring all the materials to the vehicle management office to reapply. Don’t wait until the license expires to act, as it will cause delays.
I've been working at the driver's license administration window for five or six years, and I see this situation every day. When the driver's license status is normal but the system shows a drug-related record, we have no choice but to refuse the license renewal as per regulations. After the nationwide driver's license system was interconnected, the Ministry of Public Security mandated compulsory screening for drug-related records. In practice, if the drug use occurred within the last three years, the file is directly locked. If it's been more than three years, the applicant must obtain a community drug rehabilitation certificate from the local anti-drug office in their registered residence and pass a drug-driving test before the file can be unlocked. Many drivers aren't even aware that they've been flagged in the system. I recommend bringing your ID card to the vehicle management office to check the specific reason for the file lock, then follow the requirements to submit additional materials and reapply.
Two years ago, I also got stuck when renewing my license. Even though my license status was normal, it was because I had smoked marijuana once during college. The staff explained that the law has strict regulations—drug use records prohibit any driver's license services within three years. In the end, I waited until it had been three years and one month to take the drug-driving test. I went to a designated hospital for blood and urine tests, and only after receiving a negative report could I get my new license. The whole process took over a week, and the test cost around 200 yuan. Looking back now, it seems quite reasonable—driving after drug use is indeed dangerous, and the mandatory three-year wait is to ensure complete detoxification. I suggest you first confirm the time of drug use; if it’s been over three years, go for the test and renew your license immediately.
