Will the validity period of the driver's license change if it is reissued due to loss?
3 Answers
No, the validity period of the driver's license will not change due to reissuance, additional endorsements, or other reasons. Regulations on the validity period of the driver's license: Article 25 of the "Business Regulations for Motor Vehicle Driver's License" stipulates that except for renewal upon expiration, which requires recalculation, the validity period of the driver's license remains the same for other types of renewal procedures. The date remains unchanged after reissuance: According to the application and usage requirements for motor vehicle licenses, if a motor vehicle license is lost and reported, the owner should apply for a replacement at the motor vehicle management department where the original license was issued. After obtaining the new license, the original license becomes invalid and cannot be used further. The date remains unchanged after reissuance.
I recently had my driver's license reissued because I lost it and was quite anxious. When I asked at the DMV, I found out that the new license's validity period remains the same as the original one and doesn't reset. The validity period of a driver's license is determined based on the date you first obtained it. For example, I got my C1 license in 2018 with a 6-year validity period, so the reissued license will also expire in 2024. The process is very simple: bring your ID card and a few photos, fill out a form, pay a small fee of a few dozen yuan, and the staff will verify your records in the system before issuing you a new license—no need to worry about the time being recalculated. Some people think that reissuing can extend the validity period, but it doesn't. If your original license is about to expire, you'll still need to renew it normally when the time comes. I recommend going early to reissue it and avoid driving during the period it's lost to prevent fines. It's also a good idea to keep a backup photo of your license on your phone just in case.
I once lost my driver's license too and was terrified that the validity period would start over. But when I got it replaced, it still had the original expiration date. That's because the system already records the date you first obtained the license—replacement just means reprinting it; the expiration date in the records can't be changed. The process is easy: just bring your ID to the local DMV, and it takes about ten minutes with a small fee. If your original license is still valid (e.g., expiring next year), the replacement will keep the same expiration date. If it's almost expired, you'll still need to renew it when the time comes—don’t assume you’re getting a free extension. A reminder: driving without a license is serious—police checks can lead to fines and points. Better replace it early for peace of mind. I keep a copy in my car now to avoid trouble if it gets lost again—life goes on as usual.
