“Huh? When was the last time I renewed my license…?” You suddenly realize your license has expired! Have you ever experienced something like that? Even if you accidentally forget to renew your license, it’s okay as long as you stay calm and don’t panic. This article will explain in detail what to do if you forget to renew your license, the procedure, and the necessary documents.
License renewal period
Renewal Period
The license renewal period is one month before or after your birthday. Renewal procedures can be completed one month before your birthday.
example
If your birthday is September 27th, the period is from August 27th to October 27th.
Differences in validity periods depending on the color of your driver’s license
The validity period varies depending on the color of your driver’s license.
- Green license: 3 years (until one month after your third birthday from the date of license acquisition)
- Blue license: 3 years
- Gold license: 5 years
When will the renewal postcard arrive?
The renewal postcard will arrive approximately 35 to 40 days before your birthday.
Reference: Metropolitan Police Department Renewal Procedures
What happens if I forget to renew my license?
If you forget to renew your license and it expires, your driver’s license will expire. Once it expires, you will no longer be able to drive and it will be a violation. However, if it has expired within six months, you can re-obtain your license with a relatively simple procedure.
What to do if you forget to renew your license
If you forget to renew your license, the procedure will depend on how long it has been since it expired.
Procedures to be taken within 6 months of expiration
If your license has expired within the last six months, you can complete the procedure at a driver’s license testing center or police station. Just like when renewing your license, you will undergo a vision test, have your photo taken, take a course, and then have your license reissued. In this case, you will be exempt from the written and practical tests, so the procedure can be completed relatively smoothly.
Required documents
- Expired driver’s license
- Identification documents (health insurance card, passport, etc.)
- 1 photo for application
- commission
Certificates required for driver’s license renewal procedures
If there is an “unavoidable reason,” you will need to provide documents to prove that reason. For example, if you have been hospitalized, you will need a medical certificate, and if you have traveled abroad, you will need a passport.
Renewal Fees and Other Costs
License renewal fees vary by prefecture. In addition, if there are “unavoidable reasons,” you will also need to pay the fee to obtain a certificate.
Expiration date: 6 months to 1 year
You may be able to re-obtain your license only if there is an “unavoidable reason.” An “unavoidable reason” is a legitimate reason that prevented you from completing the renewal procedure, such as illness, injury, or traveling abroad. In this case, you will need documentation to prove the reason.
Expiration date is more than one year
In this case, unfortunately, your license will expire. To get your license back, you will need to pass both the written and practical tests.
Re-acquisition procedures and required documents
To get your license back, you will need to pass both the written and practical tests. Check with the driver’s license testing center or police station to find out what documents you need.
Provisional license and test process
To regain your license, you must first obtain a provisional license and then take the full license test. To obtain a provisional license, you must pass the written test.
Penalties for forgetting to renew your license
If you forget to renew your license, driving during the expiration period will be considered “driving without a license” as a penalty, and you may be subject to penalty points and fines. It may also take some time to get your license back.
Measures to remember to renew your license
To avoid forgetting to renew your license, here are some effective measures:
- Make it a habit to check the expiration date of your driver’s license
- Use your smartphone’s reminder function
- Pay attention to notices from police stations and driver’s license centers
License renewal notice postcard and points to note
If you receive a license renewal notice postcard, be sure to complete the renewal procedure as soon as possible. The notice postcard contains the information necessary for the renewal procedure.
Didn’t receive your license renewal notice postcard?
If you haven’t received a renewal postcard even though your address hasn’t changed, you can contact the Public Safety Commission or Driver’s License Center in your area . Also, there are cases where people forget to change their address, so be sure to notify them as soon as possible if your address changes!
The following are possible reasons why you may not have received your license renewal notification postcard (driver’s license renewal notice).
- You haven’t completed the address change procedure
- No change of address notification has been submitted
- The postcard has not been forwarded
- The postcard was lost
If you lose your license renewal notice postcard
Even if you lose your license renewal notice postcard, don’t worry, you can still complete the license renewal procedure.
The role of license renewal notice postcards
The license renewal notice postcard contains information such as the renewal period, required documents, fees, etc., and is intended to help the procedure go smoothly. However, even if you lose it, it will not affect the procedure itself.
Procedure
- Go to the license center or police station: Go to the license center or police station where you will renew your license and tell the receptionist that you have lost your license renewal notice postcard.
- Identification: You will be asked to present your driver’s license or other identification to verify your identity.
- Confirm required documents: The staff member will confirm the required documents and fees based on the information on your license.
- Procedures: Regular procedures such as eye exams, photographs, and training sessions are carried out.
summary
Even if you accidentally forget to renew your license, it’s okay as long as you stay calm. If it’s been less than six months since your license expired, you can re-obtain it with a relatively simple procedure. However, if a long period of time has passed since your license expired, the procedure becomes more complicated, so it’s important to act quickly. Please refer to this article and proceed with the appropriate procedures.
License renewal information site
- National Police Agency: Renewal Procedures
https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/menkyo/koshin/web.html
We hope this blog post helps clear up any questions you may have about license renewal or forgetting to renew.
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