(Featured photo: Mothership)

Having a driving licence comes with responsibilities that you’ll need to remember, including renewing it in time. Luckily, the renewal process is straightforward. In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about renewing your driving licence in Singapore. We’ll also guide you through replacing a lost or damaged driving licence.

But first, do you need to renew your driving licence?

If you didn’t know this already, not every driver is required to renew their driving licence. This means that if you’re a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident (PR), you won’t need to renew your driving licence until you’re 65.

So, how do you do it if you’re 65 or older? Let’s have a look at the process.

Driving licence renewal for senior citizens aged 65 and above

If you wish to continue driving after your 65th birthday, you must renew your driving licence every 3 years. This is to ensure that you’re medically fit to continue driving.

We advise you to start the process early, before your birthday, to have enough time to arrange your medical test. Here’s what you need to do before renewing your driving licence.

Undergo a medical examination

About 8 weeks before your 65th birthday, you’ll receive a medical form in the mail (you can also download here). Once you’ve received the form, make an appointment with a Singapore-registered medical practitioner either at a government polyclinic or a private clinic for a medical examination.

Once your medical examination report is out, submit it to the Traffic Police for licence validation 4 weeks before your birthday.  Note that you must do your medical examination within 2 months before your birthday and that it will cost $50 to submit your application for licence renewal.

Note: This guide to renewing your driving licence for senior citizens applies to Class 3, 3A, 3C, and 3C(A) holders. Find your class in our guide to different driving licence classes in Singapore.

Driving licence renewal for foreigners

If you’re not a Singapore citizen or PR and want to continue driving in Singapore, you must renew your driving licence every 5 years. To renew your driving licence, visit this official e-services website and follow the instructions. Note that the steps to apply vary slightly between those who have a Singpass account and those who don’t.

Important: If your driving licence expired 3 years ago or longer, you will not be able to renew it. In such cases, you must apply for a new driving licence from scratch.

How to replace your driving licence if it’s lost or damaged

If your Singapore driving licence is lost, damaged, or defaced, you must apply for a replacement licence as soon as possible. Don’t ever drive without a valid licence in Singapore. First-time offenders will receive a $10,000 fine and up to 3 years imprisonment. Second-time offenders will be slapped with a $20,000 fine and a 6-year imprisonment.

To replace your driving licence, apply online for a replacement driving licence. There’s no penalty for losing your original licence, but you’ll still need to pay $25 for the application. Payment can be made via eNETS or credit card while applying on the website.

If you discover your lost licence someday, please return it to the drop-box at the Traffic Police Headquarters or send it to their address via registered mail. Those with a damaged licence who have received a replacement must return the original.

Can you renew or replace your driving licence if it was revoked?

Unfortunately, you’re not allowed to renew or replace your Singapore driving licence if it was revoked. There’s a waiting period where you won’t be allowed to drive, after which you’ll need to get a driving licence from scratch. The process includes taking all the necessary tests, such as the Basic Theory Test, the Final Theory Test, and the Practical Driving Test all over again. 

Stay safe on the road,

Amanda 💙