After checking your home and car for any sign of it, it is important to get a replacement driving licence as soon as possible.
Although there is no legal requirement to carry a driving licence with you at all times, if the police ask to see it, you are obligated to provide it to them within a week.
Drivers are also responsible for replacing a licence if it has been stolen, damaged or destroyed.
Lost your driving licence – contact the DVLA
In order to replace your lost driving licence, you’ll need to enter your details into the DVLA website.
This will cost you £20.
To get your replacement approved, you will ned to prove you are a resident of Great Britian and that you’re not disqualified from driving.
You’ll also need your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and Passport number.
During the process, you will also have the option to get a new photo (if the pervious licence was due to expire within two years).
If you urgently need to contact the DVLA, call 0300 790 6801. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm. They are also available on Saturdays from 8am to 2pm. Call charges may apply.
How to get a replacement driving licence
To get a replacement driving licence as soon as possible, you’ll need to go through the DVLA’s authentication process and pay the fee.
Once you have carried this out and successfully received a notification that all has been processed, you can start driving again.
How much does it cost to get a new driving licence?
You must always replace your driving licence if it is lost, stolen, damaged, destroyed or it is out of date.
During the authentication on the DVLA website, you will need to make of payment of £20.
To get a new licence, this payment must be made through MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card.
What is the process and cost for replacing a provisional licence?
Replacing a lost, damaged or stolen provisional driving licence will cost £20.
You can replace your provisional driving licence by making an online application via the DVLA website. Payment can be made by MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card.
How to report a lost or stolen driving licence
If you believe that your licence has been stolen, contact the police immediately, and provide them all the necessary details.
It will be useful to have your driving licence and passport details available when you make the call.
Following this, you will need to go through the application process.
When will I get my new driving licence?
Once you have received an email that your new application has been received, you will be able to track the progress of your new driving licence.
Visit the DVLA website and use the 14-digot in your confirmation email – this will allow you to view the current status of your application.
The DVLA state that you’ll normally get your driving licence within a week of completing the form and making the payment.
Do you need a paper driving licence?
No, as the paper counterpart to the UK photocard driving licence was abolished on June 8th 2015.
According to the DVLA: “You should destroy yours if you have one, but keep your photocard driving licence.”
However, if your paper licence was issued before March 31st 200, they are still valid – do not destroy them.
When you next update your name, address or renew your licence, you will only receive your photocard driving licence.
What to do if you find your lost or old driving licence
If you find your old driving licence after applying or receiving a replacement, then you will need to return it to the DVLA.
Write a note that explains why you are returning the old driving licence and send it to:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1AB
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