How to renew your driving licence

In order to legally drive in the UK, drivers need a valid driving licence. However, just like insurance and car tax, your licence has an expiry date and it must be renewed. 

Failure to renew your driving licence on time will risk a fine of up to £1,000, so it's vital that you check yours regularly. 

This guide looks at the process of renewing a driving licence, how much it will cost, and how long your new driving licence is valid for.

How to renew your driving licence

The process to renew your driving licence is a simple one that should be done when it has expired or has been lost or stolen.

There are three ways to new your driving licence. This is for both full and provisional licences.

• Online: if you have a UK passport you can renew your licence at gov.uk/renew-driving-licence
• By post: you will need a 'D1' form to renew by post, you can get one of these from your local Post Office or download it from gov.uk/dvlaforms
• At the Post Office: some branches will let you apply in person, it costs £21.50 and you will need to bring your existing photocard licence with you

How to check your driving licence expiry date

Photocard driving licences were introduced in 1998 and must be replaced every 10 years. The expiry date of the driving licence photocard if found in section 4b on the front of the card (which is the side that has the photo of the driver). 

If your driving licence has expired or the details on it are incorrect then you risk a fine of up to £1,000. So, it's important to check your licence and renew it if you change your name or move to a new address. 

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How much does it cost to renew your driving licence?

The cost to renew your driving licence is £14 and will need to be paid using a MasterCard, Visa, Electron, or Delta credit or debit card.

If you are over the age of 70, then it is free to renew your driving licence.

For drivers renewing at a Post Office in person, the cost is £21.50. Applying by post will cost £17, and the D1 packs will be available from the DVLA website.

How long until my driving licence expires?

All photocard driving licences are valid for 10 years. You should receive a reminder from the DVLA when the driving licence expiry date is approaching.

It is the licence holder's responsibility to ensure the photocard is renewed on time. If you do not receive a reminder letter from the DVLA then this will not be deemed a valid excuse for driving with an expired photocard driving licence. The name and address must be correct, too. 

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How long does it take to renew a driving licence?

If you renew your photocard driving licence online then you should receive your new licence within seven days. 

Renewing your driving licence by post or at the Post Office can take up to three weeks (or longer if you have a medical condition or personal details that need to be checked).

Can I drive while waiting for my new driving licence?

According to the DVLA, you can legally drive your vehicle while you are waiting to receive your new, physical driving licence photocard – as long as you’ve received a notification that it has been approved.

This will be via an email to the address associated with your account.

My driving licence is expired - will I be fined if I drive without one?

For drivers in the UK who do not have a valid, and in-date driving licence – getting behind the wheel can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and 3-6 penalty points.

In more extreme cases, the vehicle could be seized, and the offender may be given a driving ban.

Community service and even imprisonment up to six months can be issued to drivers without a valid licence.

The severity of the punishment will depend on a variety of factors, including if they are a repeat offender, if they plead guilty or not, or the result of your driving when they have an out-of-date licence.

Do I need a paper driving licence?

Paper driving licences are still valid. If you have a paper licence then it'll likely be fine until you reach the age of 70, when you'll need to renew it. 

Renewing a paper licence will result in it being replaced with a photocard. The DVLA will use the photo from your passport. If they can't do this, you will need to send a photo by post. 

The paper counterpart of the photocard driving licence was axed on 8th June 2015.

Can I still drive if my licence has expired?

You cannot legally drive in the UK with an expired photocard licence, and doing so can result in a fine of up to £1,000 as well as penalty points.

In some cases, you may continue driving only if you have applied to renew your licence and meet the conditions of Section 88, or if you are over 70 and awaiting renewal.

This means you must be medically fit to drive, not disqualified or refused a licence for medical or legal reasons, only drive the same vehicles as before under any existing licence conditions, and have submitted a correct DVLA application within the last 12 months.

How long does a driving licence stay valid for?

In the UK, the photocard driving licence is valid for 10 years before the photo must be renewed.

You can find the specific expiry date for the driving licence in section 4b on the front of the card.

It is important to remember that after 70, licences must be renewed every three years.

All drivers must update driving licences immediately if you have changed your name or address, even if the 10-year period has not ended.

Where is my driving licence expiry date?

You can find your driving licence expiry date on the front of the photocard in section 4b. Section 4a states the date the licence was issued, and 4c is the issuing authority – the DVLA.

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What should I do if my licence has expired?

If you driving licence has expired then you shouldn’t be driving, as it is illegal to get behind the wheel without a valid licence.

You will need to renew it through the DVLA online service, DVLA postal service, or at certain Post Office locations. This should be done immediately.

Can I drive my car while I wait for a new licence to arrive?

Yes, you can drive while you are waiting for your new driving licence – however – this is provided that you meet the specific requirements set out in Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

How to return your old driving licence

To return your old, expired driving licence, you will need to cut it in half and then post it to the DVLA.

The address is DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1ZW.