How to renew an expired driving licence in the UK
Renewing a driving licence that has expired is generally a quick and hassle-free process. You can renew your licence online, by post, or at your local post office.
It’s against the law to drive without a valid licence in the UK. If caught, you could receive a £1,000 fine, risk invalidating your car insurance policy, or face jail time for side-stepping this legality.
While the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) sends out reminders before your licence expires, it’s your responsibility to ensure your current driving licence is always up to date.
Luckily, this guide explains it all.
What do you need for a driving licence renewal in the UK?
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need for a DVLA photocard renewal in the UK:
UK residents
- Proof of UK residency
- Current driving licence
- National Insurance Number
- Proof of all UK addresses for the last three years
- UK passport – or the document you used to set up your online immigration status
Non-UK residents
If you are not a UK citizen you can prove your identity from your online immigration status document. This could be any of the following:
- Non-UK passport
- Biometric residency permit
- Biometric residency card
- National identity card
Other information needed:
- Valid licence
- Proof to live and work in the United Kingdom (such as a valid visa)
- Proof of all UK addresses for the last three years
Now that you know which documents are needed, let’s move on to how you can renew your driving licence in the United Kingdom.
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There are three ways to get a DVLA photocard licence renewal in the UK:
- Online via the government website
- By post
- At your local post office
1. Online
- The quickest and cheapest option.
- Cost = £14
- Timeframe = about a week.
Documents needed
- UK passport, or the document you used to set up your online immigration status (e.g. immigration visa, settlement scheme).
- National Insurance Number.
- UK address for the past three years.
When can’t you apply online?
- If your name or title has changed.
- If you don’t have the relevant paperwork.
2. Post
- This is the best option if your name/title has changed.
- Cost = £17
- Timeframe = up to three weeks.
Documents needed
- Copy of UK passport/visa or new identity documents.
- Passport-sized photo.
- Payment application – only cheques or postal orders are accepted.
- A completed D1 pack (English) or D1W pack (Welsh) forms for car, moped, or motorcycle renewals. These are available from your post office that deals with photocard driving licences. You will find the postal address on the D1/D1W form.
3. Post office
- This is the best option if your personal details have NOT changed.
- Cost = £21.50 (£17 DVLA fee and £4.50 photograph fee)
- Timeframe = up to three weeks.
Documents needed
- Your D798 renewal reminder letter issued by the DVLA – sent before your licence expiry date.
- Your current licence if you have not received a reminder letter.
When can’t you apply at the post office?
- If your name or title has changed – this needs to be done via post.
How to renew driving licences after 70 in the UK?
The process of renewing your licence as a 70-year-old is no different to the process mentioned above. Only this time, it won’t cost you a penny!
You must get a new licence every three years if you are 70 or will be 70 within the next 90 days. This ensures you pass the eye test and are deemed fit to ride on the road as the years go on.
You can continue driving while your application is being processed, as long as you meet the following criteria:
- You have the support of your doctor to continue driving.
- You had a valid driving licence.
- You drive only under the conditions of your previous licence.
- Your application is less than a year old.
- Your last licence wasn’t refused/revoked for medical reasons.
- You are currently and have not been disqualified as a high-risk offender since June 2013.
In short, you must prove:
- You meet the minimum eyesight requirements.
- You are not currently banned from driving.
- You are fit and able to drive (car insurance providers may request a driving test).
How much does a new licence cost in the UK?
Here’s a quick guide for various driving licence renewal costs in the UK:
- Renewals for 70+ year olds = free
- Renewals due to medical reasons = free
- Online renewals = £14
- Postal service renewals = £17
- Post office renewals = £21.50
- Photo updates on your licence = £20
- Replace lost driving licence = £20
- Renewal after revocation (under the New Drivers Act) = £50
- Renewals after disqualification = £65
- Renewal after drink driving offences disqualification = £90
Final thoughts
So, there you have it; a quick comprehensive breakdown for renewing your licence in the UK.
There are several ways to renew your driving licence: online, by post, or with your local post office.
Remember, your licence expires every 10 years (every three years if you’re aged 70+) and must be renewed on/by the expiry date. This allows you to ride on the road without any legal repercussions and applies to all UK motorists – from parents and students to private hire taxi drivers, Deliveroo couriers, and beyond.
Drive safe and renew your driving licence today!
Frequently Asked Questions
The “4b” section on the front of your driving licence card shows your licence expiry date. Generally, the DVLA will send you a reminder letter 90 days before your current licence expires.
If your driving licence expired more than two years ago you must redo your driving test to get a new licence. Check the government website for more details if this was due to medical reasons.
No, driving points are not cancelled when you’re issued a new licence in the UK, they are simply transferred to the new one. Driving infringements stay on your licence for between four and 11 years, depending on the motoring offence.
Driving with an expired licence is against the law. You can get into serious trouble if you injure or kill someone while behind the wheel. If you are caught driving without a valid driver’s licence, you could be fined up to £1,000, have your car insurance revoked/denied, or be imprisoned.