As a driver, it’s a must to know about driving licence renewal. You’ll need to renew your licence at least once a decade. But how do you know when it’s expired? And how can you apply for a replacement?
If you’re new on the road or want to know more, our guide to renewing your driving licence has got you covered:
- When does my licence expire?
- When to renew your driving licence
- Ways to apply for your driving licence renewal
- Cost of licence renewal
- Driving licence renewal for over 70s
- Renewing a provisional driving licence
- How long does driving licence renewal take?
- Where to return your old driving licence?
- Can I still drive when renewing my driving licence?
When does my licence expire?
Did you know your photocard licence must be renewed every 10 years? Luckily there’s a handy date printed on your licence to check this instantly. According to the DVLA, 2.3 million licences will expire in 2025.
It's important to check your licence is still in date. The penalties for driving with an expired licence can go up to £1,000, and your insurance is unlikely to cover you for driving without a licence. Dobn't wait to find out how to renew your UK driving licence.
Wondering exactly where is the expiry date on a driving licence? Your photo card’s expiry date is marked next to your photo with the 4b heading.
When to renew your driving licence
Your licence is valid for ten years from the date you initially took it out. Making a note of this driving licence expiry date ahead of time will let you avoid being stung by an expired driving licence fine when the time comes to renew.
In the UK, you will also receive a DVLA licence renewal reminder. Make sure the DVLA have the right contact details for you, so they can let you know when it's time to renew.
Even if your licence hasn’t expired, if you’re stopped by the police and the address on your licence isn’t right, you could be fined up to £1,000. If you move home, don’t forget to update your address on your licence.
Way to apply for your driving licence renewal
Whether you’ve lost your ID card or it’s recently expired, the process to renew or replace your driving licence is similar.
These are the three main ways to apply for driving licence renewal:
- Online
Anyone with a valid UK passport can renew their driving licence online via the Gov.uk website. - By post
To send your renewal by post, you need a D1 form. You can get this from the Post Office or DVLA website. - At a Post Office
To send off this form via the Post Office you'll pay an extra £4.50. This covers a new photo and sending in the application.
Cost of driving licence renewal
Thankfully, driving licence renewal fees are one of the smaller costs you face as a motorist. If you renew online, the DVLA charges £14 and this increases to £17 when you renew by post.
Driving licence renewal for over 70s
If you’re over 70, renewing your driving licence is a bit different. You’ll have to renew every 3 years, instead of every 10.
In terms of how to renew your driving licence at 70, the DVLA’s online process is free for this age group.
There’s no special DVLA eye test for over 70s, but you’ll need to declare your eyesight still meets the DVLA eyesight standards for driving:
- You can read to a standard number plate from 20 metres away (with or without glasses).
- You have an adequate field of vision and your acuity is at least 0.5 on the Snellen scale. This is tested by reading rows of letters in ascending size.
Having an eye test every two years (or sooner if your optician recommends it) will help make sure you’re still meeting these standards.
Renewing a provisional driving licence
If you haven't taken your driving test yet, you may be wondering do provisional licences expire? This type of licence is valid until you turn 70, but it will need to be renewed every ten years from the date of issue - just like a regular licence.
In case of loss or expiry, the cost of renewing a provisional driving licence is £20.
How long does driving licence renewal take?
If you apply online, the DVLA suggests it will take around a week to renew. But, this extends to 3 weeks via post or Post Office. It may take even longer when checking medical or personal details.
Where to return your old driving licence?
Once you’ve got your new licence, you’ll need to send your expired ID back to the DVLA. If you’re not sure where to return your old driving licence, the letter that comes with your new licence should tell you. If not, a quick web search should bring it up.
Can I still drive when renewing my driving licence?
Waiting for your replacement licence? The UK law states you may still drive providing you’ve:
- Sent your DVLA licence application in the last twelve months.
- Been certified fit to drive by a medical professional.
- Still meet any conditions your licence includes.
- Haven’t been disqualified to drive in court.
