Advice
Renewing your driving licence (2025 update)
Find out when your driving licence is due to be renewed and how to apply with the DVLA.
Words by: Nimisha Jain
Additional words by: Andrew Woodhouse
Last updated on 17 December 2024 | 0 min read
Did you know that your driving licence can expire even after you’ve passed your test? Keeping your licence up-to-date isn’t just practical—it’s a legal requirement. Driving with an expired licence could land you a fine of up to £1,000, so it’s essential to stay on top of renewals.
The good news? Renewing your driving licence is straightforward and doesn’t happen too often. Here’s everything you need to know.
The good news? Renewing your driving licence is straightforward and doesn’t happen too often. Here’s everything you need to know.
Renewing your driving licence
If you’re 69 or below in age, you’ll need to renew your driving licence every 10 years for a £14 renewal fee. If you’re over the age of 70, you’ll need to renew your driving licence every three years, though it’s free to do so.
The DVLA typically sends a reminder before your licence expires, giving you enough time to apply and avoid interruptions to your ability to drive. Renewing your licence helps ensure: • Your licence is updated with the latest security features, helping to protect against fraud. • Compliance with legal requirements, so you can avoid fines. • You’re covered when buying car insurance or hiring a vehicle. You can renew your licence in three ways: 1. Online , on gov.uk, which is the easiest and quickest method. 2. By post, using a D1 form. 3. In person at a participating Post Office. Let’s break down each option.
The DVLA typically sends a reminder before your licence expires, giving you enough time to apply and avoid interruptions to your ability to drive. Renewing your licence helps ensure: • Your licence is updated with the latest security features, helping to protect against fraud. • Compliance with legal requirements, so you can avoid fines. • You’re covered when buying car insurance or hiring a vehicle. You can renew your licence in three ways: 1. Online , on gov.uk, which is the easiest and quickest method. 2. By post, using a D1 form. 3. In person at a participating Post Office. Let’s break down each option.
Renewing your driving licence online
You can renew your licence online, on gov.uk.
Renewing online is fast and costs just £14. Here’s how to do it: 1. Authentication • Provide your full name, date of birth, and addresses from the past three years. • Include details from your current driving licence, such as your driver number. • Verify your identity with details like your birth surname, your mother’s maiden name and your UK passport number (optional, but it allows your passport photo and signature to be reused). • If you prefer not to use your passport photo, you’ll need to renew by post or at a Post Office. 2. Application • Complete the online application form. • Enter details like your photocard driving licence number. If you’ve lost your licence, indicate this on the form. • Disclose if you’re disqualified from driving. • Decide if you’d like to join the organ donor register. • Review and submit your application. 3. Payment • Pay the £14 fee using a debit or credit card. • Note your application reference number for future use.
Renewing online is fast and costs just £14. Here’s how to do it: 1. Authentication • Provide your full name, date of birth, and addresses from the past three years. • Include details from your current driving licence, such as your driver number. • Verify your identity with details like your birth surname, your mother’s maiden name and your UK passport number (optional, but it allows your passport photo and signature to be reused). • If you prefer not to use your passport photo, you’ll need to renew by post or at a Post Office. 2. Application • Complete the online application form. • Enter details like your photocard driving licence number. If you’ve lost your licence, indicate this on the form. • Disclose if you’re disqualified from driving. • Decide if you’d like to join the organ donor register. • Review and submit your application. 3. Payment • Pay the £14 fee using a debit or credit card. • Note your application reference number for future use.
Renewing your driving licence through post
Prefer to renew by post? Here’s what you need:
• Request a D1 pack from the Post Office or order one online. • Fill out the form with your details and select the option to renew your licence. • Attach a passport-size photo and your current driving licence (if available). • Pay the £17 renewal fee via cheque or postal order, made payable to DVLA. Send your completed application to: DVLA Swansea SA99 1DH
• Request a D1 pack from the Post Office or order one online. • Fill out the form with your details and select the option to renew your licence. • Attach a passport-size photo and your current driving licence (if available). • Pay the £17 renewal fee via cheque or postal order, made payable to DVLA. Send your completed application to: DVLA Swansea SA99 1DH
Renewing your driving licence in-person
If you’d rather renew your licence in person, visit a Post Office that offers this service. Make sure you bring:
• Your DVLA reminder letter or current driving licence. • Payment of £21.50 (debit or credit card). The Post Office will handle the rest. In case you can’t find your reminder letter, you can use your current licence to renew your driving licence.
• Your DVLA reminder letter or current driving licence. • Payment of £21.50 (debit or credit card). The Post Office will handle the rest. In case you can’t find your reminder letter, you can use your current licence to renew your driving licence.
FAQs
Do I need a new photo to renew my driving licence?
You don’t need a new photo if you apply online to renew your licence. The DVLA will just use your previous licence photo for the new one.
You can change your photo if you want to, however. You’ll have to send a passport-size photo to the DVLA, along with a filled-out D1 application. You will also have to pay £17 when applying by post.
You can change your photo if you want to, however. You’ll have to send a passport-size photo to the DVLA, along with a filled-out D1 application. You will also have to pay £17 when applying by post.
How long does it take to get my driving licence back from the DVLA?
If you apply for a driving licence renewal online, you usually get your licence within a week. If you renew your driving licence through post or at a Post Office, it can take up to three weeks to get your licence back.
Can I renew my driving licence without a British passport?
You need to show an ID when applying for a new or renewed driving licence. In case you’re unable to provide your British passport, you can use a share code service to prove your identity.
If you’re unable to access a share code, you can also use your current international passport, a residence permit card, or a birth or naturalisation certificate. You could also show the state pension you receive as evidence.
If you’re unable to access a share code, you can also use your current international passport, a residence permit card, or a birth or naturalisation certificate. You could also show the state pension you receive as evidence.
Can I drive while my application is with the DVLA?
Yes, if your GB licence was issued after 1976, you’re medically fit, you’ve not been disqualified from driving and the entitlement on your licence hasn’t expired, you can keep driving while your application is with the DVLA.
How much does it cost to replace a lost driving licence?
The cost for replacing a lost, damaged or stolen licence is £20.
