Drivers are being reminded by the DVLA that it may be time to renew their driving licences. The agency warned in a post on social media platform X: “Due to renew your driving licence? Do it online. It’s easy, quick and secure to renew on gov.uk.”
Under current rules, photocard driving licences must be renewed every 10 years. Therefore, anyone who passed their test and obtained a full licence in 2015 or earlier may want to check if their licence is due for renewal.
The DVLA sends out reminder letters prior to your licence expiring. You can apply to renew your licence on gov.uk for residents of England, Scotland, and Wales, at a cost of £14.
You can make the payment using MasterCard, Visa, Electron, or Delta debit/credit cards. Those living in Northern Ireland have a different system, as they have to renew their licences through the NI direct website.
The new licence will be valid rom the date your application is approved, rather than the expiry date of your current licence. Online applicants typically receive their new licences within a week.
You have to send your old photocard licence to the DVLA. You will be told which address to send it to when you complete your application.
Another option is to apply at the Post Office, which costs £21.50. You will need to take your reminder letter and current licence. If you don’t have a reminder letter, you’ll need to bring your photocard licence to apply at the Post Office.
Alternatively, you can apply by post. For this, you’ll need a ‘D1 pack’ of forms which you can get from a Post Office that handles DVLA photocard renewals or vehicle tax.
When filling out the forms, you must include a recent printed passport-style photo, your current photocard licence if you have one, and a cheque or postal order for £17, made payable to the DVLA.
You will need to send your completed application to:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1DH.
If you apply at the Post Office or by post, you should receive your driving licence within 3 weeks. However, this may take longer if your medical or personal details need to be verified.
You can continue driving while you wait for your new licence to arrive.
