Is Your Driving Licence Valid?

Many drivers in the UK assume their driving licence is always valid, but that’s not always the case. Thousands of motorists unknowingly drive with expired, revoked, or invalid licences—risking fines, penalty points, and even a criminal record. Whether you’ve been driving for decades or you’re newly licensed, it’s vital to regularly check your driving licence status.

This guide explains how to find out if your licence is still valid, the most common reasons a licence becomes invalid, and what to do if there’s an issue.

Why You Should Check If Your Licence Is Still Valid

Failing to hold a valid licence doesn’t just mean you’re breaking the law—it also has serious implications for insurance. If you’re involved in an accident while driving without a valid licence, your insurer may refuse to pay out, leaving you liable for thousands of pounds in damage.

Even if you passed your test years ago, your licence could become invalid for a number of reasons. For example:

• Your photocard licence has expired

• Your personal details have changed and weren’t updated

• You’ve developed a medical condition that must be reported to the DVLA

• You’ve received a driving ban or court endorsement

Many of these issues can be avoided with a simple check.

How to Check the Validity of Your Driving Licence

You can quickly check the current status of your UK driving licence online using the official government tool.

Visit the official View or Share Your Driving Licence Information page on GOV.UK. You’ll need:

• Your driving licence number

• Your National Insurance number

• The postcode on your licence

Once logged in, you can see:

• When your licence expires

• The types of vehicles you’re licensed to drive

• Any penalty points or disqualifications

• Whether your licence is active or revoked

The service is free, secure, and available 24/7.

When Does a UK Driving Licence Expire?

If you hold a UK photocard driving licence, it expires every 10 years—even though your entitlement to drive may last longer. The expiry date is printed in section 4b on the front of the card.

For drivers over the age of 70, you must renew your licence every 3 years.

It’s your legal responsibility to keep your licence up to date. Driving with an expired licence is a criminal offence, even if you weren’t aware it had expired.

How to Renew an Expired Driving Licence

Renewing your licence is usually quick and easy. You can do it online at Renew Your Driving Licence if you’re under 70 and your current licence has not been expired for more than two years.

To renew online, you’ll need:

• A valid UK passport

• Your current driving licence

• Your National Insurance number

• Addresses where you’ve lived for the last three years

Renewals cost £14 if done online and £17 by post. The updated licence typically arrives within a week.

Common Reasons a Driving Licence May Become Invalid

There are several reasons why a UK driving licence may no longer be valid, even if you think it is. Some of the most common include:

1. Out-of-Date Photocard

The DVLA requires you to update your photocard every 10 years to keep your appearance and personal details current. If your photocard is expired, your licence is not legally valid.

2. Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions must be reported to the DVLA, including epilepsy, diabetes (treated with insulin), vision problems, or heart issues. If you fail to notify the DVLA about a condition that affects your driving, your licence could be revoked.

Check which conditions must be reported at Driving and Medical Conditions.

3. Incorrect Personal Information

If your name or address has changed and you haven’t updated your licence, this can invalidate it. Updating these details is free and can be done online at Change the Address on Your Driving Licence.

4. Penalty Points or Bans

If you accumulate 12 or more points on your licence (or just 6 within the first two years of passing your test), you may face disqualification. Your licence can also be revoked immediately for serious offences like drink driving or dangerous driving.

Always check for endorsements using the official GOV.UK portal.

Can You Drive While Waiting for a Licence Renewal?

If your licence has expired but you’ve submitted a valid renewal application, the DVLA usually allows you to drive under Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act 1988—but only if you meet certain conditions.

You can only continue driving while waiting if:

• Your doctor has not advised against driving

• You’re not currently disqualified

• Your application was submitted correctly

• Your last licence was not revoked or refused for medical reasons

You can learn more at Driving While Your Application Is With DVLA.

What If Your Licence Was Revoked?

If your licence has been revoked, either for medical or legal reasons, you must stop driving immediately. You’ll need to resolve the issue and reapply for your licence.

Steps may include:

• Addressing any medical concerns with supporting evidence

• Retaking a driving test (in some cases)

• Waiting out a disqualification period

You can reapply at Apply for a Driving Licence After Disqualification.

Driving without a valid licence during this period is illegal and may result in prosecution.

Do You Need a Valid Licence to Drive Abroad?

Yes. Most countries require visitors to carry a valid domestic driving licence. Some also require an International Driving Permit (IDP), which must be used alongside your UK licence.

If your UK licence is invalid or expired, you cannot legally rent or drive a vehicle abroad.

Check travel requirements before driving overseas by visiting Driving Abroad.

What to Do If You Lose Your Licence

If your driving licence is lost, stolen, or damaged, it’s important to report it and apply for a replacement as soon as possible.

You can request a replacement online at Replace a Driving Licence. You’ll need your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and address history.

It’s illegal to drive without a valid licence in your possession, even if your entitlement is active.

How to Stay on Top of Licence Validity

Many drivers forget to check their licence until they’re pulled over or need to rent a car. Here are a few tips to ensure your licence stays valid:

• Set a calendar reminder for your licence expiry date (10 years after issue)

• Inform the DVLA immediately of address or name changes

• Report medical conditions as soon as they are diagnosed

• Use the GOV.UK portal annually to check for points or disqualifications

Being proactive can prevent legal trouble and protect your insurance coverage.

Conclusion

Driving with an invalid licence is not only illegal—it can also invalidate your insurance and lead to serious consequences. Fortunately, checking your driving licence status is free, quick, and easy using GOV.UK’s online tools.

Whether you need to renew a photocard, update your personal details, or report a medical issue, staying informed and up to date is essential. Take a few minutes today to confirm your driving licence is still valid—you may avoid costly problems later.