How do I renew my driving licence?
Is your licence valid? Do a quick check to save a fine of up to £1,000
Over 3.6 million individuals possess an expired photocard driving licence, exposing them to potential fines of up to £1,000. This guide provides essential steps to verify if your licence is still valid, details on how and where to renew it, advice on ensuring you’re legally covered for driving abroad, and information on what to do if you still hold a paper licence.
Check your driving licence NOW or risk a fine of up to £1,000
Here are three important things you should check on your driving license right away. Find yours now and make sure you complete all of them, or you could face a fine of up to £1,000.
1. Check the photocard expiry date
Photocard driving licences were introduced in 1998, replacing paper licences, and need to be renewed every decade. According to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), over 3.6 million licences are currently expired, though this number includes licences of those who may no longer be driving.
Regardless of how youthful you believe you look, driving licence photos are required to be updated every 10 years.
It’s easy to overlook, but checking now could help you avoid a potential fine of up to £1,000 for an expired photocard. While it costs £14 to renew online (or £17 by post), this is much cheaper than the fine.
Your photocard has several dates printed on it, but the one you need to check is the photo expiry date in section 4b on the front. If your photocard is missing, see the steps below to renew it.
How to renew your licence
The process is similar, whether you’re renewing a driving licence or replacing a lost or stolen one. There are three ways to apply:
- Online. You can apply online at Gov.uk, providing you’ve a valid UK passport.
- By post. Alternatively, anyone can get forms (known as ‘D1’) from most post offices, or order them from the DVLA website.
- In person at selected post offices. The Post Office charges an extra £4.50 to take your photo on top of the £17 fee, but the £21.50 total also includes posting off your application.
How much does it cost?
As mentioned earlier, the cost for renewing your driving licence online is £14, while renewing by post costs £17. You should receive a reminder and renewal form a few weeks before your licence expires. However, since many people overlook this or forget, it’s a good idea to mark your expiry date as a reminder.
While the photocard requires renewal every 10 years, most driving licences remain valid until you reach the age of 70. After that, they need to be renewed every three years. If you only need to update your address or name, or if you’re over 70 and renewing your licence, there is no fee. This also applies to those with short-term medical licences. There’s no limit on how many times you can update your name and address at no cost.
How long before expiry do I need to renew?
You’ll receive a renewal reminder roughly a month before your license is due to expire, and that’s the ideal time to start the process. The DVLA advises that if you renew online, you should receive your updated license within a week.
Renewing by post, however, could take up to three weeks, so the DVLA strongly recommends using the online option. To ensure you have your new license in hand, it’s best to renew about four weeks before your current one expires.
For medical driving licenses, a renewal reminder will be sent 90 days prior to the expiration date. The DVLA notes that renewals may take longer if your application needs to be reviewed by a doctor (except for bus or lorry licenses). To maximize your chances of receiving your new license before the old one expires, renew as soon as you get the reminder. Even if your new license hasn’t arrived, you might still be able to drive.
Keep in mind that your new license will be valid from the date your renewal is approved, rather than the expiration date of your current license.
My photocard’s already expired, will I be fined?
If you renew late, you won’t face a fine, but according to the DVLA, you should refrain from driving if your licence has expired until they have received your completed renewal application, as noted below.
Can I drive while waiting for my new licence?
The DVLA advises that if your driving licence expires during the renewal process, you can typically keep driving, provided you meet specific criteria. These include only operating vehicles that your previous licence permitted, ensuring you haven’t been advised against driving by a doctor or optician, and confirming that you aren’t under any driving disqualification.
For those awaiting a medical driving licence—meaning you’ve informed the DVLA of a medical condition—it’s essential to ensure you meet the required medical fitness standards before getting behind the wheel.
For full info, see Can I drive while my application is with the DVLA? on the Gov.uk website.
Why does the photocard expire every 10 years?
A representative from the DVLA stated:
It’s essential to update photocard licences every decade, as appearances can change over time.
This update ensures that law enforcement and other authorities have the most accurate photograph available, aiding in the proper identification of drivers and reducing the risk of licence fraud. By doing so, it helps prevent disqualified or potentially dangerous drivers from illegally operating vehicles.
The DVLA sends a reminder to each driver when their photocard licence is nearing its renewal date, along with instructions on how to renew it and the consequences of failing to do so.
Paper driving licences have been scrapped for licences issued post-1998
In June 2015, the DVLA discontinued the paper counterpart of the photocard driving licence for those with licences issued after 1998. This counterpart no longer holds any legal significance and can be discarded without concern.
Previously, the paper portion was necessary for recording penalty points. Now, all penalty point information is stored online.
If a third party needs to check your driving record—such as when renting a car or if your employer requires verification—you’ll need to obtain a check code. This code can be requested online and remains valid for 21 days.
Keep in mind, this process only applies to licences issued in England, Wales, and Scotland after 1998. If your licence was issued in Northern Ireland, you must request a code through NIdirect. For those holding a paper licence issued before 1998, it remains valid, so be sure to store it securely.
Can I keep my paper licence?
According to the DVLA, as of March 2023, there are 4.7 million active paper driving licences in the UK. For those holding one, it remains valid until you turn 70, provided you don’t change your address or personal details in the meantime. By 2033, all licences will need to be converted to the photocard format.
When you turn 70, renewing your licence will be free, and you’ll receive a photocard licence.
If you prefer to switch to a photocard licence before reaching 70, you can do so by applying to exchange your paper licence. This process costs £20 and requires additional identification – see the Gov.uk website for full info.
Beware unofficial driving licence websites
If you need to renew your driving licence, avoid simply searching online. Some websites may charge up to £89 to handle your application in addition to the regular licence fee.
According to the DVLA:
We have received feedback from customers who have used unofficial websites rather than the DVLA’s official platform to renew their driving licences. These unauthorized sites are not connected to the DVLA and might impose extra charges.
Always use the official Gov.uk link to make sure you don’t get caught out. If you’re concerned about an unofficial driving licence website, contact Citizens Advice.
How to update your address
2. Check your correct address is on it
Neglecting to update your address could result in a penalty of up to £1,000 if you’re stopped by the police, so it’s crucial to verify that your address is current.
To correct an incorrect address, you can update it online through Gov.uk or by mailing in a request (visit Gov.uk for details). You can make these updates as often as needed at no cost, which is useful if you relocate again in the future.
Additionally, you can also change your address on your vehicle log book online.
How to update your name or gender
3. Check your name or gender is correct if you’ve changed it
The third check involves verifying that your name and/or gender details on your driving licence are correct, especially if you’ve changed your name due to marriage.
A 2013 study by Direct Line revealed that 3% of married women had outdated names on their licences, which could surprisingly lead to a fine of up to £1,000. If this might apply to you, it’s worth checking your licence now.
To update your name or gender, you’ll need to request the ‘D1 application for a driving licence’ form from the Gov.uk website and mail it to the DVLA along with the required documents (forms can also be picked up at most post offices). Fortunately, like with address changes, there is no limit on the number of times you can update your name without a fee.
Will my photocard’s expiry be renewed if I update my address or name?
If you are merely updating your personal details, the renewal date for your photocard will remain unchanged. Updating personal details is free of charge. However, if you choose to submit a new photo and renew your photocard simultaneously, it will cost £14 if done online, or £17 by mail. If you’re only changing your address or name, there’s no need to provide a new photo unless your existing photocard has expired.
Driving in Europe: In most cases you DON’T need a permit
Before the UK exited the European Union (EU) on 31 January 2020, a UK driving licence was valid across all EU nations, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
The Government had previously indicated that UK drivers might require an international driving permit (IDP) to operate a vehicle in the EU after the transition period ended. However, following the establishment of a post-Brexit trade agreement, the Department for Transport has clarified that, in most cases, an IDP is NOT necessary to drive in the EU or the other aforementioned countries.
There are two exceptions where an IDP might be required:
- If your driving licence was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man, you should verify with the embassy of the country you plan to visit.
- If you possess a paper UK driving licence, you should also confirm with the embassy of your destination whether you need an IDP or if you should upgrade to a photocard licence.
If you require an International Driving Permit (IDP), the fee is £5.50, and you might need multiple permits depending on your travel destination. For complete guidance, including the application process, refer to the section on Driving Outside the EU.
If neither of these situations applies to you, you can use your UK driving licence to drive in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland without needing additional documents. However, make sure to verify the validity of your licence by checking the expiry information before you travel.
Taking your own car? You no longer need an insurance ‘green card’
Following the end of the Brexit transition period, UK drivers previously required an insurance ‘green card’—an international certificate from UK insurance companies indicating the driver had the necessary minimum level of third-party insurance—to drive their own vehicles in the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA).
However, this requirement was abolished in August 2021. As a result, you no longer need an insurance green card to drive your own car in the EU, EEA, or in Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, or Switzerland. This restores the situation to what it was prior to Brexit: if you have a UK car insurance policy, it automatically includes third-party coverage in these regions. This means your insurance will cover damage you cause to another vehicle, but not damage to your own vehicle or theft.
If you plan to drive to certain non-EU and non-EEA countries in Europe, such as Albania, Azerbaijan, Moldova, or Turkey, you will still need to request a green card from your insurer. For additional information, consult our Driving in Europe guide, which also includes other essential tips for driving across the Continent, such as ensuring you have breakdown cover and understanding local road regulations. For vehicle maintenance advice, refer to our Motoring Economics guide.
Driving outside the EU: Check if you need an extra permit
Even with Brexit, an international driving permit (IDP) isn’t generally necessary for driving in European Union countries. However, if you’re planning a road trip beyond Europe, it’s important to verify if an IDP is required.
IDPs are either mandatory or suggested in over 140 countries, including India, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. Without one in places where it’s required, you might face issues such as being denied a rental car or encountering legal trouble.
These permits are issued in booklet form and include multiple translations of your driving license. There are three types, corresponding to the 1926, 1949, and 1968 conventions, and all are priced similarly. The type you need depends on your destination.
Additionally, the DVLA recommends that drivers traveling abroad use a photocard license instead of the older paper version. While not a requirement, having a photocard license could simplify your travel experience. Check above for details on upgrading from a paper license.
Will I need a permit?
Before you head out, visit the PayPoint website to review the complete list of countries where obtaining a permit is either required or suggested. The site also provides details on which type of permit you should obtain.
To acquire an International Driving Permit (IDP), you must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid full driving license (refer to the previous section for renewal information).
How to apply
Until March 31, 2024, International Driving Permits (IDPs) could be obtained from select post offices. Starting April 1, 2024, IDPs will be available for £5.50 at participating PayPoint stores. To find your nearest PayPoint location, use their store locator.
The 1926 and 1949 IDPs are valid for one year, while the 1968 IDP lasts for three years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first. You can apply for an IDP up to three months before your travel date, so it’s best not to wait until the last moment.
Remember, an IDP does not replace your driving licence; you must carry both documents when required.
Be cautious of websites selling ‘international driving licences’—these are not legally valid, so avoid falling for them.
An AA representative shared the following:
It’s a common misconception to call international driving permits ‘international driving licences’. In reality, there’s no such thing as an international driving licence, and these terms are not legally acknowledged. Therefore, avoid purchasing one, as it holds no legal value.
Conversely, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is globally recognized. It’s issued in line with road traffic conventions, which require that only motoring organizations or authorities can provide them.
If you’re thinking of hiring abroad, check out our Cheap car hire guide for tips.
UK citizen living in the EU? Exchange your licence NOW
If you’re a UK national residing in an EU member state, the UK Government advises that you should swap your UK driving licence for the one issued by your country of residence. The timeframe for this exchange varies by country, and in some cases, you may need to retake your driving test. For detailed information on each country, visit the Gov.uk website.
Should you move back to the UK, you can convert your EU driving licence into a UK licence without the need for a new driving test, as long as your original licence was obtained by passing a test in the UK.