Renew Your Driving Licence
The Full Guide on How To Renew Your Driving Licence
Do I need to renew my driving licence?
If you hold a licence on a car, motorbike, tractor or even lorry you will need to renew your driving licence at some point.
It’s actually a legal requirement.
In fact, if you don’t renew your driving licence you’re technically breaking the law and can be fined up to £1,000.
No thanks!
In this article, we’ll cover how to renew your driving licence and how much it costs.
First, let’s start with how to tell if you driving licence is due for renewal.
Let’s jump right in.
Is my driving licence due for renewal?
You may have arrived here because you have received your renewal notice.
If you have a provisional driving licence you will also need to renew it.
Okay great, so let’s see if you need to renew your driving licence.
To do this you will need to pull-out your photo card licence (your driving licence).
You can see two dates on the card
- 4a will tell you the date your licence was issued to you
- 4b will tell you the date the licence needs to be updated by
The typical rule is that you will need to renew your driving licence with the DVLA (Driver Vehicle Licencing Agency) every 10 years.
There are exceptions to this.
For instance, if you are elderly or have medical conditions the DVLA might impose additional conditions on you.
This may mean that you need to update your driving licence more regularly than 10 years.
As we know, we need to update our photocard licence every 10 years as our appearance changes.
How do I renew my driving licence?
When it comes to updating your photocard licence there are a couple of options.
If your driving licence address is up-to-date you will receive a reminder from the DVLA to renew your driving licence.
If your driving licence or log book aren’t up-to-date you will need to change address on your driving licence first.
You can do this both online and offline.
You can renew your licence by completing the application form. You can also do renew your photocard licence offline through a check and send service offered by the Post Office.
Here’s a table to help you compare:
| Online | Offline |
|---|---|
Completed by DVLA | Processed by Post Office |
Costs £14 | Costs £21.50 |
Cheaper option | Application checked by Post Office |
How to renew your licence online
How to renew the licence online:
You can renew your licence with the DVLA on their website. You will find helpful information on your renewal notice. You will need to have the following to complete your application:
- Your National Insurance Number
- Your Passport
- Your addresses across the last three years
- £14 to pay on a debit/credit card
- Your current driving licence (if you don’t have this, you will be asked to provide a reason)
Once you have completed your renewal application you will need to send your old photocard licence to the DVLA.
This can be sent to:
- DVLA
- Swansea
- SA99 1BN
How to renew your licence with the Post Office
The Post Office can help with renewing your photocard licence.
Whilst it is a little bit more expensive, they will review your application to make sure that it is correct before sending it off.
They will also ensure that your photo is acceptable for the DVLA.
- Take any documentation you have from the DVLA (such as your renewal notice) to your local Post Office
- Complete a D1 form using one of digital pads available
- Pay the £17 plus the additional £4.50 check-and-send service fee
- The Post Office will send off your application
How long will it take
It usually takes three weeks to get your new driving licence back.
However with the current COVID-19 situation these timescales are being extended quite a bit.
If you have any further questions, you may wish to check out this resource for FAQ’s on renewing your licence.
Helpful DVLA resources
And that’s it.
You have covered everything you need to know about renewing your driving licence.
For more help for all things DVLA, from your licence to moving home, check out the resources below.
And feel free to join the SlothMovement.