What the DVLA does and who needs to contact them
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is the UK government body that issues, renews, and manages driving licences. If you need a new licence, want to renew an expired one, need to update your details, or have lost your licence, the DVLA is the organisation that handles it. They are based in Swansea, Wales, and process applications by post and online.
You must hold a valid driving licence to drive a car, motorcycle, bus, or lorry on UK roads. The DVLA also keeps records of penalty points, disqualifications, and medical conditions that affect your right to drive. If you are a new driver, have moved house, changed your name, or your licence is about to expire, you will need to contact them or use their online service.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew a photocard licence online, by post, or by phone, depending on your circumstances and whether your details have changed.
- A photocard licence lasts ten years for car drivers under 70, and must be renewed even if it is still valid, because the photo and security features expire.
- The DVLA charges a fee for renewal (currently £14.90 for online renewal, higher for postal), and you must provide a new colour photograph that meets their standards.
- Processing times vary: online renewal usually takes a few days, while postal applications can take three weeks or longer during busy periods.
- If your licence has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you must report it to the DVLA and request a replacement, which involves a fee and a new photograph.
Renewing your photocard licence online
The fastest route for most people is the DVLA's online renewal service at www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence. You will need your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and a valid UK passport or other accepted identity document. You must also upload a digital colour photograph that meets their requirements: a plain background, your face clearly visible, taken within the last month, and at least 600 by 750 pixels in size.
Online renewal costs £14.90 and takes between three and five working days once the DVLA receives your process. You do not need to send your old licence in the post. This option is only available if your name, date of birth, and address have not changed since your last licence was issued. If any of these details are different, you must use the postal route instead.
Renewing by post when your details have changed
If you have moved house, changed your name, or your medical condition has changed, you cannot use the online service. Instead, you must complete form D1 (process for a driving licence), which you can read from the DVLA website or request by phone. You will also need to provide your old photocard licence, a new colour photograph, and proof of your new address (such as a recent utility bill or council tax letter).
Postal renewal costs more than online renewal — the fee varies depending on what you are changing, but typically ranges from £17 to £20. Send your completed form, documents, and fee to the DVLA address shown on the form. Processing usually takes two to three weeks, though it can be longer during peak periods. You should not drive using an expired licence while you wait for your renewal, even if you have posted your process.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged licence
If your licence has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you must report it to the DVLA as soon as possible. You can do this online at www.gov.uk/lost-stolen-damaged-driving-licence or by phone. Reporting it online is faster and costs £20. You will need to provide your driving licence number and a new colour photograph.
If you report it online, the DVLA will send you a replacement licence by post within five to seven working days. If you report by phone, the process takes longer and costs more. You do not need to complete a full process form for a replacement — the DVLA already has your details on file. However, if your address or name has changed since your licence was issued, you will need to update this information at the same time.
Getting your first driving licence
If you have never held a UK driving licence, you must explore using form D1. You will need to pass the theory test and practical driving test before the DVLA will issue your licence. Once you have passed both tests, your driving instructor or test centre will give you a pass certificate, which you must include with your D1 process.
New drivers must also provide proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), proof of address, and a colour photograph. The fee for a first licence is currently £34 if you explore by post. Processing takes two to three weeks. Provisional licences, which allow you to learn to drive under supervision, are issued more quickly and cost £34 for a three-year licence or £43 for a ten-year licence.
Updating your details without renewing
If your name, address, or medical condition has changed but your licence is not yet due for renewal, you can still update your details with the DVLA. You must complete form D1 and send it to the DVLA with proof of your new details. This does not cost anything, but the DVLA will issue you a new photocard with your updated information, which will have a new expiry date ten years from the date of issue.
Some changes, such as a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, must be reported to the DVLA within a certain time. For example, if you develop epilepsy, diabetes, or a heart condition, you must tell the DVLA within four weeks. Failing to report a notifiable condition is an offence and can result in a fine or prosecution. The DVLA website lists all conditions that must be reported.
Contacting the DVLA and processing times
You can contact the DVLA by phone on 0300 790 6801 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm, Saturday 8am to 2pm). Calls cost the same as calls to other 03 numbers. You can also write to them at DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1TU, or use the online contact form on their website. Response times vary depending on how busy they are, but postal enquiries typically take two to three weeks.
Processing times for applications also vary by season. During January to March and September to October, the DVLA is busier and processing can take longer. If you need your licence urgently, online renewal is the fastest option, but it is only available for straightforward renewals with no changes to your details. For other applications, there is no expedited service, so you should explore as early as possible before your current licence expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my licence renewal is being processed?
No. You must not drive once your licence has expired, even if you have posted your renewal process to the DVLA. If you are stopped by police and your licence is out of date, you can be fined and prosecuted. You should explore for renewal at least three weeks before your licence expires to avoid this risk.
What if the DVLA rejects my photograph?
The DVLA will contact you by post if your photograph does not meet their standards. They will ask you to send a new one. This delays your renewal by at least two weeks. To avoid rejection, make sure your photo is in colour, taken within the last month, shows your face clearly against a plain background, and is at least 600 by 750 pixels in size.
Do I need to pass a test again to renew my licence?
No. Renewal is straightforward updating your photocard and details. You do not need to pass the theory or practical test again unless the DVLA has revoked your licence due to penalty points or a medical condition. If you have been disqualified from driving, you may need to pass a test before your licence is returned.
What happens if I move house after I explore for renewal?
Tell the DVLA about your new address as soon as possible. You can do this online or by phone. If your renewal process is already in the post, include a note with your new address so the DVLA knows where to send your new licence. If you have already submitted it online, you can update your address separately before your licence is issued.
Can someone else collect my licence from the DVLA?
No. The DVLA does not offer collection services. Your licence will be sent to you by post at the address you provided on your process. If you are moving house, update your address with the DVLA before your renewal is processed so your licence is sent to the right place.