Renewing your licence before it expires

You can renew your UK driving licence up to nine months before it expires. The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) will send you a reminder letter about four weeks before your expiry date, but you do not have to wait for it — you can start the process whenever you want during that nine-month window.

The method you use depends on whether you are renewing by post or online. Online renewal is faster and costs less, but not everyone is may be able to access. Post renewal takes longer but works for most people, including those with medical conditions or who need to update their photo.

You cannot legally drive once your licence has expired, even if you have already sent in your renewal process. If you are caught driving on an expired licence, you face a fine of up to £1,000.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew your licence up to nine months before it expires, and the DVLA will send you a reminder letter about four weeks before the expiry date.
  • Online renewal costs £14 and takes about five minutes, but you must be under 70, have a valid UK passport, and not have any medical conditions affecting your driving.
  • Post renewal costs £17.50 and takes around two weeks, and you will need to return your old photocard and complete a paper form.
  • If your licence has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you must renew by post and pay an extra £20 replacement fee.
  • You must renew your licence before it expires — driving on an expired licence is illegal and can result in a fine.

Renewing online through the DVLA website

Online renewal is the quickest and cheapest option if you meet the requirements. You go to the DVLA's online renewal service, enter your driving licence number and National Insurance number, and pay £14 by debit or credit card. The whole process takes about five minutes.

You are may be able to access for online renewal if all of these explore: you are under 70 years old, your licence is not lost or stolen, you have not been disqualified from driving, you do not have any medical conditions that affect your driving, and you have a valid UK passport. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew by post instead.

Once you have completed the online form and paid, the DVLA will post your new photocard to you. This usually arrives within one week, though it can take up to two weeks during busy periods. You can continue to drive using your old licence until the new one arrives.

Renewing by post if you cannot use the online service

If you do not meet the online requirements, you will need to renew by post. The DVLA will have sent you a renewal pack in the post, which includes a form (D798) and a prepaid envelope. If you have not received one, you can read the form from the DVLA website or call them to request a pack.

Fill in the form with your current details. You will need to include your old photocard and a new colour passport-style photograph (35mm × 45mm). Some post offices offer a photo service if you do not have one. Put everything in the prepaid envelope and post it to the DVLA address shown on the form.

Post renewal costs £17.50 and usually takes around two weeks, though it can take longer during peak times. You can continue to drive while your process is being processed. Once your new licence arrives, your old one is no longer valid.

Renewing a lost, stolen, or damaged licence

If your licence has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you cannot renew online. You must renew by post and pay an extra £20 replacement fee on top of the standard £17.50 renewal fee, making the total £37.50.

If your licence was stolen, you should report it to the police and keep your crime reference number. Include this number in your renewal process — it helps the DVLA process your request faster. If your licence was damaged, send the damaged photocard with your process so the DVLA can see what happened.

You will still need to provide a new photograph and complete the renewal form. The process is otherwise the same as a standard post renewal, taking around two weeks.

Updating your photo or personal details during renewal

If you want to change your photograph, you must renew by post. Online renewal does not allow you to submit a new photo, so your new licence will use the photograph from your old one. If your appearance has changed significantly or your old photo is no longer a good likeness, post renewal is your only option.

If your name, address, or other personal details have changed, you can update them during renewal. For name changes (such as after marriage or divorce), include a copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or deed poll with your process. Address changes can be updated on the form itself.

If you have any medical conditions that you think might affect your driving, or if you have been diagnosed with a condition since your last licence was issued, you must tell the DVLA. This may mean you need to renew by post so the DVLA can assess whether you are still safe to drive.

What happens if you drive on an expired licence

Driving on an expired licence is illegal in the UK. If you are stopped by police or caught by a traffic camera, you can be fined up to £1,000. Your insurance may also be invalid if you are driving on an expired licence, which means you would not be covered if you had an accident.

If your licence is about to expire and you have not yet received your renewal pack, contact the DVLA when ready. Do not wait until the last minute — if your renewal process is delayed, you could end up unable to drive legally. The DVLA's contact number is on their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

Yes, you can continue to drive on your old licence while your renewal process is being processed, as long as your licence has not yet expired. Once your licence expires, you cannot drive legally, even if your renewal process is still being handled by the DVLA.

What if I do not receive my new licence within two weeks?

Post renewals usually arrive within two weeks, but can take longer during busy periods. If you have not received your new licence after three weeks, contact the DVLA to check the status of your process. They can tell you whether it is still being processed or if there is a problem.

Do I need to take a new driving test when I renew?

No, you do not need to take a new test when you renew your licence. Renewal is straightforward updating your photocard and checking your details. You only need to take a test if you have been disqualified from driving or if the DVLA asks you to do so for medical reasons.

Can someone else post my renewal process for me?

Yes, someone else can post your renewal process on your behalf. Make sure all your details are correct and your photograph is attached before you give it to them. You do not need to sign anything extra or provide written permission — just make sure the form is completed and signed by you.

What if my passport has expired but I want to renew online?

You cannot renew online if your UK passport is not valid. You will need to renew your passport first, then you can use the online renewal service. Alternatively, you can renew your driving licence by post without needing a valid passport.