What you need to do to renew your UK driving licence

You can renew your UK driving licence online, by post, or in person at a Post Office — the route you choose depends on how much time you have and whether you need to update your photo. The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) handles all renewals. Most people renew online, which takes about 5 minutes and costs £14 if you pay by debit or credit card. You must renew before your licence expires, and you can start the process up to nine months before the expiry date printed on your photocard.

Your licence is valid for ten years from the date it was issued (or until you turn 70, whichever comes first). After that, you must renew it. The DVLA will not send you a reminder — it is your responsibility to notice the expiry date and act before it passes. Driving on an expired licence is illegal, even if you have applied to renew it.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the DVLA website is the fastest route and costs £14; you need your driving licence number, passport details, and a valid payment card.
  • You can renew up to nine months before your licence expires, so check the expiry date on your photocard now and plan ahead.
  • If you need to update your photo or personal details, you must renew by post or at a Post Office instead of online.
  • Renewal by post takes 4 to 6 weeks; Post Office renewal takes 1 week if you use the Fast Track service (£5.50 extra) or 2 to 3 weeks for standard service.
  • You cannot drive legally on an expired licence, even while your renewal is being processed.

Renewing online through the DVLA website

Online renewal is the quickest and cheapest option if your personal details have not changed and your photo is still acceptable. Go to www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence and select "Renew your licence online". You will need your driving licence number (on the front of your photocard), your National Insurance number, and your passport details. The system will check your information against DVLA records and ask you to confirm your address and any medical conditions.

The whole process takes about 5 minutes. You pay £14 by debit or credit card at the end. Your new photocard will arrive by post within 1 week in most cases. During this time, you can still drive legally using your old licence, so there is no gap in your driving rights.

Online renewal is not available if you need to change your name, address, or photo, or if you have medical conditions that require DVLA assessment. In those cases, you must use the post or Post Office route instead.

Renewing by post

Post renewal is necessary if you need to update your photo, change your name or address, or declare new medical conditions. You will need to fill in form D1 (process for a driving licence), which you can read from the DVLA website or request by phone on 0300 790 6801. You will also need to send your current photocard, a new passport-style photo, and proof of your new address if you have moved.

Send everything to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1TU. The cost is £14, paid by cheque or postal order made out to DVLA. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. You can drive during this time on your old licence as long as it has not expired. If your old licence has already expired, you cannot drive legally while waiting for your new one, so plan ahead.

Renewing at a Post Office

Post Office renewal is faster than postal renewal and available at most branches. You can use the standard service (2 to 3 weeks, £14) or the Fast Track service (1 week, £14 plus £5.50 fee). You will need your current photocard, a new passport-style photo, and your National Insurance number. The Post Office staff will check your documents and send them to the DVLA on your behalf.

You can drive legally on your old licence while your renewal is being processed. To find your nearest Post Office that handles driving licence renewals, use the Post Office branch finder on www.postoffice.co.uk and filter for "Driving licence services". Not all branches offer this service, so check before you visit.

When you need a new photo

Your photo must be current and recognisable. The DVLA will reject your renewal if your appearance has changed significantly since your last photo was taken — for example, if you now wear glasses, have grown a beard, or have had major surgery. If you are unsure whether your photo is acceptable, you can contact the DVLA before you renew.

Passport-style photos must meet specific rules: plain background, head and shoulders only, taken within the last 6 months, and 35mm × 45mm in size. You can get a photo taken at most Post Offices, supermarkets, or high street photo shops. The cost is usually £5 to £10 for four photos.

What happens if your licence has already expired

If your licence has expired, you cannot drive legally, even if you have started the renewal process. You must not drive until your new licence arrives. If you are caught driving on an expired licence, you can be fined up to £1,000 and may face prosecution.

You can still renew an expired licence using any of the three routes above. The cost and processing time remain the same. If you need to drive urgently and your licence has expired, you will need to wait for your renewal to complete before you can legally get behind the wheel.

Updating your personal details during renewal

If you have changed your name (through marriage, deed poll, or other means), moved house, or developed a medical condition that affects your driving, you must tell the DVLA when you renew. You cannot update these details online — you must renew by post or at a Post Office.

For a name change, send your current photocard, a new photo, and proof of the name change (marriage certificate, deed poll, or court order). For a house move, send proof of your new address, such as a recent council tax bill or utility bill. For medical conditions, the DVLA may ask you to fill in a medical questionnaire or provide a letter from your doctor. Processing times are the same as standard renewal, but the DVLA may take longer if they need to assess your medical condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my licence before the expiry date?

Yes. You can start the renewal process up to nine months before your licence expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid a last-minute rush. Your new licence will be valid for ten years from the date you renew it, not from the date your old one expired.

What if I have lost my driving licence?

If your licence is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must report it to the DVLA and explore for a replacement. This is a different process from renewal. Contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6801 or use the online form at www.gov.uk/lost-stolen-driving-licence. You will need to pay a replacement fee and may need to provide a new photo.

Do I need to pass a test to renew my licence?

No. Renewal is not a test. The DVLA will only ask you to retake a test if you have medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely, and they will tell you if this is necessary. For most people, renewal is straightforward a matter of confirming your details and paying the fee.

What if my address has changed since I got my licence?

You must update your address during renewal. You cannot do this online — you must renew by post or at a Post Office. Bring proof of your new address, such as a council tax bill, utility bill, or tenancy agreement dated within the last 3 months. The DVLA will update your records and print your new address on your photocard.

Can someone else renew my licence for me?

No. You must renew your own licence. However, if you are unable to visit a Post Office or Post Office, you can ask someone to collect your new photocard on your behalf once it has arrived, or you can have it delivered to a different address if you provide one during the renewal process.