Renewal timing and how to know when yours is due
Your driving licence expires on a specific date printed on the card itself — usually in the bottom right corner. Most UK licences are valid for ten years from the date of issue, though some older photocard licences and those issued to drivers over 70 have shorter validity periods. You can renew from nine months before the expiry date, and the DVLA recommends doing so at least four weeks in advance to avoid driving with an expired licence.
You do not need to wait until your licence is about to expire. If you renew early, the new licence will be valid for ten years from the date you submit your process, not from the date your old one would have expired. This means an early renewal does not extend your total driving time — it straightforward resets the clock.
Key Takeaways
- Renew your licence online through the DVLA website from nine months before expiry; the process takes about five minutes and costs £14 for a photocard renewal.
- You will need your current photocard licence, a valid passport or other identity document, and a recent colour photograph that meets the DVLA's photo standards.
- The DVLA typically posts a renewed licence within one week, but you can drive on your old licence until the new one arrives as long as you applied before expiry.
- If your circumstances have changed — address, name, medical conditions, or driving restrictions — you must declare these during renewal or update them separately beforehand.
- Paper licences issued before 1998 cannot be renewed online and require a postal process with a D798 form and medical checks if you are over 70.
Online renewal through the DVLA website
The fastest route is the DVLA's online renewal service at www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence. You will need your current photocard licence, a valid passport or UK travel document, and a recent colour photograph. The photograph must meet specific standards: a plain background, your face clearly visible, no glasses or sunglasses, and taken within the last six months. Many people use passport photo booths or high street photo services; if you are unsure whether your photo meets the rules, the DVLA website shows examples of acceptable and unacceptable photos.
The online process takes about five minutes. You enter your licence number, date of birth, and postcode, upload your photograph as a digital file, and pay £14 by debit or credit card. The DVLA then posts your new photocard licence, which usually arrives within one week. You can continue to drive on your old licence until the new one arrives, provided you submitted your renewal before your licence expired.
If you do not have a valid passport or travel document, you cannot use the online service. You will need to explore by post instead, which takes longer and may require additional documents.
Postal renewal for paper licences and special circumstances
If your licence is a paper licence issued before 1998, you must renew by post. Request a D798 form from the DVLA or read it from the gov.uk website. You will also need to send your old licence, a recent colour photograph, and proof of your identity and address. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, council tax bill, or bank statement in your name.
Drivers aged 70 and over must renew by post and include a medical declaration form (the D4) confirming they are fit to drive. The DVLA may ask for a medical report from your GP if there are concerns about your health or ability to drive safely. This process typically takes three to four weeks.
You should also renew by post if your circumstances have changed in ways that affect your licence — for example, if you have been disqualified from driving, convicted of a motoring offence, or developed a medical condition that must be declared. In these cases, contact the DVLA directly before renewing to understand what documents you need to send.
Changes to declare during renewal
The renewal form asks whether your personal details, medical history, or driving restrictions have changed. You must answer honestly. Common changes include a change of address, a change of name through marriage or deed poll, new medical conditions such as diabetes or epilepsy, and changes to your eyesight or hearing.
If you have been convicted of a motoring offence — even a minor one — since your last licence was issued, you must declare it. This includes drink-driving, speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, and driving without insurance. The DVLA uses this information to decide whether to renew your licence or impose new restrictions.
If you are unsure whether something needs to be declared, contact the DVLA before you renew. It is far better to ask than to omit information and risk your licence being revoked later. You can call the DVLA on 0300 790 6801 or use the contact form on the gov.uk website.
What to do if your licence has already expired
If your licence has already expired, you cannot legally drive. You must renew before you get behind the wheel again. The renewal process is the same — online or by post — but you cannot use the grace period of driving on your old licence because it is no longer valid.
Driving with an expired licence is a motoring offence and can result in a fine of up to £1,000. Your insurance may also be invalid if you are caught driving with an expired licence, which means you would face additional penalties and could be liable for any damage or injury caused.
If your renewal is delayed — for example, because the DVLA has lost your process or your new licence has not arrived — contact the DVLA when ready. They can issue a temporary driving permit (a paper document) that allows you to drive while your new photocard is being processed. This is not automatic; you must request it.
Costs and payment methods
Online renewal of a photocard licence costs £14 and can be paid by debit or credit card. Postal renewal costs £17.50 and can be paid by cheque, postal order, or debit card. If you are renewing a paper licence, the cost is the same as postal renewal.
There is no charge to renew your licence if you are over 70, but you must renew by post and include the medical declaration form. Some people are also exempt from the fee if they hold a bus pass or are receiving certain benefits, though this is rare and you should check the DVLA website to confirm.
Payment is non-refundable, even if your process is rejected. This is why it is important to check that you meet the requirements and that your documents are correct before you submit.
How long renewal takes and what to do if it is delayed
Online renewals typically arrive within one week. Postal renewals usually take three to four weeks, longer if you are over 70 or if the DVLA needs to request additional medical information. During this time, you can continue to drive on your old licence if you applied before it expired.
If your new licence does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the DVLA to check the status. They can tell you whether your process has been received and processed. If there is a problem — for example, if your photograph does not meet the standards — they will contact you by post or phone to ask for a replacement.
If you need to drive before your new licence arrives and your old one has expired, request a temporary driving permit from the DVLA. This is a paper document that is valid for a limited period and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your photocard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my licence if I have been disqualified from driving?
No. If you are currently disqualified, you cannot renew your licence until the disqualification period has ended. Once it has ended, you can renew through the normal process, but you must declare the disqualification on your process. The DVLA will check court records to confirm the disqualification has been lifted.
What if my photograph is rejected?
The DVLA will contact you by post to explain why your photograph does not meet the standards and ask you to send a replacement. You do not need to pay again. Send a new photograph that meets the rules — plain background, face clearly visible, no glasses, taken within the last six months — and your renewal will continue.
Do I need to pass a test to renew my licence?
No. Renewal is an administrative process, not a test of your driving ability. However, if you are over 70, you must declare that you are fit to drive, and the DVLA may ask for a medical report from your GP if there are concerns about your health.
Can someone else renew my licence for me?
No. You must explore yourself, either online or by post. You cannot authorise someone else to renew on your behalf. If you are unable to explore online, you can renew by post, and someone can help you complete the form, but your signature must be on the process.
What happens if I lose my licence before it expires?
You can explore for a replacement licence at any time, not just at renewal. The cost is £14 for online replacement or £17.50 for postal replacement. You will need to provide proof of identity and a recent photograph. You do not need to wait until your licence is due to expire.