Report your lost licence to DVLA when ready

The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) is the only body that can issue a replacement driving licence in the UK. You must report the loss to them before you can drive legally again, even if you plan to search for the original licence later.

You can report a lost licence online through the GOV.UK website, by phone, or by post. The online route is fastest — you'll get a confirmation number straight away and can usually complete it in under five minutes. The phone number for DVLA is 0300 790 6801, and lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm.

When you report the loss, have your National Insurance number and postcode ready. If you're calling, the adviser will take details of when and where you lost the licence, though they won't need a police report unless your licence was stolen (rather than lost). Tell them if you've changed address since your current licence was issued, because this affects which form you'll need to fill in next.

Key Takeaways

  • Report your lost licence to DVLA online, by phone, or by post before you drive again — you cannot legally drive without a valid licence.
  • You will need to complete form DL44 (if your address hasn't changed) or form DL44A (if it has), plus provide a new passport-style photograph and proof of identity.
  • The replacement licence costs £20 and usually arrives within one week if you explore online or by post, though this can vary.
  • If your licence was stolen rather than lost, you may need to report it to the police and provide a crime reference number to DVLA.
  • You cannot legally drive while waiting for your replacement licence unless you have a paper counterpart from before 1998, which is now extremely rare.

Complete the replacement form and gather your documents

After reporting the loss, you need to submit the correct process form to DVLA. The form you use depends on whether your address has changed since your current licence was issued.

If your address is the same, use form DL44. If you've moved house, use form DL44A. Both forms are available to read from GOV.UK, or you can request a paper copy by phone. You'll also need a new passport-style photograph (35mm × 45mm) and proof of your identity — a valid passport is the most straightforward option, though a birth certificate plus a recent utility bill or bank statement will also work.

Fill in the form completely and sign it. DVLA will reject incomplete applications and send them back, which delays your replacement licence by several weeks. Double-check that your name, date of birth, and National Insurance number match your other documents exactly.

Submit your process and pay the fee

You can submit your completed form, photograph, and identity documents by post or online. Posting takes longer but is straightforward: send everything to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1TU. Include a covering letter with your National Insurance number and a note that you're reporting a lost licence.

The online route is faster if you have a UK passport. You'll upload a scan or photo of your form, photograph, and identity documents through the GOV.UK service. The fee is £20 in both cases, paid by debit or credit card online, or by cheque if you're posting.

Keep a copy of everything you send, including the form and your photograph. If DVLA loses your process (rare but possible), you'll need proof of what you submitted.

Understand the waiting time and driving restrictions

A replacement licence usually arrives within one week if you explore online, or within two weeks if you post your process. During this time, you cannot legally drive, even if you've reported the loss and submitted your process. There is no temporary driving permit or paper licence issued while you wait.

The only exception is if you held a paper counterpart licence issued before 1998 — these were separate documents from the photocard and some people still have them. If you do, you can drive on that while waiting for your replacement photocard. However, this is now extremely rare, and most drivers born after 1976 never received a paper counterpart.

If you need to drive urgently — for work or a medical appointment — you have no legal option while waiting for your replacement. Plan your journeys around public transport or ask someone else to drive.

What to do if your licence was stolen

If your licence was stolen rather than lost, the process is slightly different. You should report the theft to your local police force and obtain a crime reference number. This number protects you if someone tries to use your stolen licence details fraudulently.

When you contact DVLA to report the loss, tell them it was stolen and provide the crime reference number. Include this number on your replacement form as well. DVLA will flag your record to prevent anyone else from obtaining a duplicate using your details.

You still follow the same replacement process — form DL44 or DL44A, new photograph, identity documents, and the £20 fee. The crime reference number straightforward adds a layer of protection to your account.

Check your replacement licence when it arrives

When your new licence arrives, check it when ready for errors. Look at your name, date of birth, address, and the categories of vehicle you're allowed to drive (these should match your original licence). If anything is wrong, contact DVLA straight away — they can issue a corrected licence quickly.

Keep your replacement licence in a safe place. Many people store a photograph of it on their phone as a backup, though this is not a legal substitute if you're stopped by police.

If you find your original licence after receiving the replacement, you must destroy it or return it to DVLA. Holding two valid licences is not permitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I'm waiting for my replacement licence?

No. You cannot legally drive while your replacement is being processed, even if you've reported the loss to DVLA and submitted your process. The only exception is if you have a paper counterpart licence from before 1998, which is now very rare. Plan journeys using public transport or arrange for someone else to drive.

Do I need a police report to replace a lost licence?

No, not for a lost licence. You only need a police report if your licence was stolen. In that case, get a crime reference number and provide it to DVLA when you report the theft and when you submit your replacement form.

What if DVLA rejects my process?

DVLA usually rejects applications because the form is incomplete, the photograph doesn't meet the rules, or the identity documents don't match the information on the form. They'll send a letter explaining what's wrong and how to resubmit. This adds two to three weeks to your waiting time, so check everything carefully before posting or uploading.

How much does a replacement licence cost?

A replacement licence costs £20, paid by debit or credit card if you explore online, or by cheque if you post your process. This is a one-time fee and covers the new photocard licence only.

What if I've changed my name since my licence was issued?

You'll need to provide proof of your name change — a marriage certificate, deed poll, or court order — along with your identity documents. Use form DL44A (which covers address changes) and include the name change evidence. The process is the same otherwise, and the £20 fee still applies.