What happens to your licence at 70

When you turn 70, your driving licence expires and you must renew it before you can legally drive. The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) requires this renewal because medical conditions and eyesight changes become more common at this age, and the renewal process checks that you are still safe to drive.

The renewal itself is straightforward — you complete a form, send it with your current licence and a new photograph, and the DVLA processes it. There is no test to pass and no medical examination unless the DVLA asks for one. Most people renew by post, though you can also renew online if you have a UK passport.

Your new licence will be valid for three years, after which you will need to renew again. Each renewal after 70 follows the same process: form, photograph, and a three-year licence.

Key Takeaways

  • You must renew your licence before your 70th birthday or you cannot legally drive, even if your current licence has not yet expired.
  • The renewal process requires form D46P, your current photocard licence, a new colour photograph, and proof of your address.
  • You can renew by post (takes 2 to 3 weeks) or online using the DVLA website if you hold a valid UK passport (takes 1 week).
  • The DVLA may ask for a medical report or eyesight test, but only in specific circumstances — they will contact you if they need one.
  • After 70, you renew every three years instead of every ten years, and each renewal costs £24 by post or £17 online.

Renewing by post: the standard route

Most people over 70 renew by post. You need to request form D46P from the DVLA, fill it out, and send it back with your current photocard licence, a new colour photograph, and proof of your address.

To get the form, visit the DVLA website (www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence) and order it online, or call the DVLA on 0300 790 6801. The form arrives within a few days. Fill it out carefully — mistakes delay processing. You will need to declare any medical conditions that affect your driving, such as diabetes, epilepsy, or eyesight problems. If you are unsure whether to declare something, declare it; the DVLA will tell you if it matters.

Your photograph must be a recent colour photo, 45mm by 35mm, taken against a plain background. A passport photo works. Do not use a photo more than six months old. Send everything to the address on the form along with a cheque or postal order for £24. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks. You can drive while your process is being processed as long as your current licence has not expired.

Renewing online: the faster option

If you hold a valid UK passport, you can renew online at www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence. This route takes about one week and costs £17 instead of £24.

You will need your passport, your current photocard licence, and a digital colour photograph (45mm by 35mm). You upload the photo during the online process. The system checks your passport details against the Home Office records, which is why you must have a current passport. Once you submit, the DVLA sends your new licence by post within a week.

You cannot renew online if your passport has expired, if you have never held a UK passport, or if you need to declare new medical conditions that the DVLA has not seen before. In those cases, use the postal route instead.

When the DVLA asks for a medical report

The DVLA does not automatically ask for a medical examination at 70. However, they will contact you if you have declared a medical condition on your renewal form, or if they have records of a condition that might affect your driving.

Conditions that commonly trigger a medical report include diabetes (especially if you take insulin), heart problems, epilepsy, sleep apnoea, or certain medications. If the DVLA asks, they will send you a form to give to your GP. Your GP fills it out and sends it back to the DVLA. This adds 2 to 4 weeks to the renewal process, but you can still drive while they review it.

An eyesight test may also be requested if the DVLA has concerns. You can have this done at any optician and the results are sent directly to the DVLA. There is no charge for the test itself, though the optician may charge a small fee for the paperwork.

What to do if your licence is lost or damaged

If your current photocard licence is lost, stolen, or damaged, you still need to renew it at 70 — you cannot straightforward replace it and keep the ten-year validity. Order form D46P as normal and explain in a covering letter that your licence is lost or damaged. Send the form and photograph as usual, but you will not be able to send the damaged licence itself. The DVLA will process the renewal and issue a new three-year licence.

If your licence is lost or stolen, consider reporting it to the police and the DVLA before you renew. This is not required, but it prevents someone else from using your licence details. You can report it online at www.gov.uk/report-lost-stolen-driving-licence.

Driving abroad after you turn 70

Your renewed UK licence is valid for driving in the EU and most other countries, but some countries have their own rules about older drivers. Before you travel, check the rules for your destination — some countries require an International Driving Permit alongside your UK licence, and a few have age restrictions or require medical certificates.

You can get an International Driving Permit from the Post Office if you need one. It costs £5.50 and takes about a week. Your UK licence must be valid to explore.

What happens if you miss the renewal important date

If you do not renew before your 70th birthday, your licence becomes invalid and you cannot legally drive. If you are caught driving on an expired licence, you face a fine of up to £1,000.

If you miss the important date, renew when ready using the same process. There is no penalty for renewing late — the DVLA will straightforward issue a new three-year licence from the date you explore. However, you must not drive until your new licence arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my licence before I turn 70?

Yes. You can renew up to nine months before your 70th birthday. The new licence will be valid for three years from the date you turn 70, not from the date you renew. Renewing early means your new licence arrives before your current one expires, so there is no gap.

Do I need an eyesight test to renew at 70?

Not automatically. The DVLA only asks for an eyesight test if they have concerns about your vision based on medical records or your declaration on the renewal form. If they ask, you can have the test done at any optician.

What if I have a paper licence instead of a photocard?

You must exchange your paper licence for a photocard before you can renew at 70. Order form D46P and send your paper licence with it. The DVLA will issue a photocard, and you can then renew as normal. This takes longer, so do it as soon as possible after you turn 70.

Can someone else post my renewal for me?

Yes. A family member or friend can post your form, photograph, licence, and payment on your behalf. There is no need to sign anything or give them written permission. However, you must sign the form yourself before they post it.

What if the DVLA refuses to renew my licence?

The DVLA can refuse renewal if a medical condition makes you unsafe to drive. If this happens, they will write to you explaining why and telling you how to appeal. You can ask your GP for a report supporting your case, or you can request a medical examination by a DVLA-approved doctor. The appeal process takes several weeks.