Where to renew and what you'll need before you start
You renew your UK driving licence through the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) website at gov.uk/renew-driving-licence, or by post if you prefer not to use the online route. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs £20. The postal route takes longer — typically 3 to 4 weeks — and also costs £20, though you'll need to include a cheque or postal order.
Before you begin either route, gather these documents: your current driving licence, your passport or another form of ID that matches your name and date of birth, and a colour passport-style photograph if you're renewing by post. If you're renewing online, you won't need to send a photo — the DVLA will check your identity using the Driving Licence Check service instead.
Your licence is due to expire on a specific date printed on the front. You can renew it up to 9 months before that date, so there's no need to wait until the last moment. However, you cannot legally drive once your licence has expired, so don't leave it too late.
Key Takeaways
- The online renewal at gov.uk/renew-driving-licence takes 10 minutes, costs £20, and your new licence arrives within 1 week in most cases.
- Postal renewal takes 3 to 4 weeks and requires a cheque or postal order, a colour photo, and your current licence and ID.
- You can renew up to 9 months before your licence expires, but you cannot drive once it has expired.
- If your name, address, or medical conditions have changed, you must tell the DVLA during renewal or they may reject your process.
Renewing online: the faster route
Go to gov.uk/renew-driving-licence and select "Renew your licence". You'll need your National Insurance number, your current licence number, and your passport or another form of ID. The system will ask you to confirm your personal details, check that your address is correct, and declare any medical conditions that might affect your driving.
Once you've entered your information, the DVLA will check your identity using the Driving Licence Check service. This is an automated check that happens in seconds — you don't need to do anything extra. If the check passes, you'll be asked to pay £20 by debit or credit card. Your new licence will be printed and posted to you, usually within 1 week.
If the identity check fails, you'll be told when ready and offered the option to renew by post instead. This sometimes happens if your passport details don't match the DVLA's records exactly, or if your ID has expired. Renewing by post takes longer but doesn't require the identity check to pass.
Renewing by post: when online isn't an option
read the form D798 from gov.uk or request it by phone on 0300 790 6801. Fill in the form with your personal details, your current licence number, and any changes to your name, address, or medical conditions. You must include a colour passport-style photograph — it should be recent, in focus, and show your face clearly against a plain background.
Send the completed form, your current licence, a form of ID (passport, birth certificate, or another document that proves your identity), and a cheque or postal order for £20 to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1TU. Do not send cash. Include a covering letter with your name and contact number so the DVLA can reach you if there's a problem.
Processing takes 3 to 4 weeks from the date the DVLA receives your process. You can continue to drive while your process is being processed, as long as your current licence hasn't expired. If you need your licence sooner — for example, because you're moving abroad — phone 0300 790 6801 to ask about faster options, though these may incur additional fees.
What happens if your details have changed
If you've changed your name, you must tell the DVLA during renewal. Provide evidence of the change — a marriage certificate, deed poll, or divorce decree — along with your process. If you've moved house, update your address on the form or during the online process. The DVLA will send your new licence to your current address.
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or if a condition you previously declared has changed, you must declare it during renewal. This includes conditions like epilepsy, diabetes, heart problems, or problems with your vision or hearing. The DVLA may ask you to provide medical evidence or may contact your GP. Failing to declare a condition you know about is an offence and could invalidate your insurance.
If you've been disqualified from driving or convicted of a motoring offence since your last licence was issued, tell the DVLA. Your process may be delayed while they investigate, but you must declare it — not doing so is a criminal offence.
What to do if your process is refused or delayed
The DVLA will write to you if they need more information or if there's a problem with your process. Check the letter carefully — it will explain what's missing and what you need to do next. If you've provided incomplete information, you can usually send the missing documents by post or phone 0300 790 6801 to discuss it.
If your process is refused, the letter will explain why. Common reasons include a medical condition the DVLA believes makes you unsafe to drive, a conviction they believe is relevant, or identity checks that failed. You have the right to ask the DVLA to reconsider, and you can provide new evidence or medical reports to support your case. The letter will tell you how to appeal.
If you've been waiting longer than the expected timeframe and haven't heard anything, phone 0300 790 6801. Have your licence number and National Insurance number ready. The DVLA can tell you the status of your process and whether they need any additional information from you.
Driving while your renewal is being processed
If you've applied online and your identity check passed, you can continue to drive while you wait for your new licence to arrive. Your old licence remains valid until it expires or until your new one arrives, whichever is sooner.
If you've applied by post, the same rule applies — you can drive on your current licence while the DVLA processes your process, as long as that licence hasn't expired. However, if your current licence expires before your new one arrives, you cannot legally drive. This is rare, but if it happens, contact the DVLA when ready on 0300 790 6801 and ask for an emergency extension.
If you're stopped by police and your renewal is in progress, you can show them your old licence and explain that you've applied for renewal. They can check the DVLA's records to confirm your process is genuine.
Renewing a licence you've lost or damaged
If your licence is lost, stolen, or too damaged to read, you cannot use the online renewal process. Instead, read form D798 and send it by post with a letter explaining what happened to your licence. You don't need to provide your old licence itself — just explain its condition or that it's missing. The DVLA will issue a replacement.
If your licence is damaged but still readable, you can renew online or by post using the normal process. However, if the DVLA's systems show that your licence has been reported lost or stolen, they may ask you for additional information before they process your renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my new licence after I've renewed online?
Most new licences arrive within 1 week of your online renewal being approved. The DVLA aims to send them within 7 working days. If you haven't received it after 2 weeks, contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6801 with your process reference number.
Can I renew my licence if I'm abroad?
You can renew online from anywhere in the world as long as you have access to the internet and a valid form of ID. If you're abroad and can't renew online, you can renew by post, though delivery may take longer. Contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6801 for information on posting documents from outside the UK.
What if I've changed my name but don't have a marriage certificate?
You'll need some form of evidence that shows your name change. A deed poll, divorce decree, or even a utility bill in your new name may be accepted. Contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6801 before you send your process to ask what documents they'll accept in your situation.
Do I need a new photograph for online renewal?
No. The online process uses the Driving Licence Check service to verify your identity, so you don't need to provide a photograph. If you renew by post, you must include a colour passport-style photograph.
What happens if I drive after my licence has expired?
Driving with an expired licence is illegal and can result in a fine of up to £1,000, points on your record, or both. Your insurance may also be invalid. Renew your licence before it expires — you can do so up to 9 months in advance.