The two ways to renew your UK driving licence
You can renew your UK driving licence either online through the DVLA website or by post using a paper form. The online route is faster — it usually takes a few days — and costs £14 if you pay by debit or credit card. The postal route takes around four weeks and costs £17.50 because you pay by cheque or postal order. You do not need to pass a test or provide a medical report unless you are over 70, have certain health conditions, or are renewing after a disqualification.
Which route you choose depends on whether you have a valid UK passport and how quickly you need the licence back. The online method requires you to verify your identity using your passport details, so if you do not have one or it has expired, you will need to use the postal form instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DVLA website takes around three to five days and costs £14 by card, but you must have a valid UK passport to use this route.
- Postal renewal using form D798 takes around four weeks and costs £17.50 by cheque or postal order, and works if you do not have a passport.
- You can renew your licence up to nine months before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiry date to start the process.
- If you have changed your name, address, or medical circumstances since your licence was issued, you must tell the DVLA during renewal, even if you are renewing online.
Renewing online through the DVLA website
To renew online, go to the DVLA's official website and select the option to renew your driving licence. You will need your driving licence number, which appears on the front of your photocard, and your UK passport details. The system will ask you to confirm your personal details, check that your address is correct, and declare that you still meet the medical standards to drive.
The online process takes about ten minutes. Once you have submitted your process and paid £14, the DVLA will post your new photocard to the address on file. You should receive it within three to five working days in most cases. Your old licence remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive.
If your passport has expired or you do not have one, you cannot use the online route. In that case, you will need to renew by post instead.
Renewing by post using form D798
To renew by post, you need to request form D798 from the DVLA or read it from their website. Fill in the form with your personal details, your driving licence number, and your current address. You will also need to include a new photograph that meets the DVLA's standards — it must be a recent colour photo, 45mm by 35mm, taken against a plain background, with your face clearly visible and no glasses or head coverings (unless for religious reasons).
Send the completed form, your old driving licence photocard, your new photograph, and a cheque or postal order for £17.50 to the DVLA address shown on the form. Do not send cash. The DVLA will process your process and post your new licence to you, which usually takes around four weeks. During this time, your old licence remains valid for driving.
Keep a record of when you posted your process. If you do not receive your new licence within six weeks, contact the DVLA to check the status.
What to do if your circumstances have changed
If you have changed your name, moved house, or your health has changed since your licence was issued, you must update these details during renewal. When renewing online, the system will ask you to confirm your address and will prompt you to declare any medical conditions. If your name has changed, you will need to provide evidence of the change — such as a marriage certificate or deed poll — and may need to renew by post instead of online.
If you have developed a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, or if you take medication that could impair your driving, you must tell the DVLA. Failing to do so is a criminal offence. The DVLA will assess whether you can continue to hold a licence, and may ask you to provide a report from your doctor.
Renewing after age 70 or with a medical condition
If you are over 70 or have a medical condition that affects your driving, the renewal process is different. You cannot renew online. Instead, you must use the postal form D798 and include a medical report from your GP. The DVLA will send you form Med DL1 to give to your doctor, who will complete it and return it directly to the DVLA. Your doctor may charge a fee for this report, usually between £20 and £50.
The DVLA will review your medical report and decide whether to renew your licence. This can take longer than a standard renewal — sometimes eight weeks or more. Your old licence remains valid while your process is being processed.
What happens if you drive with an expired licence
Driving with an expired licence is illegal and can result in a fine of up to £1,000. You will also have no insurance cover if you have an accident. For this reason, it is worth renewing well before your expiry date — you can start the process up to nine months in advance. If your licence is about to expire and you have not yet renewed it, start the process when ready, whether online or by post.
If your licence has already expired and you are still driving, stop driving and renew it straight away. You can renew an expired licence using the same process as a standard renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my licence if I am abroad?
You can renew online from abroad if you have a valid UK passport and a UK address. However, your new photocard will be posted to your UK address, so you will need someone to collect it or you will need to return to the UK to pick it up. If you are moving abroad permanently, you should contact the DVLA before your licence expires.
What if I have lost my driving licence?
If you have lost your licence, you can explore for a replacement rather than a renewal. This costs £20 and you can do it online or by post. You will need to report the loss to the police and provide a crime reference number, or declare that you have lost it. The process is similar to renewal but takes slightly longer.
Do I need to take a new photograph for online renewal?
No. When you renew online, the DVLA uses your existing photograph from your current licence. You only need to provide a new photograph if you are renewing by post, or if your current photograph is more than ten years old.
What if my address has changed since my licence was issued?
You must update your address during renewal. When renewing online, the system will ask you to confirm your current address. If you are renewing by post, write your new address on form D798. The DVLA will post your new licence to your updated address.
How much does it cost to renew if I am over 70?
Renewal costs the same as standard renewal — £14 online or £17.50 by post — but you will also need to pay your GP for a medical report, which usually costs between £20 and £50. You cannot renew online if you are over 70, so you must use the postal form.