Renewing your licence
Why and how to renew
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It’s the standard UK driving licence – a pink card with the photo of the driver on the front.
These were first issued in 1998 – and they’re the only type of driving licence issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
You may have an old style paper licence which is still a valid document. You can apply to change your paper licence for a photocard driving licence through the DVLA.
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Your photocard must be renewed every 10 years, up to the age of 70. It’s illegal to drive without a valid licence and, if you are caught driving without one:
- You can be fined up to £1,000 if you’re stopped by police
- You may face difficulties with car insurance
- You may be breaking local laws when driving abroad
- Car hire firms may refuse to provide you with a vehicle
It’s important that licences are updated every 10 years. Having an up-to-date licence will mean you have the latest security features to protect you against fraud. This will also help prevent driving licence impersonation – stopping disqualified and dangerous drivers taking to the road.
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You should receive a D798 renewal notification through the post two months before your licence expires.
You’ll then need to:
- Use our branch finder to see which branches offer DVLA photocard renewal services. Tap ‘Filter services’, select ‘Driving’ and then ‘DVLA Photocard Renewal’. If your local branch doesn’t offer the service, you’ll see the five nearest branches that do.
Please note: Some branches require appointments, while others are walk-in only. Contact your branch directly to check, as this information is not available online. - Bring your photocard driving license and your renewal reminder into branch. If you don't have a renewal reminder, we can still process your renewal or update your address or photo with just your photocard driving license
- For just £4.50, selected Post Office branches can take your photo to DVLA standards, check through your application, and send it securely to DVLA
- Or, you can renew your licence online at DVLA
If your name or title has changed then you will need to apply direct to DVLA online or via a D1 ‘Application for a driving licence’ form by post, which you can pick up in over 2000 Post Office branches.
- Use our branch finder to see which branches offer DVLA photocard renewal services. Tap ‘Filter services’, select ‘Driving’ and then ‘DVLA Photocard Renewal’. If your local branch doesn’t offer the service, you’ll see the five nearest branches that do.
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For the latest on DVLA services including estimated times for receiving your new driving licence, visit the DVLA service updates page.
What if?
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Unless you have reached the age of 70, or your details have changed since your licence was issued, you don’t need to renew your paper driving licence.
You can still upgrade your paper licence at any time by applying to exchange it for a photocard.
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You can change your photo and your address using the Post Office service, as long as you have your old photocard licence, however any other changes such as name or gender change would need to be done directly with the DVLA.
Other driving licence questions
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Check the expiry date on your photocard.
Each section on your card is numbered:
- 1-3 represent your family name, given names and date of birth
- Section 4b represents the expiry date of the card
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You can apply by post by picking up a D1 form from participating Post Office branches. Alternatively, you can apply for a new one online on the GOV.UK website.
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You can update your address by using our in-branch renewals service or by picking up a D1 from participating Post Office branches. You can apply online on the GOV website.
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You must do this by post. You can pick up a D1 form from participating Post Office branches. Find out more about changing your name or gender on your driving licence.