Where to renew and what you'll need before you start
You renew your UK driving licence through DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency), either online at gov.uk/renew-driving-licence or by post. The online route is faster — you'll get a decision in about a week, compared to two to three weeks by post — but you can only use it if your licence is not lost, stolen, or damaged, and if you have a valid UK passport.
Before you start either route, gather these documents: your current photocard driving licence, your National Insurance number, and your UK passport (for online renewal). You'll also need a recent colour photograph that meets the DVLA's photo standards: a plain white or cream background, taken within the last six months, and showing your head and shoulders clearly. If you're renewing by post, you'll send the photograph with your process.
Check that your name, address, and medical conditions haven't changed since your licence was issued. If they have, you'll need to tell DVLA as part of the renewal, and some changes may require additional documents or a medical report.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through gov.uk/renew-driving-licence takes about a week and requires a valid UK passport; postal renewal takes two to three weeks and doesn't require a passport.
- You'll need your current photocard licence, National Insurance number, and a recent colour photograph that meets DVLA standards.
- If your licence is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must renew by post and report the loss or damage to DVLA.
- Your new licence will be valid for ten years from the date it's issued, and you can renew up to nine months before your current licence expires.
- If your medical condition or circumstances have changed, you may need to provide additional information or a medical report before renewal is processed.
Renewing online: the fastest route
To renew online, go to gov.uk/renew-driving-licence and select "Renew your driving licence". You'll need to enter your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and passport details. The system will check these against DVLA records and your passport records held by the Home Office.
Once your identity is confirmed, you'll upload a digital photograph. The photo must be in colour, taken against a plain white or cream background, show your head and shoulders clearly, and be between 600 and 1200 pixels wide. You can take it yourself on a phone or camera — it doesn't need to be a professional photo — but it must meet the technical standards or the system will reject it.
You'll then answer questions about your health, eyesight, and any medical conditions that might affect your driving. Be honest here: if you don't declare a condition and it's later discovered, your licence can be revoked and you could face prosecution. If you're unsure whether something needs to be declared, contact DVLA before you submit.
Once you've submitted, you'll receive a confirmation email. Your new photocard licence will arrive by post within about a week. You can continue to drive on your old licence until the new one arrives.
Renewing by post: when online isn't an option
You must renew by post if your licence is lost, stolen, or damaged; if you don't have a valid UK passport; or if you're unable to take a digital photograph that meets the standards. You'll need to complete form D798, which you can read from gov.uk or request by phone from DVLA.
Fill in the form with your current details and any changes to your name, address, or medical conditions. Attach a recent colour photograph (35mm × 45mm, or roughly passport-photo size) and your current photocard licence. If your licence is damaged, include it anyway — DVLA will note that it was damaged on receipt. If it's lost or stolen, you don't need to include it, but you should report the loss or theft to the police and keep a record of the crime reference number.
Send the form, photograph, and licence (if you have it) to the address shown on the form. DVLA will process it and send your new licence by post within two to three weeks. During this time, you can still drive on your old licence.
What happens if your medical condition or circumstances have changed
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving — such as epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease, or a mental health condition — you must declare it when you renew. The same applies if you've had surgery, an accident, or a change in your eyesight or hearing since your licence was issued.
When you renew online or by post, you'll be asked about your health. If you answer yes to any of the questions, DVLA may ask you to provide a medical report from your GP or a specialist. This can delay your renewal by several weeks, so it's worth contacting your doctor before you submit your process to find out how long a report will take.
In some cases, DVLA may issue your licence with conditions — for example, you might be required to wear glasses or hearing aids while driving, or to have regular medical reviews. These conditions will be printed on your new licence.
Fees and how long renewal takes
Renewing your driving licence costs £14 if you're renewing online or by post. You'll pay this fee when you submit your process online, or by cheque, postal order, or debit card if you're renewing by post. There are no additional charges, and the fee covers the cost of producing and posting your new licence.
Online renewal usually takes about a week from the date you submit. By post, it typically takes two to three weeks, though this can vary depending on how busy DVLA is. Your new licence is valid for ten years from the date it's issued, not from the date your old licence expired.
You can renew your licence up to nine months before it expires. This means if your licence expires on 15 June, you can submit a renewal process from 15 September of the previous year. Renewing early doesn't extend the validity of your licence — your new licence will still expire ten years from when it's issued — but it means you won't be caught without a valid licence if your process takes longer than expected.
What to do if your renewal is delayed or rejected
If you've submitted your process and haven't heard back within the expected timeframe, you can check the status online if you renewed online, or contact DVLA by phone. Have your driving licence number and National Insurance number ready.
Your renewal may be delayed if DVLA needs more information from you — for example, if your medical report hasn't arrived, or if there's a discrepancy in your records. DVLA will write to you if this happens, explaining what they need and how to send it.
In rare cases, DVLA may refuse to renew your licence. This can happen if you've been disqualified from driving, if you've provided false information, or if a medical condition makes it unsafe for you to drive. If your renewal is refused, DVLA will explain the reason and tell you what you can do next — which may include appealing the decision or providing additional medical evidence.
Renewing after a disqualification or ban
If you've been disqualified from driving by a court, you cannot renew your licence until the disqualification period has ended. Once it has, you can renew through the normal online or postal route. However, some disqualifications require you to pass a driving test or a medical examination before your licence is restored — DVLA will tell you if this applies to you.
If you're unsure whether your disqualification has ended, contact DVLA before you submit a renewal process. Attempting to renew while still disqualified could result in prosecution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my licence if it's expired?
Yes. You can renew your licence at any time after it has expired, not just before. However, you cannot legally drive once your licence has expired, so it's better to renew before the expiry date. If your licence has been expired for more than a few years, DVLA may ask for additional information or a medical report.
What if I've changed my name since my licence was issued?
Tell DVLA about your name change when you renew. You'll need to provide evidence of the change — such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or deed poll — either by uploading it online or sending it with your postal process. DVLA will update your records and issue a new licence with your new name.
Do I need a new photograph if I haven't changed much since my last licence?
Yes. DVLA requires a new photograph taken within the last six months, even if you look the same. This is to may support the photograph on your licence is current and can be used to identify you accurately.
What if I'm renewing while abroad?
You can renew online from anywhere in the world, as long as you have internet access and a valid UK passport. You cannot renew by post from abroad — you'll need to have the form and documents sent to a UK address. If you're living abroad permanently, contact DVLA to discuss your options.
Can someone else renew my licence for me?
No. You must submit your own renewal process, either online or by post. However, someone can help you fill in the form or take your photograph if you need information. If you're unable to renew yourself due to illness or disability, contact DVLA to discuss what support is available.