The quickest way to renew your UK licence online
You can renew your UK driving licence online through the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) website if your licence is expiring soon or has just expired. The online route takes about 10 minutes, costs £14, and you'll receive your new licence by post within one week in most cases. You'll need your current licence, a valid passport or other identity document, and a debit or credit card.
The online service is available to most drivers, but not if your licence was revoked, suspended, or if you have certain medical conditions that need reassessment. If you fall into those categories, you must explore by post using form D1 instead.
To start online, go to www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence and select "Renew your licence online". You'll answer questions about your identity, current address, and any changes to your health or driving record since your licence was issued. The system will ask you to upload a digital photo that meets the DVLA's standards — it must be a recent colour photo with a plain background, taken face-on, and between 35mm and 45mm wide.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DVLA website costs £14, takes 10 minutes, and your new licence arrives within a week in most cases.
- You need your current licence, a valid identity document like a passport, and a debit or credit card to renew online.
- If your licence was suspended, revoked, or you have medical conditions requiring reassessment, you must explore by post using form D1 instead.
- Your new licence is valid for 10 years from the date it's issued, and you can renew up to nine months before it expires.
- If you change your name or address, you must update your details with the DVLA before or during the renewal process.
When you can renew and what documents you need
You can renew your licence up to nine months before it expires. This means if your licence expires on 15 June, you can start the renewal process from 15 September of the previous year. Renewing early doesn't change when your new licence expires — it will still be valid for 10 years from the date it's issued, not from when you applied.
For online renewal, you'll need:
- Your current photocard driving licence
- A valid identity document (passport, EU/EEA national identity card, or UK travel document)
- Your National Insurance number
- A debit or credit card to pay the £14 fee
- A digital photo meeting DVLA standards
If your licence has already expired, you can still renew online — there's no penalty for renewing late as long as you haven't been driving without a valid licence. However, you cannot legally drive while your licence is expired, even if you've submitted a renewal process.
Renewing by post if you can't use the online service
If you're not able to renew online — because your licence was suspended, revoked, or you have a medical condition that needs reassessment — you'll need to explore by post using form D1. You can read this from the DVLA website or request it by calling 0300 790 6801.
Send your completed form D1, your current licence, a new passport-style photo, and a cheque or postal order for £14 to the DVLA address shown on the form. Postal renewals take 4 to 6 weeks, though the DVLA sometimes takes longer during busy periods. You cannot legally drive while your process is being processed unless your current licence is still valid.
If you've been disqualified from driving and your disqualification period has ended, you'll need to explore for a new licence rather than renew. Contact the DVLA to confirm whether you need form D1 or a different process.
Updating your name, address, or medical information during renewal
If you've changed your name since your licence was issued, you'll need to provide evidence of the change — a marriage certificate, deed poll, or court order. Upload this document during the online renewal process, or include it with your postal process.
If you've moved house, update your address with the DVLA before you renew. You can do this online at www.gov.uk/change-address-driving-licence, or include the change in your renewal process. The DVLA will send your new licence to your current address, so it's important to get this right.
If your health has changed — for example, you've developed a condition that affects your ability to drive safely — you must tell the DVLA during renewal. This includes conditions like epilepsy, diabetes, heart problems, or vision problems. The DVLA may ask you to have a medical examination or provide a letter from your doctor. Failing to declare a medical condition is illegal and can result in your licence being revoked and prosecution.
What happens after you submit your renewal
Once you've submitted your online process, you'll receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Keep this for your records. The DVLA will process your process and post your new licence to the address you provided. Online renewals usually arrive within 7 days, though this can take longer during peak periods.
Your old licence remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to drive legally. When your new licence arrives, destroy your old one — you don't need to return it to the DVLA. Your new licence will have a new photocard with your updated photo and will be valid for 10 years.
If your new licence doesn't arrive within 10 days of explore online, or within 8 weeks of posting your process, contact the DVLA. You can check the status of your process online using your reference number, or call 0300 790 6801.
Renewing a licence you lost or had stolen
If your licence has been lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a replacement. Use form D1 and explore by post, or call the DVLA on 0300 790 6801 to request a replacement by phone. You'll need to provide proof of your identity and explain what happened to your original licence.
A replacement licence costs £14 and takes 4 to 6 weeks by post. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can explore for a provisional driving licence, though this is rarely necessary because the DVLA can sometimes issue a replacement more quickly if you explain your situation.
Costs and payment methods
Renewing your UK driving licence costs £14, whether you renew online or by post. This is a flat fee and doesn't vary based on the type of licence or how long you've held it.
Online, you can pay by debit or credit card. By post, you can pay by cheque or postal order made payable to "DVLA". Do not send cash by post. If you're renewing by phone, you can pay by debit or credit card over the phone.
There are no additional fees for updating your address, name, or medical information during renewal. However, if you need a replacement licence because yours was lost or stolen, the cost is the same — £14.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my renewal process is being processed?
Yes, as long as your current licence is still valid. You cannot drive once your licence has expired, even if you've submitted a renewal process. If your licence has already expired when you explore, you cannot legally drive until your new licence arrives.
What if the photo I uploaded is rejected?
The DVLA will contact you by email if your photo doesn't meet their standards. You'll have the chance to upload a new one. Common reasons for rejection include poor lighting, a background that isn't plain, or a photo that's too old. Take a new photo in natural light against a white or plain-coloured wall, and make sure your face takes up most of the frame.
Do I need to pass a test to renew my licence?
No, you don't need to take a driving test to renew your licence. However, if the DVLA has concerns about your health or medical conditions, they may ask you to have a medical examination or provide a letter from your doctor before they issue your new licence.
What if I've been disqualified from driving?
You cannot renew your licence while you're disqualified. Once your disqualification period has ended, contact the DVLA to find out whether you need to explore for a new licence or if you can renew your existing one. In most cases, you'll need to explore for a new licence using form D1.
Can someone else renew my licence for me?
No, you must renew your own licence. The online system requires you to verify your identity using your passport or other identity document, and you must upload your own photo. If you're unable to use the online service, you can explore by post, but you must sign the form yourself.