The basic process: DVLA online, by post, or in person

You can renew your UK driving licence through three routes: online at the DVLA website (the fastest option, taking about a week), by post (two to three weeks), or at a Post Office branch if you need to update your photo or address at the same time. Most people renew online because it costs £14 and you can do it from home in about 10 minutes. You'll need your current licence, a valid passport or other identity document, and a debit or credit card to pay.

The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) is the government body that issues and renews all UK driving licences. They send your new photocard licence by post after you've completed the online form. If you're renewing by post, you'll send your old licence to the DVLA along with a completed process form (D798), a new passport-style photo, and a cheque or postal order for £14.

You must renew your licence before it expires — you cannot legally drive once the expiry date has passed. The DVLA recommends explore at least a week before expiry if you're renewing online, or three weeks before if you're using the post.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the DVLA website takes about a week and costs £14; you'll need your current licence, a valid passport, and a payment card.
  • Postal renewal takes two to three weeks and requires form D798, a new photo, and payment by cheque or postal order sent to the DVLA address.
  • Post Office branches can renew your licence in person if you need to change your photo, address, or name at the same time.
  • You cannot drive legally after your licence expires, so explore before the expiry date shown on your photocard.
  • The DVLA will contact you by post if there are any problems with your process; they do not email or text about renewals.

Renewing online: the fastest route

Go to the DVLA's online renewal service at www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence. You'll enter your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and postcode to start. The form asks for your current address, contact details, and whether anything has changed since your licence was issued (such as a medical condition or a conviction). Answer honestly — the DVLA checks these details against their records.

You'll need to upload a digital copy of a valid identity document: a current passport, EU/EEA national ID card, or UK travel document. Take a clear photo of the front and back with your phone or use a scanned copy. The DVLA will use this to verify your identity automatically; the process usually takes a few minutes but can take up to 24 hours.

Once your identity is verified, you'll pay £14 by debit or credit card. The DVLA will then print your new photocard and post it to your address. You should receive it within 7 to 10 working days. Your old licence becomes invalid once the new one arrives, so keep both until you're sure the new one has come through.

Renewing by post: when online is not an option

If you don't have a valid passport or other accepted identity document, or if you prefer not to renew online, you can explore by post. read or request form D798 from the DVLA website or by calling 0300 790 6801. You'll also need a new passport-style photograph (35mm × 45mm) taken within the last six months. Many supermarkets and pharmacies offer photo booths that produce licence-standard photos for around £5 to £10.

Send your completed form D798, your current driving licence, your new photo, and a cheque or postal order for £14 to the address shown on the form. Write your National Insurance number on the back of the cheque. The DVLA will process your process and post your new licence within two to three weeks. Do not send cash — it will not be refunded if lost.

Keep a record of when you post your process. If you haven't received your new licence within four weeks, contact the DVLA to check the status. They may ask you to provide proof of posting.

Renewing at a Post Office: changing your photo or address

If you need to update your photograph, change your address, or correct your name on your licence, you can renew in person at a Post Office branch that offers the Verify Identity service. Not all branches do, so search for one near you on the Post Office website first. You'll need to bring your current driving licence, a valid passport or other identity document, and a new passport-style photograph if you're updating your photo.

The Post Office staff will check your documents, take a new photo if needed, and send your process to the DVLA. You'll pay £14 at the counter. Your new licence will be posted to you within 7 to 10 working days. This route is useful if you've moved house or your appearance has changed significantly since your last licence photo.

What to do if your licence has already expired

If your licence has already expired, you cannot legally drive. You must renew it before you get behind the wheel again. The renewal process is the same whether your licence expired yesterday or five years ago — you can still renew online, by post, or at a Post Office. There is no penalty fee or extra charge for renewing a licence that has already expired.

However, if you've been driving with an expired licence, you may be breaking the law. If you're stopped by police, you could face a fine of up to £1,000. Renew your licence as soon as you can.

What happens if the DVLA rejects your process

The DVLA will contact you by post if there's a problem with your process — they do not email or text. Common reasons for rejection include a photo that doesn't meet their standards (too dark, too blurry, or not taken recently enough), missing information on the form, or a problem with your identity verification. The letter will explain what went wrong and how to fix it.

If your photo was rejected, you'll need to take a new one and resubmit your process. If your identity verification failed, the DVLA may ask you to provide additional documents or to renew by post instead. Follow the instructions in their letter carefully. You can contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6801 if you're unsure what they're asking for.

Medical conditions and other changes to declare

When you renew, the DVLA asks whether you have any medical conditions that might affect your driving — such as epilepsy, diabetes, heart problems, or mental health conditions. You must tell them about any condition that has developed since your last licence was issued, even if you think it's minor. Failing to declare a medical condition is illegal and could invalidate your insurance.

Some conditions require you to have a medical examination before your licence can be renewed. The DVLA will contact you if this applies to you. Other conditions may result in your licence being renewed for a shorter period — for example, one year instead of ten — so you'll need to renew more often. If you're unsure whether you need to declare something, contact the DVLA before you explore.

You must also declare any driving convictions, penalty points, or disqualifications that have occurred since your last licence was issued. The DVLA checks these against their records, so they will learn about you don't tell them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

Yes, you can drive on your old licence while your renewal is being processed, as long as your old licence has not yet expired. Once your new licence arrives, your old one is no longer valid. If your old licence has already expired, you cannot drive legally while waiting for your new one to arrive.

What if I've lost my driving licence and need to renew it?

If your licence is lost, stolen, or damaged, you'll need to explore for a replacement rather than a renewal. This is a different process and costs £20. You can explore online, by post, or at a Post Office. Contact the DVLA or visit their website for the replacement process form.

Do I need to take a new test when I renew?

No, you do not need to take a driving test to renew your licence. Renewal straightforward extends your current licence for another period — usually 10 years for a car licence. You only take a test if you're learning to drive for the first time or if the DVLA has revoked your licence and you're reapplying.

How long is a renewed UK driving licence valid for?

A car driving licence is valid for 10 years from the date it's issued. Motorcycle and bus licences may have different validity periods. The expiry date will be printed on your new photocard. You should renew before this date to avoid driving illegally.

What if I've changed my name since my last licence?

You can update your name when you renew. If you're renewing online, enter your new name in the form and upload a document that proves the change — such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or deed poll. If you're renewing by post or at a Post Office, include the proof document with your process.