How to renew your UK driving licence
You can renew your UK driving licence online, by post, or in person at a Post Office, depending on your circumstances. The online route is fastest — it takes about 5 minutes and costs £14 if you renew before your licence expires. You will need your current photocard licence, a valid passport or other identity document, and a debit or credit card to pay. The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) will post your new licence to you within one week if you renew online.
If you cannot renew online — for example, if your licence has already expired or if you need to update your photograph — you must use the Post Office or paper process route. Post Office renewals also cost £14 and take about 5 working days. Paper applications cost £17.50 and take 4 to 6 weeks. Your old licence remains valid until the new one arrives, so there is no gap in your right to drive.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through GOV.UK costs £14, takes 5 minutes, and your new licence arrives within one week.
- You can renew up to 9 months before your licence expires, so check your expiry date now and plan ahead.
- Post Office renewals cost £14 and take 5 working days; paper applications cost £17.50 and take 4 to 6 weeks.
- You need your current photocard, a valid identity document, and payment by debit or credit card for online renewal.
- If your licence has already expired, you cannot drive legally and must renew by Post Office or paper process when ready.
When you can renew your UK driving licence
You can renew your licence up to 9 months before it expires. Your expiry date is printed on the front of your photocard — it is the date in the bottom right corner. If you renew early, your new licence will have a new expiry date 10 years from the date you renew (or 3 years if you are over 70).
If your licence has already expired, you cannot legally drive. You must renew when ready using the Post Office or paper process route — online renewal is not available for expired licences. Driving with an expired licence is an offence and can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
If your licence is lost, stolen, or damaged, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a replacement. A replacement costs £17.50 by post or £14 at the Post Office and takes the same time as a renewal.
Renewing online through GOV.UK
Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if your licence has not yet expired and you do not need to change your photograph or personal details. Go to GOV.UK and search for "renew your driving licence". You will be taken to the DVLA's online service.
You will need to enter your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and postcode. The system will check your details against DVLA records. If everything matches, you will be asked to confirm your photograph and personal details. If you want to update your photograph, you cannot do this online — you must use the Post Office or paper route instead.
Once you have confirmed your details, you will pay £14 by debit or credit card. The DVLA will post your new photocard licence to the address on file. You should receive it within one week. Your old licence will no longer be valid once the new one arrives, but you can drive legally until then.
Renewing at the Post Office
Post Office renewal is available at any Post Office branch that offers the Postcard service. You do not need an appointment. Take your current photocard licence, a valid identity document (passport, travel card, or national identity card), and your payment card.
The Post Office staff will check your details, take a new photograph if you need one, and process your payment of £14. They will give you a receipt. Your new licence will be posted to you within 5 working days. You can drive legally until your new licence arrives.
Post Office renewal is useful if your licence has expired, if you need a new photograph, or if you prefer not to use the online service. It is also faster than a paper process. However, not every Post Office offers this service — use the Post Office branch finder on the Post Office website to check whether your nearest branch does.
Renewing by post with a paper process
Paper renewal is the slowest option but is available if you cannot use the online service or Post Office. read the process form D798 from GOV.UK or request one by phone on 0300 790 6801. You will need to complete the form by hand, sign it, and include your current photocard licence and a new passport-style photograph.
Send the completed form, your licence, your photograph, and a cheque or postal order for £17.50 to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB. Keep a copy of everything you send. The DVLA will process your process and post your new licence to you within 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, your old licence remains valid.
Paper renewal is slower and more expensive than online or Post Office renewal, and there is a higher risk of delay if the DVLA cannot read your handwriting or if documents are missing. Only use this route if you cannot access the online service or a Post Office.
What to do if your circumstances have changed
If you have changed your name, address, or medical conditions since your licence was issued, you must tell the DVLA when you renew. Online renewal will ask you to confirm your current details. If any of them are wrong, you will be prompted to correct them before you pay.
If you have a new medical condition that affects your ability to drive — for example, epilepsy, diabetes, or a heart condition — you must declare it to the DVLA. Some conditions mean you cannot renew online and must use the Post Office or paper route. If you are unsure whether your condition must be declared, contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6801 before you renew.
If you have changed your address, make sure the address on file with the DVLA is correct before you renew. Your new licence will be posted to this address. If the address is wrong, you can update it online through the DVLA's online service, or you can tell the Post Office or include it in your paper process.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common mistake is trying to renew online when your licence has already expired. Online renewal is only available if your licence is still valid. If it has expired, use the Post Office or paper route instead.
Another common mistake is sending your old licence to the DVLA by post without keeping a copy of the reference number. If your process is delayed and you need to chase it, you will need this number. Always photograph or photocopy your licence before you send it.
A third mistake is not checking whether your Post Office branch offers the Postcard service. Not all branches do. Use the Post Office branch finder to check before you travel. If your branch does not offer it, find the nearest one that does, or use online renewal or paper process instead.
Finally, do not wait until your licence is about to expire. Renew up to 9 months early so that if there is a delay, your licence will not expire while you are waiting for the new one to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while I am waiting for my new licence to arrive?
Yes. Your old licence remains valid until your new one arrives. Once the new licence is posted to you, the old one is no longer valid, but you can drive legally until then. If your licence has already expired, you cannot drive at all — you must renew when ready.
What if I do not receive my new licence within the expected time?
Online renewals should arrive within one week; Post Office renewals within 5 working days; paper applications within 4 to 6 weeks. If you have not received it within these timescales, contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6801. Have your old licence number and the reference number from your process ready. The DVLA can check the status and reissue if necessary.
Do I need to pass a test to renew my licence?
No. Renewal is not a test — you are straightforward updating your photocard and confirming your details. However, if you have certain medical conditions or if you are over 70, the DVLA may ask you to declare your health status or may require a medical report before they renew your licence.
Can I renew my licence if I have points on my driving record?
Yes. Points on your licence do not prevent renewal. Your new licence will show the same points as your old one. Points expire after 4 years from the date of the offence, so they will not appear on your new licence once they have expired.
What if my name has changed since I got my licence?
You must tell the DVLA your new name when you renew. Online renewal will ask you to confirm your current name. If it is different from the name on your current licence, update it before you pay. If you are renewing by Post Office or paper, tell the staff or include a note with your process. You may need to provide a marriage certificate, deed poll, or other proof of the name change.