How to Renew Your UK Driving Licence

What you need to do to renew a UK driving licence

You can renew your UK driving licence online, by post, or in person at a Post Office branch — the method depends on your age, the type of licence you hold, and whether you need a medical check. Most people renew online through the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) website, which takes about 15 minutes and costs £14 if you pay by debit or credit card. The Post Office route costs £20 and takes longer. You must renew before your licence expires, though you can start the process up to nine months before the expiry date.

Your licence is valid for three years if you are under 70, or one year if you are 70 or older. The expiry date is printed on the front of your photocard. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or if you are over 70, the DVLA may ask for a medical report from your GP before they issue a new licence — this adds time and you should factor it in.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DVLA website is the fastest route and costs £14; you need your current licence, passport, and a debit or credit card.
You can start renewing up to nine months before your licence expires, and the new licence is usually posted within one week of approval.
If you are 70 or older, or have a medical condition listed on your licence, the DVLA will ask for a medical report and renewal takes longer.
Renewing by post through the Post Office takes two to three weeks and costs £20; use this only if you cannot renew online.
Driving on an expired licence is illegal; if your renewal is delayed, contact the DVLA when ready rather than continuing to drive.

Renewing online through the DVLA website

Online renewal is available to most drivers and is the fastest and cheapest option. Go to www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence and select "Renew your licence online". You will need your current photocard driving licence, your passport or national identity card, and a valid debit or credit card. The system will ask you to read the terms and conditions, confirm your personal details, and answer questions about your health and any motoring convictions.

Once you submit your process, the DVLA will send you a confirmation email. Your new licence is usually printed and posted within one week. During this time, you can still drive legally on your old licence. If the DVLA needs more information — for example, if you have declared a medical condition — they will contact you by post or phone. Do not assume silence means approval; check your email and post regularly.

Online renewal is not available if you are renewing a provisional licence, if you need to update your photo (you can only do this every 10 years unless your appearance has changed significantly), or if you have certain medical conditions. In those cases, you must renew by post or at a Post Office.

Renewing by post through the DVLA

To renew by post, read or request the process form D798 from the DVLA website or by calling 0300 790 6801. Complete the form in black ink, sign it, and send it with your current photocard licence and a new passport-style photograph (35mm × 45mm) to the address shown on the form. Include a cheque or postal order for £20 made payable to "DVLA" — you cannot pay by card through the post.

Postal renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the DVLA receives your process. There is no tracking system, so you will not know the exact status. If you have not received your new licence within four weeks, contact the DVLA. Keep a copy of the form and note the date you posted it.

Postal renewal is slower and more expensive than online renewal, but it is the only option if you cannot use the online service. Some people use it because they do not have a passport or because they need to update their photograph, but in most cases online is preferable.

Renewing at a Post Office

You can renew your licence in person at a Post Office branch that offers the Post Office Travel Money service. This is not available at all branches, so check the Post Office locator on www.postoffice.co.uk before you visit. Bring your current photocard licence, a new passport-style photograph, and £20 in cash or by card. The Post Office will check your documents, take your photograph if needed, and send your process to the DVLA on your behalf.

Renewal through the Post Office takes two to three weeks from the date they submit your process. You will receive a receipt showing the date of submission; keep this in case you need to follow up. This route is useful if you prefer face-to-face contact or if you do not have access to online banking, but it is slower and more expensive than online renewal.

What to do if you are 70 or older

Drivers aged 70 and over must renew their licence every year, and the DVLA will ask for a medical report from your GP. Start your renewal at least four months before your licence expires to allow time for your GP to complete the report. You can renew online, by post, or at a Post Office, but you must declare your age and the DVLA will automatically request a medical form from your GP.

Your GP will fill in form DVLA1 and send it directly to the DVLA; you do not need to collect it yourself. This process usually takes two to four weeks. The DVLA will then review the report and issue your new licence. If your GP raises concerns about your fitness to drive, the DVLA may ask for further tests or refuse to renew your licence. If this happens, you will be notified in writing and given the right to appeal.

Medical conditions and DVLA notification

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving — such as epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease, or certain eye conditions — you must tell the DVLA when you renew. Some conditions are already noted on your licence; others you must declare for the first time. The DVLA will ask whether you have any new conditions and may request a medical report from your GP.

If the DVLA asks for a medical report, they will send you a form to give to your GP. Your GP will complete it and send it directly to the DVLA. This adds two to four weeks to the renewal process. The DVLA will then decide whether to issue your new licence, issue it with restrictions, or refuse it. You will be notified in writing of their decision.

If you do not declare a medical condition that you know affects your driving, you may face a fine of up to £1,000 and your insurance may be invalid. It is your legal responsibility to tell the DVLA about any condition that could impair your ability to drive safely.

What to do if your licence expires before you receive the new one

If your renewal is delayed and your licence expires before the new one arrives, you must stop driving when ready. Driving on an expired licence is illegal, even if you have submitted a renewal process. Contact the DVLA as soon as you realise the delay: call 0300 790 6801 or use the online contact form on the DVLA website.

The DVLA can issue a temporary licence (called a counterpart) by post or email in urgent cases, though this is not may provide. Explain your situation clearly and provide your process reference number if you have one. If you need to drive before the new licence arrives, ask the DVLA whether they can issue a temporary licence. Do not assume you can drive legally while waiting; the only safe course is to stop driving and contact the DVLA when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my licence if I have changed my name?

Yes. If you have changed your name by deed poll, marriage, or other legal means, you must provide evidence of the change when you renew. Bring your deed poll, marriage certificate, or other legal document along with your process. The DVLA will update your records and issue a new licence with your new name.

What if I have lost my licence and need to renew it at the same time?

You must report the loss to the police and obtain a crime reference number, then explore for a replacement licence. You cannot renew and replace at the same time. Contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6801 to explain the situation; they will advise whether to explore for a replacement first or a renewal. In most cases, you will need to replace the lost licence before you can renew.

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

No. Renewal is not the same as retesting. You do not need to pass a driving test to renew your licence unless the DVLA has revoked it or suspended it for a specific reason. If you have lost your licence due to points or a ban, you may need to pass a test to get it back, but that is a separate process from renewal.

How much does it cost to renew if I renew late?

The cost is the same whether you renew on time or late: £14 online or £20 by post or Post Office. However, driving on an expired licence is illegal and can result in a fine of up to £1,000. Renew before your licence expires to avoid this risk.

Can someone else renew my licence for me?

No. You must renew your own licence. If you renew online, you must complete the process yourself using your own details and payment method. If you renew by post or at a Post Office, you must sign the form or be present in person. The DVLA does not accept applications from third parties, even family members or solicitors.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.