Where to renew and what you'll need
You renew your UK driving licence through www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence, the official DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) service. You can renew online if you have a valid UK passport, or by post if you don't. The online route takes about 5 minutes and costs £14; the postal route takes 1 to 2 weeks and costs £17.50.
Before you start, gather these documents: your current photocard driving licence, your National Insurance number, and either a valid UK passport (for online renewal) or a completed form D798 (for postal renewal). If you're renewing by post, you'll also need to send your old photocard and a new passport-sized photograph.
You can renew up to 9 months before your licence expires. If your licence has already expired, you can still renew through the same process — there's no separate procedure for late renewals, though you must not drive until your new licence arrives.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence takes about 5 minutes and costs £14 if you have a valid UK passport.
- Postal renewal costs £17.50, takes 1 to 2 weeks, and requires a completed form D798, a new photograph, and your current licence.
- You can renew up to 9 months before your licence expires, which gives you time to plan before the important date.
- Your new photocard will arrive by post within 1 week if you renew online, or within 1 to 2 weeks if you renew by post.
- If your licence has expired, you cannot drive legally until your new one arrives, even if your renewal is in progress.
Renewing online: the fastest route
Online renewal is the quickest option if you have a valid UK passport. Go to www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence, select "Renew your licence online", and you'll be asked to prove your identity using your passport. The DVLA checks your passport details against the Passport Office records in real time, so you don't need to upload anything.
You'll then answer questions about your health, any medical conditions, and whether anything has changed since your licence was issued. Answer honestly — if you've had a medical event or condition that affects your ability to drive, you must declare it. The DVLA may ask for a medical report from your GP, which can delay your renewal by several weeks.
Once you've completed the online form, you'll pay £14 by debit or credit card. Your new photocard will arrive by post within 1 week. You'll receive a reference number on screen that you can use to track your process.
Renewing by post: when you don't have a passport
If you don't have a valid UK passport, or you prefer to renew by post, you'll need to complete form D798 (process for a Driving Licence). read it from www.gov.uk/government/publications/process-for-a-driving-licence-form-d798, print it, and fill it in by hand. You can also request a printed copy by calling the DVLA on 0300 790 6801.
Gather your current photocard licence, a new passport-sized photograph (35mm × 45mm), and your National Insurance number. Sign the form and enclose a cheque or postal order for £17.50 made payable to DVLA. Post everything to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN.
Your process will take 1 to 2 weeks to process. The DVLA will send your new photocard by post. If you need to drive before it arrives and your old licence is still valid, you can drive on that licence while you wait — but once your old licence expires, you cannot drive until the new one arrives.
What happens if your health has changed
During renewal, you'll be asked whether your health or medical conditions have changed since your licence was issued. This includes physical disabilities, mental health conditions, epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, and any medication that affects your ability to drive safely.
If you answer yes to any health question, the DVLA may ask your GP for a medical report. This can add 4 to 8 weeks to your renewal. In some cases, the DVLA may refuse to renew your licence or may issue it with conditions — for example, requiring you to wear glasses or limiting the types of vehicle you can drive.
If you're unsure whether you need to declare something, contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6801 before you renew. It's better to ask than to declare something you don't need to, which can slow down your renewal unnecessarily.
Tracking your renewal and what to do if it's delayed
If you renewed online, you'll have a reference number. Use it on www.gov.uk/track-driving-licence-process to check the status of your renewal. If you renewed by post, you won't have a tracking number, but the DVLA aims to send your new photocard within 1 to 2 weeks of receiving your form.
If 2 weeks have passed since you renewed online and you haven't received your photocard, or 3 weeks have passed since you posted your form D798, contact the DVLA. Call 0300 790 6801 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm; Saturday, 8am to 4pm). Have your reference number or National Insurance number ready.
If your licence has expired and your renewal is delayed, you cannot drive. If you need to drive urgently — for work, for example — you may be able to request a temporary licence. Call the DVLA to discuss your situation.
Renewing a licence that's already expired
If your photocard licence has already expired, you can still renew it through the same online or postal process. There's no separate process or penalty fee — you straightforward renew as normal. However, you must not drive until your new licence arrives.
If you've been driving on an expired licence, you're breaking the law and could be fined up to £1,000. If you're stopped by police, you may also face prosecution. Renew as soon as possible to avoid this risk.
If your licence expired more than 10 years ago, the DVLA may treat it as a new process rather than a renewal. Contact them on 0300 790 6801 to confirm the process before you start.
Changing your name, address, or other details
If your name or address has changed since your licence was issued, you can update these details during renewal. Online renewal will ask you to confirm your current address. If it's different from the one on your licence, update it during the process.
If you've changed your name — through marriage, deed poll, or other means — you'll need to provide evidence. For marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For a deed poll, bring the deed poll document. If you're renewing by post, include a photocopy of the relevant document with your process.
If you need to change your address or name but your licence isn't due for renewal yet, you can explore for a replacement photocard instead. This costs £17.50 and takes the same time as renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my licence if it's been revoked or suspended?
No. If your licence has been revoked or suspended by the DVLA or a court, you cannot renew it through the standard process. You'll need to contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6801 to find out what steps you need to take to restore your licence — this may involve a medical assessment, a retest, or a court process.
What if I've lost my current photocard licence?
If you've lost your photocard, you can still renew online if you have a valid UK passport. The DVLA will issue a new photocard without needing to see the old one. If you're renewing by post, you'll need to declare that your licence is lost on form D798, but you can still proceed with the renewal.
Do I need to take a new driving test when I renew?
No. Renewal is not a retest. You only need to take a new test if the DVLA asks you to — for example, if you've had a serious medical event or if you've been convicted of a driving offence. The renewal process checks your health and your driving record, but not your driving ability.
How long is my new licence valid for?
A photocard driving licence is valid for 10 years from the date it's issued. When you renew, your new licence will be valid for 10 years from the date you receive it. The expiry date will be printed on the back of your photocard.
What if I'm renewing while abroad?
You can renew online from anywhere in the world if you have a valid UK passport. You cannot renew by post from abroad — you'll need to use the online service. If you don't have a UK passport and you're abroad, contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6801 to discuss your options.