You can renew your UK driving licence online, by post, or in person at a Post Office, depending on your situation and how quickly you need it back

The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) handles all UK driving licence renewals. Most people renew online through the official GOV.UK website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs £20. If you cannot renew online — because your licence is lost, damaged, or you need to update your photo — you will use the paper form instead and post it to DVLA with supporting documents.

Your licence expires on your birthday every 10 years (or every 3 years if you are over 70). You can start renewing up to 9 months before the expiry date. The DVLA aims to send you a new licence within one week of receiving your process, though it can take longer during busy periods.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through GOV.UK takes 10 minutes, costs £20, and works only if your licence is not lost or damaged and your photo is still acceptable.
  • You will need your National Insurance number, passport details or UK address history, and a valid payment method to renew online.
  • Paper renewal by post takes 4 to 6 weeks and requires the paper form D1, your current licence, and a new passport-style photo if your old one is over 10 years old.
  • If you are over 70, you must renew every 3 years instead of 10, and you cannot renew online — you must use the paper form and include a medical declaration.
  • You can drive while your renewal is being processed as long as you applied before your licence expired.

Renewing online through GOV.UK

Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if your licence is in good condition and your photo is still acceptable. Go to GOV.UK, search for "renew your driving licence", and click the official DVLA page. You will need your driving licence number (on the front of your card), your National Insurance number, and either a UK passport or proof of your UK address for the past 3 years.

The system will ask you to confirm your personal details, check that your photo is still acceptable (usually yes if it is less than 10 years old), and choose how you want to receive your new licence. You can have it posted to your current address or to a different address if you have moved. Payment is by debit or credit card only — you cannot pay by cheque or bank transfer online.

Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation email. The DVLA will post your new licence to the address you gave. You can drive legally while you wait because your old licence remains valid until the new one arrives. If you do not receive your new licence within 2 weeks, you can contact DVLA to check the status.

Renewing by post if you cannot use the online service

You must renew by post if your licence is lost, stolen, or damaged; if you need to change your photo; if you are over 70; or if you do not have a UK passport or 3 years of UK address history. read or request the paper form D1 from GOV.UK, or call DVLA on 0300 790 6801 to have one posted to you.

Fill in the form completely and gather your supporting documents: your current driving licence (if you still have it), a new passport-style photo if your old one is over 10 years old, and proof of your name and address if you have changed either since your licence was issued. If you are over 70, you must also include a completed medical declaration form (form D4) signed by your GP.

Post everything to DVLA at the address shown on the form. Do not use a PO Box — send it to the main DVLA office in Swansea. Include a cheque or postal order for £20 made payable to DVLA, or pay online before you post and write your payment reference on the form. The DVLA will send your new licence within 4 to 6 weeks, though it can take longer during peak times.

Renewing in person at a Post Office

Some Post Offices offer a Post Office Renew service for driving licences. You book an appointment, bring your current licence and a new passport-style photo, and the Post Office staff submit your process on your behalf. This costs £20.70 (the extra 70p is the Post Office fee) and takes about 10 minutes.

Not every Post Office offers this service — search for "Post Office Renew" on the Post Office website and enter your postcode to find branches near you that do. You will receive a receipt, and your new licence will be posted to you within 7 to 10 working days. This option is useful if you prefer to hand over your documents in person or if you do not have online access at home.

What to do if you are over 70

Drivers aged 70 and over must renew their licence every 3 years instead of every 10. You cannot renew online — you must use the paper form D1 and post it to DVLA with a completed medical declaration form (D4) signed by your GP.

Your GP will ask you standard questions about your health, eyesight, and any conditions that might affect your driving. There is no charge for this declaration, though your GP practice may ask for a small fee (usually £10 to £20). Once your GP has signed the form, post both the D1 and D4 to DVLA with your current licence and a new photo if needed. The process takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Paying for your renewal

Renewal costs £20 regardless of which method you use, except at a Post Office where it costs £20.70. Online, you pay by debit or credit card at the time of process. By post, you can pay by cheque or postal order (made payable to DVLA) included with your form, or you can pay online first and write your payment reference on the form.

If you are renewing at a Post Office, you pay the Post Office staff directly by card, cash, or cheque. There is no refund if you change your mind after paying, so make sure your details are correct before you submit.

What happens if your licence expires before you renew

You can drive legally while your renewal is being processed as long as you applied before your licence expired. Carry your old licence and your confirmation email (if you renewed online) or your receipt (if you renewed by post or at a Post Office) as proof that you have applied.

If your licence has already expired and you have not yet applied, you cannot drive until your new licence arrives. explore when ready by post or at a Post Office — online renewal is not available once your licence has expired. If you drive without a valid licence, you can be fined up to £1,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my licence before the 9-month window?

No. The DVLA system will not accept a renewal process more than 9 months before your expiry date. If your licence expires soon and you need to renew early for another reason (such as a name change), contact DVLA directly on 0300 790 6801 to discuss your options.

What if my photo is over 10 years old?

If you renew online, the system will ask you to confirm your photo is still acceptable. If it is over 10 years old, you will need to renew by post or at a Post Office and provide a new passport-style photo. The photo must be in colour, taken within the last 6 months, and meet the UK passport photo standard.

How long does it take to receive my new licence?

Online and Post Office renewals usually arrive within 7 to 10 working days. Paper renewals by post take 4 to 6 weeks. During busy periods (such as after a holiday or at the start of the year), it can take longer. You can drive while you wait as long as you applied before your licence expired.

What if I have changed my name since my licence was issued?

You must renew by post or at a Post Office and provide proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate or deed poll). Include this document with your process. Online renewal will not work because the system cannot update your name without supporting evidence.

Can I renew my licence if I live abroad?

If you live outside the UK, you cannot renew online or at a Post Office. You must use the paper form D1 and post it to DVLA with your current licence and a new photo. You can also explore in person at a UK Post Office if you are visiting the UK. Contact DVLA on 0300 790 6801 for information on your specific situation.