How to report a lost or stolen UK driving licence
If your UK driving licence is lost or stolen, you need to report it to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) and request a replacement. The DVLA is the government body that issues and manages all UK driving licences. You cannot legally drive on a lost licence, even if you know where it is — you must have the physical card in your possession or a valid temporary replacement.
The fastest way to report a lost licence and order a replacement is online through the DVLA's official website. You will need your National Insurance number, postcode, and the licence number itself (if you remember it — the DVLA can look this up if you cannot). The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs £20 as of 2024, though fees can change. A replacement licence usually arrives within one week.
If you cannot use the online service, you can report your lost licence by post or phone, but these routes take longer. The postal route requires you to complete a paper form (D202), include a new photograph, and send it with your fee — this typically takes two to three weeks. The phone line is slower still and mainly for people who cannot access online services.
Key Takeaways
- Report a lost or stolen UK driving licence to the DVLA as soon as you notice it is missing, because you cannot legally drive without it.
- The online reporting route through the DVLA website is fastest and costs £20, with a replacement arriving in about one week.
- You will need your National Insurance number, postcode, and licence number (or the DVLA can find it for you) to report online.
- If your licence was stolen, you can ask the DVLA to flag it on their system so it cannot be misused by someone else.
- A replacement photocard licence is valid for the same period as your original — you do not get a new expiry date unless your original was about to expire.
Reporting online through the DVLA website
The DVLA's online service is the quickest and most straightforward route. Go to the DVLA's official website and select the option to report a lost or stolen licence. You will be asked to enter your National Insurance number, postcode, and driving licence number. If you do not have your licence number, the DVLA can search for it using your name, date of birth, and postcode instead.
Once you have reported the licence, you will when ready be asked to order a replacement. You can do this in the same session. You will need to upload a digital photograph that meets the DVLA's standards — it must be a recent colour photo, taken against a plain background, with your face clearly visible and no glasses or head coverings (unless for religious reasons). Many people use a photo taken on a smartphone, as long as it meets these rules.
After you submit your order online, you will receive a confirmation email. The replacement licence is posted to your registered address and usually arrives within five to seven working days. You can drive legally while waiting for it to arrive, as long as you have the confirmation email with you — though it is safer to carry a printed copy.
Reporting by post if you cannot go online
If you do not have internet access or prefer to report by post, you will need to complete form D202 (process for a Replacement Driving Licence). You can read this from the DVLA website or request a copy by phone. The form asks for your personal details, licence number, and the reason the licence is lost or stolen.
You must also include a new photograph with your postal process — the same standards explore as for online applications. Include a cheque or postal order for £20 made payable to "DVLA". Send the completed form, photograph, and payment to the DVLA address shown on the form. Postal applications typically take two to three weeks to process, longer if the DVLA needs to contact you for more information.
Keep a record of when you post your process. If you do not receive your replacement licence within four weeks, contact the DVLA to check on progress. Do not drive during this period unless you have a valid reason to believe your original licence is still safe — if it is genuinely lost or stolen, you are not legally permitted to drive.
What to do if your licence was stolen, not just lost
If your licence was stolen rather than lost, tell the DVLA when you report it. You can ask them to flag your licence number on their system. This means that if someone tries to use your stolen licence (for example, to rent a car or as proof of identity), the DVLA's records will show it as invalid. This does not prevent the theft, but it does create a record that may help if the licence is later used fraudulently.
You should also consider reporting the theft to the police, particularly if you believe it was stolen as part of a larger crime (such as a bag theft or burglary). The police report gives you a crime reference number, which you can provide to the DVLA and to your insurance company. Some insurers want to know about thefts because they affect your claim history.
If your licence was in a stolen wallet or bag along with other documents, you may also want to contact your bank and other organisations that hold your personal details, in case the thief tries to use your identity for fraud. The DVLA itself will not use your stolen licence to commit fraud, but a criminal might.
Driving while you wait for your replacement
The rules about driving while your replacement is on the way depend on how you reported the loss. If you reported online and have a confirmation email, you can legally drive while waiting for your new photocard to arrive — the email serves as proof that you have reported the loss and ordered a replacement. Print the email or keep it on your phone to show a police officer if you are stopped.
If you reported by post, you cannot legally drive until your replacement licence arrives, because there is no official record that you have ordered one. This is one reason the online route is preferable — it lets you continue driving when ready while the new licence is being printed and posted.
In both cases, you must still obey all other driving rules. Your driving record, insurance status, and any restrictions on your licence (such as wearing glasses) remain the same. If your original licence had restrictions, your replacement will too.
Replacement fees and what they cover
A replacement driving licence costs £20 as of 2024. This fee covers the cost of producing and posting the new photocard to you. The fee is the same whether you report online or by post, and whether your licence was lost or stolen.
The replacement licence is valid for the same period as your original. If your original licence was due to expire in three years, your replacement will also expire in three years from the date it is issued — you do not get a fresh ten-year validity period. The only exception is if your original licence was very close to expiry (within a few months). In that case, the DVLA may issue a replacement with a longer validity period, but this is not automatic.
If you have lost your licence multiple times, the DVLA may eventually ask you to attend a local office to collect your replacement in person rather than posting it. This is rare and usually only happens after three or more losses in a short period.
Checking your licence details before reporting
Before you report your lost licence, try to gather as much information about it as you can. Your licence number is printed on the photocard itself, but if you do not have it, you can find it on your counterpart (the paper part of your licence, if you still have it). The counterpart is not a legal requirement to carry while driving, but it is useful to keep at home for reference.
If you have neither the photocard nor the counterpart, the DVLA can still find your licence number using your name, date of birth, and postcode. This takes a little longer but is not a problem. You can also check your DVLA records online if you have set up a login on the DVLA website — this shows your current licence details and expiry date.
Having your licence number ready speeds up the online reporting process, but it is not essential. Do not delay reporting a lost licence while you search for the number — report it as soon as you notice it is missing, and provide the number when you can find it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a car if my licence is lost but I have reported it to the DVLA?
Yes, if you reported online and have a confirmation email. Print the email or keep it on your phone as proof. If you reported by post, you cannot legally drive until your replacement arrives. This is why the online route is recommended — it lets you continue driving when ready.
How long does it take to get a replacement licence?
Online replacements usually arrive within five to seven working days. Postal applications take two to three weeks. Both timescales assume the DVLA does not need to contact you for more information. If you are in a hurry, the online route is significantly faster.
What if I find my lost licence after I have reported it?
If you find your original licence after reporting it lost, you can still use your replacement when it arrives. You do not need to cancel the replacement or return the original. Keep both safe — if you lose one again in future, you will have a record of previous losses with the DVLA.
Do I need a new photograph for my replacement licence?
Yes, you must provide a new photograph with your replacement process, whether you report online or by post. The photograph must meet the DVLA's standards: recent, colour, plain background, face clearly visible, no glasses or head coverings (except for religious reasons).
What happens if someone uses my stolen licence?
If you report your licence as stolen, the DVLA will flag it on their system. This means it will show as invalid if someone tries to use it. You should also report the theft to the police and provide them with the crime reference number. Keep records of any fraudulent use and report it to your bank or the organisation affected.