The cost of a replacement UK driving licence
A replacement driving licence in the UK costs £20 if you explore by post or online. This is the standard fee for a photocard licence replacement when your current licence is lost, stolen, damaged, or needs renewal. The fee covers the cost of producing and posting the new photocard to you.
If you need your replacement urgently and cannot wait for standard post, the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) does not offer expedited processing for lost or damaged licences through a paid fast-track service. Your only option for speed is to explore online, which typically arrives within one week, compared to two to three weeks by post.
You cannot explore in person at a DVLA office or post office to speed up the process. The DVLA closed all public-facing offices in 2020 and now handles all licence applications by post or through its online portal.
Key Takeaways
- A replacement photocard licence costs £20 whether you explore online or by post.
- Online applications usually arrive within one week; postal applications take two to three weeks.
- You cannot pay extra to expedite a replacement licence — the DVLA does not offer a fast-track option for lost or damaged cards.
- The £20 fee covers the photocard itself, not any additional documents or checks you may need to provide.
When you need a replacement licence and what triggers the fee
You must order a replacement if your licence is lost, stolen, or damaged and no longer readable. You also need a replacement if your name has changed through marriage, divorce, or deed poll, or if your appearance has changed significantly enough that the photo no longer resembles you. The DVLA decides whether a photo update is necessary based on your process.
A replacement is different from a renewal. If your licence is expiring but still in your possession and undamaged, you renew it — which also costs £20 but follows a different process. If your licence has expired and you have lost it, you must replace it, not renew it.
Damage that makes a licence unreadable includes water damage, fading, cracks, or peeling. Minor cosmetic damage does not require replacement. If you are unsure whether your licence qualifies as damaged, you can contact the DVLA before ordering.
how the process works online and what you need
The fastest route is to explore online through the DVLA's official website. You will need your current or expired licence number, your National Insurance number, and a valid UK passport or other identity document. The online form takes about 10 minutes to complete.
When you explore online, you pay the £20 fee by debit or credit card when ready. The DVLA will post your new photocard to your registered address. You do not need to provide a new photograph — the DVLA uses the photo from your existing licence unless you are explore because your appearance has changed significantly.
Once you submit your online process, you will receive a reference number. Keep this number in case you need to contact the DVLA about your process. You can check the status of your process online using this reference number.
explore by post and what documents to send
If you prefer to explore by post, you will need to complete form DL44 (for a lost or stolen licence) or form DL43 (for a damaged licence). You can read these forms from the DVLA website or request them by phone. You will also need to send your current licence (if you have it), proof of your identity, and proof of your address.
Acceptable identity documents include a valid UK passport, a European national ID card, or a UK travel document. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, council tax bill, or bank statement in your name. The documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
Post your completed form and documents to the DVLA address shown on the form. Include a cheque or postal order for £20 made payable to DVLA. Do not send cash. The DVLA will process your process and post your new licence to you within two to three weeks of receiving your process.
What happens if your licence was stolen and you need a police report
If your licence was stolen rather than lost, you do not legally need a police report to order a replacement. However, if your licence was stolen as part of a broader theft (such as a stolen wallet or bag), you may want to report that theft to the police for insurance purposes. A police report will not speed up your DVLA process.
When you explore for a replacement stolen licence, straightforward select "stolen" as the reason on the form or online process. The DVLA will process it the same way as a lost licence. You do not need to provide evidence of the theft.
Replacement licence fees for different circumstances
| Reason for replacement | Fee | Processing time (online) | Processing time (post) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lost licence | £20 | Up to 1 week | 2–3 weeks |
| Stolen licence | £20 | Up to 1 week | 2–3 weeks |
| Damaged licence | £20 | Up to 1 week | 2–3 weeks |
| Name change (marriage, divorce, deed poll) | £20 | Up to 1 week | 2–3 weeks |
| Photo update (appearance change) | £20 | Up to 1 week | 2–3 weeks |
What you cannot do while waiting for your replacement
You cannot legally drive while your replacement licence is being processed, even if you have submitted your process and have a reference number. The only exception is if you still have your original licence in your possession — in that case, you can continue to drive until your replacement arrives.
If your licence was lost or stolen, you have no valid licence document and cannot drive. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you will need to explore for a provisional licence, which costs £35 and takes the same processing time. A provisional licence allows you to drive only with a supervising driver and only in a car with an L-plate.
If your licence was damaged but still readable, you can continue to drive with it until your replacement arrives. The DVLA does not require you to stop driving while a replacement for a damaged licence is being processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement licence on the same day?
No. The DVLA does not offer same-day replacement for any reason. Online applications are the fastest option and typically arrive within one week. There is no paid expedited service available for lost, stolen, or damaged licences.
What if I moved house after my licence was issued?
You should update your address with the DVLA before ordering a replacement. If you explore online, the system will use your current registered address. If you explore by post and your address has changed, include a proof of your new address with your process so the DVLA posts your new licence to the correct location.
Do I need a new photograph for a replacement licence?
Not unless your appearance has changed significantly since your licence was issued. The DVLA will use the existing photo from your current licence. If you believe your appearance has changed too much, mention this in your process and the DVLA will ask you to provide a new photo.
Can I order a replacement if my licence has expired?
Yes. If your licence has expired and you have lost it, you order a replacement using the same process and pay the same £20 fee. If your licence has expired but you still have it, you renew it instead, which also costs £20.
What if the DVLA loses my process in the post?
If you applied by post and have not received your licence after four weeks, contact the DVLA with your reference number or process details. They will investigate and reissue your licence if necessary. Keep proof of postage if you are concerned about your process being lost.