Renewing your driving license

With so much life admin to stay on top of these days, it’s no surprise if you’ve been putting off how to renew your driving license. However, the good news is that it’s now very straightforward to do this online – and probably a lot quicker than you first thought. Below you will find an easy-to-follow guide about how to renew a driving license in the UK.

When to renew a driving license

Whether you hold a full or provisional UK driving license issued by the DVLA, the law requires you to renew it every ten years (you’ll receive a reminder before your current license ends). If you are over 70 years old, a renewal is required every three years. You should also change your address if you move (which you can do for free), otherwise, you might face a £1000 penalty.

How the license renewal process works

You can renew your driving license by applying and filling in details on GOV.UK. As per the government’s official guidelines, you will need the following:

• -a valid UK passport
• -a UK resident address (Northern Ireland uses a different service)
• -£14 to be paid by Mastercard, Visa, Electron, or Delta debit or credit card (although there is no fee if you are over 70 or have a medical short-period license)
• -your addresses for the last three years
• -your current driving license
• -your National Insurance number
• -to not be disqualified from driving

The quickest and cheapest way to apply is online. Alternatively, you can apply at a Post Office for £21.50 or get a ‘D1 pack’ of forms from a Post Office to post for £17.

How much are driving licenses

Renewing a driving license costs £14 unless you are over 70 or exempt. It is more expensive applying via post. It costs nothing to change your address.

How long does it take to renew a driving license

It should take a week to receive your new driving license if applying online. It takes up to three weeks if you apply by post. You can drive your car using your current license while waiting for the new license to arrive.

If you have any further questions, you can look at the GOV/UK website or contact the DVLA.