When Does Your UK Driving Licence Need Renewing?
Your UK photocard driving licence does not last forever. Understanding when and why it needs renewing helps you avoid driving illegally and potential fines. The two most common renewal triggers are:
- Photo expiry: The photo on your photocard must be renewed every 10 years, even if you can still drive legally. Your licence expiry date is printed on the front of the card.
- Age-related renewal: Once you reach 70 years old, you must renew your licence every 3 years and self-declare your fitness to drive.
In both cases, driving with an expired photocard is technically an offence, so it's important to renew promptly.
How to Renew Your Driving Licence Online
The easiest way to renew is via the DVLA's online service on Gov.uk. You'll need:
- Your current photocard driving licence
- A valid UK passport (for your photo — DVLA uses your passport photo if you apply online)
- Your National Insurance number
- A debit or credit card
- Your address details
Renewing by Post
If you cannot renew online — for example, if you don't have a valid UK passport — you can renew by post using form D1, available from Post Offices. You'll need to include:
- A completed D1 form
- A passport-style photograph
- The applicable fee (if any)
- Your current photocard licence
Driving Licence Renewal Fees
| Renewal Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Photo renewal (online) | £14 |
| Photo renewal (by post) | £17 |
| Age 70+ renewal | Free |
| Medical renewal | Free |
Always check the current fee schedule on Gov.uk before applying, as fees are subject to change.
Updating Your Address on Your Driving Licence
Legally, you must tell the DVLA within 7 days of moving house. Failing to update your address is an offence and can result in a fine of up to £1,000. You can update your address free of charge via the DVLA online service — no new photo is required.
What If Your Licence Has Expired?
An expired photocard doesn't mean your driving entitlement has lapsed — provided you still meet medical requirements and haven't reached age 70. However, you should renew as soon as possible. The renewal process is the same whether your licence expired last week or several years ago.
Medical Conditions and Your Licence
If you have a notifiable medical condition, the DVLA may issue a short-period licence (typically 1, 2, or 3 years) instead of the standard photocard. When this expires, you'll need to reapply and may need to provide updated medical evidence.
How Long Does Renewal Take?
Online applications typically result in a new licence arriving within 1 week. Postal applications can take up to 3 weeks. Do not drive using an expired licence while waiting — your entitlement remains valid during this period, but you should ideally carry evidence that your renewal is in progress.
Key Reminders
- Check your licence expiry date now — it's printed on the front of the card
- Always renew through Gov.uk or via DVLA Post Office forms — not third-party services
- Update your address separately if you've moved
- Over-70s must renew every 3 years regardless of photo expiry