Losing your driving licence can be stressful, particularly if you need proof of your driving entitlement for work, vehicle hire, insurance or other everyday situations. Fortunately, replacing a lost driving licence in Great Britain is a straightforward process when you use the correct DVLA service.
If your photocard driving licence has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, you can apply for a replacement. The current DVLA replacement fee is £20, and GOV.UK states that a replacement licence applied for online should normally arrive within one week.
This comprehensive guide explains what to do when you have a lost driving licence, how to replace it online, what it costs, how long it takes, what to do if it was stolen and what happens if you find your old licence later.
For more information about UK driving licences, DVLA services and licence checks, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence.
Important: This article covers Great Britain — England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland operates a separate driving licence system.
What Should You Do If You Have a Lost Driving Licence?
If you discover that your driving licence is missing, the first step is to determine whether it has simply been misplaced or whether you believe it has been stolen.
For a lost driving licence, you should apply for a replacement through DVLA. The replacement service covers:
- Full driving licences
- Provisional driving licences
- Lost licences
- Stolen licences
- Damaged licences
- Destroyed licences
The current replacement cost is £20.
If you are unsure which type of application you need, our driving licence application guide provides information about different UK driving licence applications.
How to Replace a Lost Driving Licence
For most eligible drivers, the easiest solution is to apply online.
The basic process is:
- Confirm that your driving licence is lost.
- Access the official DVLA replacement service.
- Sign in or create the required account.
- Provide the requested information.
- Complete the replacement application.
- Pay the £20 fee.
- Submit the application.
- Keep your confirmation email.
- Wait for your replacement licence to arrive.
DVLA confirms that the online replacement service can be used to replace both full and provisional driving licences.
If you want to understand more about checking your licence details, read our DVLA licence check guide.
Can I Replace a Lost Driving Licence Online?
Yes. If your licence was issued in Great Britain and you meet the requirements, you can use the online DVLA service to replace a lost driving licence.
You need to sign in to use the online service. If you do not already have sign-in details, the service allows you to create them. DVLA may also require you to prove your identity to protect your personal information.
The online option is particularly convenient because you do not normally need to complete and post a paper application.
If you are looking for information about submitting applications online, see our driving licence online application guide.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Lost Driving Licence?
The current fee for replacing a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed GB driving licence is £20.
This applies to replacement applications where the existing licence is no longer available because it has been:
- Lost
- Stolen
- Damaged
- Destroyed
- Defaced
It is important not to confuse this with the cost of applying for a first provisional licence.
For example, the current online fee for a first provisional car, motorcycle or moped licence is £34.
Therefore:
| Type of application | Current fee |
|---|---|
| Replace lost licence | £20 |
| Replace stolen licence | £20 |
| Replace damaged licence | £20 |
| Replace destroyed licence | £20 |
| First provisional licence online | £34 |
Fees can change, so check the current official DVLA information before making a payment.
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Lost Driving Licence?
One of the most common questions people ask after losing their licence is how quickly they will receive a replacement.
According to GOV.UK, if you apply online, your replacement driving licence should arrive within one week.
However, this is a normal expected timeframe rather than an absolute guarantee. Applications that require additional checks may take longer.
If you apply by post, GOV.UK says your replacement licence should arrive in approximately three weeks, although it can take longer where medical or personal details need to be checked.
Online vs postal replacement
| Application method | Expected timeframe |
|---|---|
| Online | Normally within 1 week |
| By post | Normally around 3 weeks |
For convenience and speed, eligible applicants will generally find the online route preferable.
What If Your Driving Licence Was Stolen?
A stolen driving licence requires slightly different action from simply losing your licence.
If you believe your licence has been stolen, GOV.UK advises you to contact the police.
You can then apply for a replacement licence through the appropriate DVLA service.
The replacement fee is currently £20, the same as for a licence that has simply been lost.
If you are researching the difference between lost and stolen documents, our lost driving licence UK application guide provides additional information.
Can You Replace a Lost Provisional Driving Licence?
Yes.
The DVLA replacement service covers both full driving licences and provisional driving licences.
This is particularly important for learner drivers who have lost their provisional licence while taking lessons or preparing for their theory and practical tests.
If you have never had a provisional licence before, however, you need to make a first provisional licence application instead of a replacement application.
Read our guide to apply for provisional driving licence for more information.
What Information Do You Need to Replace a Lost Driving Licence?
Before starting your application, have your personal information available.
The exact information requested depends on your circumstances, but the DVLA service may require you to verify information relating to your identity and driving licence.
You should make sure that:
- Your name is correct
- Your date of birth is correct
- Your address is current
- Your identity information is accurate
- Your payment details are available
The online service will tell you what information is required as you proceed.
If you have changed your details since your licence was issued, pay particular attention to the type of application you are making.
What If You Have Changed Your Address?
A lost driving licence and a change of address are separate issues.
If you have moved house, you should ensure that DVLA has your current address.
Changing the address on a photocard driving licence is currently free.
If you have both lost your licence and moved address, make sure you provide the correct current information when completing the appropriate DVLA transaction.
You can learn more about your licence information through our driving licence status guide.
What If Your Name Has Changed?
If your name has changed since your licence was issued, you may need to follow a different DVLA process.
Do not automatically assume that a standard lost-licence replacement application is sufficient to update your name.
GOV.UK provides separate guidance for changing your name on a driving licence. If you cannot provide your old licence because it has been lost, stolen or destroyed, you can still apply, but the relevant process and fee may apply.
Can You Replace a Lost Licence by Post?
Yes.
If you cannot or do not want to use the online service, you can apply by post.
For a car or motorcycle licence, GOV.UK says to complete the D1 Application for a driving licence form.
For a lorry or bus licence, you generally need the D2 Application for a driving licence form.
D1 and D2 forms are available from most Post Offices.
Postal applications generally take longer than online applications.
Can You Replace a Lost Driving Licence by Phone?
In certain circumstances, yes.
GOV.UK says you can apply by phone if:
- You have a photocard driving licence
- None of your details have changed
You cannot use the phone service if your licence is damaged or if it expires within the specified period.
If your situation is straightforward, the online service may be more convenient.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once you successfully submit your online application, DVLA will send you a confirmation email.
Keep this confirmation until your replacement licence arrives.
If you have applied online and need to monitor the application, the Driver and Vehicles Account can be used for various DVLA services. GOV.UK says the account can also be used to replace a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed licence, view your driving record and manage other licence services.
You can also read our check driving record guide for more information about driving records.
Can You Check Your Driving Licence Information Online?
Yes.
If your licence was issued in England, Wales or Scotland, GOV.UK provides a service that allows you to view or share driving licence information. You can use it to view your driving record, check penalty points or disqualifications and create a licence check code.
You normally need:
- Your driving licence number
- National Insurance number
- The postcode on your licence
If you have lost your physical photocard, some services may require information that you no longer have immediately available.
For more information, visit our check driving licence online guide.
What Is a DVLA Licence Check Code?
A licence check code allows you to share your driving record with another person or organisation, such as a car hire company.
According to GOV.UK, a check code is valid for 21 days.
This can be useful if you need to demonstrate your driving entitlement but do not have the physical photocard immediately available.
Read our DVLA driving licence check guide for additional information.
What If You Find Your Lost Driving Licence?
This is an important situation to understand.
Suppose you lose your licence, submit a replacement application and then discover the original licence in a drawer, bag or vehicle.
You should not simply start using the old licence again.
GOV.UK states that if you find your old licence after applying for or receiving a replacement, you must return the old licence to DVLA and explain what happened.
This prevents confusion between the old and replacement documents.
Do You Need to Carry Your Driving Licence While Driving?
The physical photocard is important documentation, but losing the physical card does not necessarily mean that your underlying driving entitlement has disappeared.
A 2025 GOV.UK service assessment explains that drivers are not legally required to carry their physical driving licence whenever they drive, but they must have been issued a valid licence for the category of vehicle they drive.
Nevertheless, if your licence is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, you should obtain a replacement so your documentation is current and available when required.
Lost Driving Licence and Driving Abroad
If you are planning to travel abroad, losing your physical driving licence can create additional complications.
Car rental companies and other organisations may have their own requirements for verifying driving entitlement.
If you need to demonstrate your driving record, GOV.UK provides a service for viewing or sharing your driving licence information and generating a licence check code.
However, requirements vary between countries and rental companies, so check the requirements before travelling.
Common Lost Driving Licence Mistakes
1. Applying for a First Licence
If you have already held a licence, do not submit a first provisional licence application simply because you lost your existing licence.
You normally need a replacement licence.
2. Ignoring a Stolen Licence
If your licence was stolen, GOV.UK advises contacting the police.
3. Entering Old Address Details
If you have moved, make sure you deal correctly with the address change.
4. Paying the Wrong Fee
The current replacement fee for a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed licence is £20.
5. Using an Unofficial Website to Submit Your Application
Be careful when searching online for phrases such as “lost driving licence” or “replace lost driving licence.”
Independent websites can provide useful information, but when you are ready to submit an actual application, use the official GOV.UK/DVLA service.
ukdvladrivinglicence.com is an independent informational website and should not be presented as DVLA or GOV.UK.
Lost Driving Licence Checklist
If you have a lost driving licence, use this checklist:
Step 1 — Confirm the Licence Is Missing
Search your home, vehicle, workplace, bags and other places where you may have left it.
Step 2 — Determine Whether It Was Stolen
If you believe it was stolen, contact the police as advised by GOV.UK.
Step 3 — Check Your Details
Make sure your name and address information are current.
Step 4 — Apply for a Replacement
Use the official DVLA replacement service.
Step 5 — Pay the Fee
The current replacement fee is £20.
Step 6 — Keep Your Confirmation
Save the confirmation email after submitting your application.
Step 7 — Wait for Your Replacement
Online applications should normally arrive within one week.
Step 8 — Check Your New Licence
When it arrives, check the details carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Lost Driving Licence
What should I do if I have a lost driving licence?
If your GB driving licence has been lost, you should apply for a replacement through the official DVLA service. The current replacement fee is £20.
How much does it cost to replace a lost driving licence?
The current fee is £20 for replacing a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed GB driving licence.
Can I replace my lost driving licence online?
Yes. Eligible drivers can apply online through the GOV.UK replacement service.
How long does a replacement driving licence take?
GOV.UK states that an online replacement should normally arrive within one week.
Can I replace a lost provisional driving licence?
Yes. The online replacement service covers both full and provisional driving licences.
What if my driving licence was stolen?
Contact the police if your driving licence was stolen, then apply for a replacement through DVLA.
Can I apply for a replacement licence by post?
Yes. Car and motorcycle licence applicants can generally use the D1 form, while lorry and bus licence applicants use D2.
Can I apply by phone?
You may be able to apply by phone if you have a photocard licence and none of your details have changed.
What happens if I find my old licence?
Return it to DVLA and explain what happened if you find it after applying for or receiving a replacement.
Can I check my driving record without my physical licence?
GOV.UK provides online services for viewing or sharing driving licence information, although the service may require your licence number, National Insurance number and postcode.
Final Thoughts on a Lost Driving Licence
Having a lost driving licence is inconvenient, but replacing it is generally straightforward for eligible drivers in Great Britain.
The most important points to remember are:
- A lost licence should be replaced.
- The current replacement fee is £20.
- You can generally apply online.
- An online replacement should normally arrive within one week.
- If your licence was stolen, contact the police.
- If you find the old licence after applying for a replacement, return it to DVLA.
- Make sure your personal and address details are accurate.
- Use the official GOV.UK service when submitting the actual replacement application.
For additional information about UK driving licences, DVLA licence checks, driving licence applications, licence status, driving records and provisional licences, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence.