If your driving licence has been lost, stolen, damaged, defaced or destroyed, you may be wondering how to get a replacement driving licence without having to go through the entire licensing process again.
The good news is that replacing an existing Great Britain driving licence is generally straightforward. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) provides an online service for replacing eligible full and provisional driving licences. The current fee for replacing a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed licence is £20, and GOV.UK says an online replacement should normally arrive within one week.
This guide explains how to get a replacement driving licence, including the online application process, costs, processing times, postal applications, stolen licences and what to do if you find your old licence later.
For more information about UK driving licences and DVLA-related services, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence.
Important: The information below applies to Great Britain — England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has a separate driving licence system.
What Is a Replacement Driving Licence?
A replacement driving licence is issued when your existing licence is no longer available or usable.
You may need to replace your licence if it has been:
- Lost
- Stolen
- Damaged
- Defaced
- Destroyed
DVLA’s online replacement service covers both full driving licences and provisional driving licences.
A replacement licence is different from applying for your first driving licence or renewing an expired licence. If you have never held a provisional licence before, for example, you need to make a first provisional licence application.
You can learn more about the wider process in our driving licence application guide.
How to Get a Replacement Driving Licence Online
For eligible drivers, applying online is usually the most convenient way to replace a driving licence.
The basic process is:
- Access the official DVLA replacement service.
- Sign in to your DVLA account.
- Provide the requested information.
- Confirm your personal details.
- Pay the £20 replacement fee.
- Submit the application.
- Keep your confirmation email.
- Wait for your replacement licence to arrive.
GOV.UK states that you must sign in to use the online replacement service. If you do not have sign-in details, you can create them. DVLA will tell you if you need to prove your identity.
For related information, see our driving licence online application guide.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Replacement Driving Licence
Step 1: Check Whether Your Licence Is Actually Lost
Before applying for a replacement, take some time to search for your original licence.
Check:
- Your wallet or purse
- Your car
- Your home
- Your office
- Handbags and backpacks
- Travel bags
- Recent locations where you used your identification
If you cannot find it after a thorough search, you can proceed with the replacement process.
If you specifically need information about a missing licence, visit our lost driving licence UK guide.
Step 2: Determine Whether Your Licence Was Stolen
There is an important difference between losing your licence and having it stolen.
If you believe somebody has stolen your driving licence, GOV.UK advises you to contact the police.
You can then apply to DVLA for a replacement.
The replacement fee remains £20.
Step 3: Check Your Personal Details
Before submitting your application, consider whether your information has changed since your previous licence was issued.
For example:
- Have you changed your address?
- Has your name changed?
- Has your photograph changed?
- Are there any other details that need updating?
If your address has changed, you should notify DVLA. Changing the address on a photocard licence is normally free, but if the licence is also lost, the replacement process and £20 fee apply.
Our driving licence status guide can also help you understand how to check your licence information.
Step 4: Sign In to the DVLA Service
Once you have confirmed that you need a replacement, sign in to the official DVLA online service.
You will need to follow the instructions provided and enter the information requested.
If DVLA needs additional identity verification, you will be told during the process.
Step 5: Complete Your Application
Enter your information carefully.
Before submitting your application, check:
- Your name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Licence details
- Other information requested by DVLA
Providing accurate information can help prevent unnecessary delays.
Step 6: Pay the Replacement Driving Licence Fee
The current fee for replacing a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed Great Britain driving licence is £20.
The fee is the same regardless of whether the licence was lost, stolen, damaged, defaced or destroyed.
Step 7: Submit the Application
After checking your details and making payment, submit your application.
DVLA will send a confirmation email once your online application has been submitted.
Keep this confirmation until your replacement licence arrives.
Step 8: Wait for Your New Licence
GOV.UK states that your replacement driving licence should arrive within one week if you apply online.
Postal applications generally take longer.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Replacement Driving Licence?
The current DVLA fee for replacing a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed licence is £20.
Here is a useful comparison:
| DVLA service | Current fee |
|---|---|
| Replace lost driving licence | £20 |
| Replace stolen driving licence | £20 |
| Replace damaged driving licence | £20 |
| Replace destroyed driving licence | £20 |
| First provisional licence online | £34 |
| Renew an expired licence online | £14 |
Fees can change, so always check the latest GOV.UK information before applying.
If you need your first provisional licence rather than a replacement, read our provisional driving licence UK guide.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Replacement Driving Licence?
Processing time depends on how you apply and whether DVLA needs additional information.
Online applications
An online replacement should normally arrive within one week.
Postal applications
A replacement applied for by post should generally arrive within three weeks. DVLA says it can take longer if your medical or personal details need to be checked.
Therefore, if you are eligible for the online service, applying online is usually the more convenient option.
Can You Get a Replacement Provisional Driving Licence?
Yes.
The DVLA replacement service covers both:
- Full driving licences
- Provisional driving licences
This is particularly useful for learner drivers who have lost their provisional licence while taking driving lessons or preparing for their theory or practical test.
However, if you have never held a provisional licence, you need to apply for your first provisional driving licence instead.
See our first provisional driving licence guide for more information.
How to Get a Replacement Driving Licence If It Was Stolen
If your licence has been stolen, the first step is to contact the police.
After dealing with the theft, you can apply for a replacement through DVLA.
The replacement fee is currently £20.
It is advisable to deal with a stolen licence promptly because the photocard contains personal information.
For additional information, read our guide to replace lost driving licence.
How to Get a Replacement Driving Licence If It Is Damaged
If your driving licence has been damaged or defaced, you can apply for a replacement.
Damage could include:
- Cracks
- Severe scratches
- Water damage
- Broken plastic
- Unreadable information
- Damage to the photograph
- Other significant physical damage
A replacement costs £20.
Can You Replace a Destroyed Driving Licence?
Yes.
DVLA’s replacement service covers licences that have been destroyed as well as those that have been lost, stolen or damaged.
The current replacement fee is £20.
How to Get a Replacement Driving Licence by Post
If you cannot use the online service, you can apply by post.
For a car or motorcycle licence, you generally need form D1.
For a lorry or bus licence, you generally need form D2.
D1 and D2 forms are available from most Post Offices.
You will need to send your completed application to the address provided on the form, along with the appropriate fee and any required documentation.
DVLA says a postal replacement should arrive in around three weeks, although additional checks may take longer.
Can You Apply for a Replacement Driving Licence by Phone?
In some circumstances, yes.
You can apply by phone if:
- You have a photocard driving licence.
- None of your details have changed.
However, DVLA states that you cannot apply by phone if your licence is damaged or if it expires in less than 56 days, or less than 90 days where it is expiring for medical reasons.
If you meet the requirements, the telephone service provides another way to request a replacement.
What Information Do You Need?
The exact information required can vary depending on your circumstances.
It is useful to have the following available:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Driving licence details, if known
- Other information requested by DVLA
- Payment details
If your name has changed, additional documentation may be required.
GOV.UK confirms that you can still apply if your old licence has been lost, stolen or destroyed, although you will need to explain what happened.
What If Your Address Has Changed?
If you have moved house since your previous licence was issued, make sure DVLA has your current address.
Changing your address on a photocard licence is normally free. However, if your licence has also been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, the £20 replacement fee applies.
For more information, see our check licence status guide.
Can You Check Your Driving Licence Online?
Yes.
DVLA provides online services that allow drivers to access information relating to their driving licence and record.
This can be useful if you have lost the physical card and need to check your driving information.
For more information, read our check driving licence online guide.
Can You Check Your Driving Record Without the Physical Licence?
You may still be able to access your driving record through DVLA’s online services.
Depending on the service, drivers can access information relating to their driving entitlement and record.
This can be particularly useful while waiting for a replacement card.
Read our check driving record guide for more information.
What Is a DVLA Licence Check?
A DVLA licence check allows relevant driving information to be accessed or verified.
Depending on the particular DVLA service, information may include details about your driving entitlement and record.
You can learn more by reading our DVLA licence check guide.
What Is a Driving Licence Check Code?
A driving licence check code allows you to share relevant driving-record information with another person or organisation.
For example, you may need to provide a check code when hiring a vehicle.
If you are researching this topic, see our driving licence check UK guide.
What Happens After You Apply?
After submitting an online application, DVLA will send a confirmation email.
If the application is straightforward, your new licence should arrive within approximately one week.
When it arrives, check the information carefully.
Check:
- Your name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Photograph
- Driving categories
- Licence dates
If you find an error, contact DVLA through the appropriate official service.
What If You Find Your Old Driving Licence?
Sometimes a driver finds their original licence after applying for a replacement.
If this happens, do not simply keep both licences.
GOV.UK states that you must return your old licence to DVLA and explain what happened if you find it after applying for or receiving a replacement.
This helps ensure that your licence record remains accurate.
Replacement Driving Licence vs Renewal
A replacement driving licence and a licence renewal are different transactions.
Replacement
You need a replacement if your licence has been:
- Lost
- Stolen
- Damaged
- Defaced
- Destroyed
Current fee: £20.
Renewal
You generally renew when your photocard licence is approaching or has reached its expiry date.
The current online fee for renewing an expired driving licence is £14.
Therefore, if your licence is simply missing, use the replacement service rather than the renewal service.
How to Get a Replacement Driving Licence: Quick Checklist
Before applying, use this checklist:
- Search carefully for your original licence.
- Determine whether it was lost or stolen.
- Contact the police if you believe it was stolen.
- Check whether your address has changed.
- Check whether your name has changed.
- Gather your personal information.
- Sign in to the official DVLA service.
- Complete the replacement application.
- Pay the £20 fee.
- Submit the application.
- Keep your confirmation email.
- Wait for your new licence.
- Check the replacement when it arrives.
- Return the old licence if you subsequently find it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying for the Wrong DVLA Service
If your licence is lost, you normally need a replacement rather than a new first licence.
Confusing Replacement With Renewal
A lost licence needs replacing. An expired licence generally needs renewing.
Forgetting to Update Your Address
If you have moved, make sure DVLA has your current address.
Using an Unofficial Website for the Government Transaction
There are many websites providing driving licence information online. However, when you are ready to submit an actual government application, use the official GOV.UK service.
Keeping Your Old Licence
If you find the original after receiving your replacement, follow DVLA’s instructions and return the old licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a replacement driving licence?
Eligible Great Britain residents can apply through the DVLA online replacement service. You will need to sign in, provide the requested information, pay the £20 fee and submit the application.
How much does a replacement driving licence cost?
The current cost is £20 for a licence that has been lost, stolen, damaged, defaced or destroyed.
How long does a replacement driving licence take?
An online replacement should normally arrive within one week. Postal applications generally take around three weeks.
Can I replace a provisional driving licence?
Yes. The DVLA online replacement service covers full and provisional driving licences.
Can I replace my licence by post?
Yes. D1 forms are generally used for cars and motorcycles, while D2 forms are used for lorries and buses.
Can I replace my licence by phone?
You may be able to if you have a photocard licence and none of your details have changed. Certain restrictions apply.
What if my driving licence was stolen?
GOV.UK advises contacting the police if your licence was stolen before applying for a replacement through DVLA.
What if I find my old licence after receiving a replacement?
Return the old licence to DVLA and explain that you found it after applying for or receiving the replacement.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to get a replacement driving licence makes the process much easier if your licence has gone missing.
For most eligible Great Britain drivers, the process involves completing the DVLA replacement application, paying the current £20 fee, and waiting for the replacement card to arrive. Online applications should normally arrive within one week, while postal applications generally take around three weeks.
The key things to remember are:
- A replacement licence costs £20.
- Full and provisional licences can be replaced.
- Online applications are available to eligible Great Britain residents.
- Stolen licences should be reported to the police.
- Your address should be kept up to date with DVLA.
- If you find your old licence after receiving a replacement, return it to DVLA.
For more information about DVLA driving licences, licence checks, driving records, applications and UK licence services, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence.
Disclaimer: UKDVLADrivingLicence.com is an independent informational website and is not the official DVLA or GOV.UK website. Use the official GOV.UK service when completing an actual government application.