A damaged driving licence can become a problem if the photocard is cracked, badly scratched, defaced, broken or otherwise difficult to read. If your licence is no longer in good condition, you may need to replace it through the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
The good news is that replacing a damaged Great Britain driving licence is relatively straightforward. The current replacement fee is £20, and eligible drivers can apply online. GOV.UK states that a replacement licence should normally arrive within one week when you apply online.
In this guide, we explain what to do if your driving licence is damaged, how to apply for a replacement, how much it costs, how long it takes and what you should know before submitting your application.
For more information about UK driving licences and DVLA services, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence.
Important: This guide relates to Great Britain — England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has a separate driving licence system.
What Should You Do If Your Driving Licence Is Damaged?
If your driving licence has been damaged, you should assess whether the card is still usable and whether the information on it can be clearly read.
Damage can include:
- A cracked photocard
- A broken card
- Severe scratches
- A damaged photograph
- Faded information
- A card that has been bent or torn
- Defaced information
- Other physical damage that makes the licence difficult to use
If your licence is significantly damaged or defaced, you should apply for a replacement rather than continuing to rely on a damaged card.
The official DVLA replacement service covers licences that have been lost, stolen, damaged, defaced or destroyed.
If your licence has gone missing instead, see our guide to DVLA lost driving licence.
What Is a Damaged Driving Licence?
A damaged driving licence is a licence that has suffered physical or other damage that affects its condition or potentially makes the information difficult to read or verify.
For example, you may have accidentally:
- Put your licence through a washing machine
- Left it in direct sunlight
- Bent it inside a wallet
- Cracked it in your pocket
- Scratched the photocard
- Damaged it with water
- Damaged the photograph
- Broken the card
A minor cosmetic mark does not necessarily mean that you need an immediate replacement. However, if the licence is significantly damaged or information is no longer clear, replacing it is the sensible option.
For more information about replacement licences, read our DVLA replacement driving licence guide.
How to Replace a Damaged Driving Licence
For eligible Great Britain drivers, the easiest way to replace a damaged licence is generally to apply online.
The basic process is:
- Go to the official DVLA replacement service.
- Sign in to your DVLA account.
- Provide the information requested.
- Confirm your details.
- Pay the £20 replacement fee.
- Submit your application.
- Keep your confirmation email.
- Wait for your replacement licence to arrive.
GOV.UK confirms that the online replacement service can be used to replace both full and provisional driving licences.
You can learn more about online applications in our driving licence online application guide.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Damaged Driving Licence?
The current fee for replacing a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed Great Britain driving licence is £20.
DVLA replacement fees
| Situation | Current fee |
|---|---|
| Damaged driving licence | £20 |
| Lost driving licence | £20 |
| Stolen driving licence | £20 |
| Destroyed driving licence | £20 |
| Defaced driving licence | £20 |
The replacement fee is different from the fee for renewing an expired driving licence.
For example, GOV.UK currently lists online renewal of an expired photocard licence at £14.
Always check the latest official DVLA fee information before applying because government fees can change.
How Long Does a Replacement Driving Licence Take?
If you replace your damaged licence online, GOV.UK states that the new licence should arrive within one week.
If you apply by post, DVLA says the licence should generally arrive within three weeks, although it may take longer if your medical or personal details need to be checked.
Online vs postal application
| Application method | Expected timeframe |
|---|---|
| Online | Within 1 week |
| By post | Around 3 weeks |
For many drivers, the online application is therefore the quickest and most convenient option.
Can You Replace a Damaged Driving Licence Online?
Yes, eligible Great Britain driving licence holders can apply online to replace a damaged licence.
The official online service requires you to sign in. If you do not already have sign-in details, you can create them. DVLA will tell you if you need to prove your identity.
Once your application has been submitted, DVLA will send you a confirmation email.
If you are researching the process before applying, see our check driving licence online guide.
Can You Replace a Damaged Driving Licence by Phone?
This is an important distinction.
Although DVLA provides a telephone replacement service in certain circumstances, you cannot use the phone service if your driving licence is damaged. GOV.UK specifically lists a damaged licence as an exception to the telephone service.
Therefore, if your licence is damaged, you should use the online service if eligible or apply by post.
Can You Replace a Damaged Driving Licence by Post?
Yes.
If you cannot use the online service, you can apply by post.
For a car or motorcycle licence, you generally need a D1 application form.
For a lorry or bus licence, you generally need a D2 application form.
D1 and D2 forms are available from most Post Offices.
Your application should be sent to the address shown on the appropriate form together with the required fee and supporting documents where applicable.
GOV.UK says postal applications should generally result in the licence arriving within three weeks, although additional checks can make the process longer.
What If You Have a Damaged Paper Driving Licence?
Most drivers today have a photocard licence, but some people may still have older paper driving licence documents.
If you have a paper driving licence and it has been damaged, the postal process can involve additional requirements.
GOV.UK states that you may need to:
- Include original documents confirming your identity
- Include a passport-type photograph
- Include the damaged paper licence if available
If you have an older paper licence, check the current official DVLA instructions carefully before sending documents.
Can You Replace a Damaged Provisional Driving Licence?
Yes.
The DVLA online replacement service covers both:
- Full driving licences
- Provisional driving licences
Therefore, if your provisional driving licence has been damaged while you are learning to drive, you can apply for a replacement rather than applying for your first provisional licence again.
For more information, read our provisional driving licence UK guide.
What If Your Driving Licence Is Damaged and Your Address Has Changed?
If your address has changed, you should make sure your DVLA records are updated.
The replacement process and the address-change process are related but should not be confused.
If you still have your old licence and are simply changing your address, the address change is normally free. However, if your licence is damaged and you need a replacement, the replacement fee is currently £20.
Before applying, check that the address you provide is correct so that your replacement licence is delivered to the right location.
See our driving licence status guide for more information.
What If Your Driving Licence Is Damaged and Your Name Has Changed?
If your name has changed, you may need to provide original documents confirming your new name.
GOV.UK explains that when applying by post, original documents may be required if your name has changed.
Do not send photocopies when DVLA specifically requires original documents.
If you are unsure which documents are acceptable, check the current official DVLA instructions before submitting your application.
What Information Do You Need to Replace a Damaged Licence?
The exact requirements depend on your circumstances and the application method.
It is useful to have:
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Existing driving licence details, if available
- Payment card for an online application
- Any supporting documents requested by DVLA
If your personal details have changed, additional documentation may be necessary.
You can also read our driving licence application UK guide for broader information about licence applications.
Does a Damaged Driving Licence Affect Your Driving Entitlement?
Damaging the physical photocard does not automatically mean that your underlying driving entitlement has disappeared.
DVLA’s service information explains that drivers must have been issued a valid licence for the category of vehicle they drive, while systems exist for checking driving entitlements. Drivers are encouraged to obtain a duplicate when their licence is lost, stolen, damaged, defaced or destroyed.
However, the condition of the physical licence and your legal entitlement to drive are separate issues.
If you have doubts about your individual entitlement, check your driving record or contact DVLA.
Can You Check Your Driving Licence Online?
Yes.
The DVLA Driver and Vehicles Account provides several useful services, including:
- Viewing your driving record
- Checking vehicles you can drive
- Checking penalty points or disqualifications
- Replacing a damaged licence
- Changing your address
- Viewing your driving licence photograph where eligible
- Creating a licence check code
This can be particularly useful if your physical photocard is damaged and you need to check information associated with your driving record.
Read our:
What Is a DVLA Licence Check?
A DVLA licence check allows relevant driving licence information to be accessed or shared through DVLA’s services.
For example, the Driver and Vehicles Account allows you to create a licence check code that can be shared with another person or organisation, such as a car hire company.
If you want to learn more about checking your driving information, visit our DVLA driving licence check guide.
Can You Check Your Driving Record If Your Licence Is Damaged?
Your driving record is separate from the physical condition of your photocard.
Through the Driver and Vehicles Account, you can view information such as the vehicles you can drive and penalty points or disqualifications.
If you need to check your record, read our check driving record guide.
You can also explore our dedicated DVLA driving record article.
What Happens After You Apply for a Replacement?
After submitting an online replacement application, DVLA sends a confirmation email.
Your replacement licence should normally arrive within one week when you apply online.
When your new photocard arrives, check the information carefully.
Look at:
- Your name
- Date of birth
- Photograph
- Address
- Driving categories
- Licence dates
If anything appears incorrect, use the appropriate DVLA service to report or correct the problem.
What Should You Do With the Damaged Licence?
If DVLA requires the damaged licence to be returned as part of your particular application, follow the instructions provided with the application.
Do not throw away official documents without checking whether DVLA requires them.
The online replacement guidance also explains that if an old licence is subsequently found after a replacement has been issued, it must be returned to DVLA with an explanation.
Damaged Driving Licence vs Expired Driving Licence
It is important to select the correct DVLA service.
Damaged licence
Apply for a replacement.
Lost licence
Apply for a replacement.
Stolen licence
Report the theft to the police and apply for a replacement.
Destroyed licence
Apply for a replacement.
Expired licence
Apply to renew the licence.
A damaged licence should not automatically be treated as an expired licence.
The current replacement fee is £20, whereas online renewal of an expired photocard licence is currently £14.
Common Mistakes to Avoid With a Damaged Driving Licence
1. Continuing to Use a Seriously Damaged Card
If important information is difficult to read, consider replacing the licence rather than waiting for the damage to become worse.
2. Using the Telephone Service
DVLA specifically states that you cannot apply by phone if your licence is damaged.
3. Confusing Replacement With Renewal
A damaged licence requires replacement; an expired licence generally requires renewal.
4. Forgetting to Update Your Address
If you have moved, make sure your DVLA records contain your current address.
5. Sending Documents Without Checking Requirements
If applying by post, check whether DVLA requires original documents, photographs or the damaged licence.
6. Using an Unofficial Website for the Actual Government Transaction
Independent websites can provide useful information, but you should use the official GOV.UK service when completing the actual DVLA transaction.
Damaged Driving Licence Checklist
If your driving licence is damaged, use this simple checklist:
- Examine the licence and identify the damage.
- Check whether your personal details have changed.
- Confirm your current address.
- Gather the required information.
- Access the official DVLA replacement service.
- Sign in to your DVLA account.
- Complete the application.
- Pay the £20 replacement fee.
- Submit the application.
- Keep your confirmation email.
- Wait for your replacement licence.
- Check your new photocard when it arrives.
- Follow DVLA’s instructions regarding the damaged licence.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Damaged Driving Licence
What should I do if my driving licence is damaged?
If your licence is significantly damaged, you can apply for a replacement through the DVLA replacement service. The current replacement fee is £20.
How much does it cost to replace a damaged driving licence?
The current fee is £20 for replacing a lost, stolen, damaged, defaced or destroyed Great Britain driving licence.
Can I replace a damaged driving licence online?
Yes. Eligible Great Britain drivers can apply through the online DVLA replacement service.
How long does a replacement licence take?
GOV.UK states that an online replacement should arrive within one week. Postal applications generally take around three weeks.
Can I replace a damaged provisional driving licence?
Yes. The online replacement service covers both full and provisional driving licences.
Can I replace a damaged licence by phone?
No. DVLA specifically says that you cannot use the telephone replacement service if your licence is damaged.
Can I replace a damaged licence by post?
Yes. You can apply by post using the appropriate D1 or D2 form, depending on the type of licence you hold.
What if my damaged licence is also expired?
If your licence has expired, you may need to renew it rather than simply use the replacement service. Check the relevant DVLA renewal requirements.
Can I check my driving record while waiting for my replacement?
Yes. The DVLA Driver and Vehicles Account allows you to view your driving record and other licence information.
Final Thoughts
A driving licence damaged situation is usually straightforward to resolve. If your Great Britain driving licence has become badly damaged, you can apply for a replacement through the appropriate DVLA service rather than applying for a completely new licence or taking your driving test again.
The current replacement fee is £20, and online applications should normally result in a new licence arriving within one week.
The key steps are:
- Check the condition of your licence.
- Confirm that your personal details are correct.
- Apply for a replacement through the appropriate DVLA service.
- Pay the £20 replacement fee.
- Keep your confirmation email.
- Wait for your replacement licence.
- Check the new photocard when it arrives.
For more information about UK driving licences, damaged licences, replacement licences, DVLA licence checks, driving records and driving licence applications, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence.
Disclaimer: UKDVLADrivingLicence.com is an independent informational website and is not the official DVLA or GOV.UK website. For an actual government transaction, use the relevant official GOV.UK service.