Having your driving licence stolen can be stressful, particularly if you need it for work, driving, vehicle hire or identification. The good news is that if you hold a Great Britain driving licence, replacing a stolen licence is generally straightforward.
If your photocard driving licence has been stolen, you should report the theft to the police and then apply for a replacement through the appropriate DVLA service. The current replacement fee is £20, and GOV.UK states that an online replacement licence should normally arrive within one week.
This guide explains exactly what to do when your driving licence is stolen, how to replace it, how much it costs, how long the process takes and what you should do if you later find the original licence.
For more information about UK driving licences, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence.
Important: This guide covers Great Britain — England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland operates a separate driving licence system.
What Should You Do If Your Driving Licence Is Stolen?
If you discover that your driving licence has been stolen, there are two important steps to take:
- Contact the police to report the theft.
- Apply for a replacement driving licence through DVLA.
GOV.UK specifically advises drivers to contact the police if their driving licence is stolen.
Once you have dealt with the theft, you can use the DVLA replacement service to request a new licence.
You do not normally need to retake your driving test simply because your physical licence has been stolen. The replacement process is designed for existing full and provisional licence holders.
If you are dealing with a missing rather than stolen licence, read our guide to DVLA lost driving licence.
What Does “Driving Licence Stolen” Mean?
A driving licence stolen situation occurs when your driving licence has been taken without your permission.
Your driving licence contains personal information, including your name, date of birth, photograph and licence details. For this reason, it is sensible to deal with a stolen licence promptly rather than simply ignoring the situation.
The DVLA replacement service covers licences that have been:
- Stolen
- Lost
- Damaged
- Defaced
- Destroyed
The service can be used for both full driving licences and provisional driving licences.
For more information about replacing a licence, visit our DVLA replacement driving licence guide.
Step 1: Report Your Stolen Driving Licence to the Police
If your licence has been stolen, GOV.UK advises you to contact the police.
When reporting the theft, provide the information requested by the police and explain when and where you believe the licence was stolen.
Reporting the theft creates a record of what happened and is an important first step before arranging a replacement.
You should not attempt to use someone else’s licence or provide inaccurate information about your identity.
Step 2: Apply for a Replacement Driving Licence
After reporting the theft, you can apply for a replacement through DVLA.
For eligible Great Britain drivers, the online service is usually the most convenient option.
The basic process is:
- Access the official DVLA replacement service.
- Sign in to your DVLA account.
- Provide the information requested.
- Confirm your personal details.
- Pay the replacement fee.
- Submit the application.
- Keep your confirmation email.
- Wait for your replacement licence to arrive.
GOV.UK confirms that you need to sign in to use the online replacement service. If you do not already have sign-in details, you can create them. DVLA will tell you if identity verification is required.
For more information, see our driving licence online application guide.
Who Can Replace a Stolen Driving Licence?
The online DVLA replacement service is intended for eligible holders of Great Britain driving licences.
You generally need to:
- Be resident in Great Britain.
- Hold an existing full or provisional Great Britain driving licence.
- Not be disqualified from driving.
If you have never had a provisional licence, you need to make a first provisional licence application instead of using the replacement service.
Read our provisional driving licence UK guide for more information.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Stolen Driving Licence?
The current DVLA fee for replacing a lost, stolen, damaged, defaced or destroyed Great Britain driving licence is £20.
Current replacement fee
| Situation | Replacement fee |
|---|---|
| Driving licence stolen | £20 |
| Driving licence lost | £20 |
| Driving licence damaged | £20 |
| Driving licence destroyed | £20 |
| Driving licence defaced | £20 |
The fee applies to the replacement service and is different from the cost of renewing an expired photocard licence.
GOV.UK currently lists online renewal of an expired photocard licence at £14.
Always check the current official DVLA fee information before applying because government charges can change.
How Long Does a Replacement Licence Take?
If you apply online, GOV.UK currently states that your replacement driving licence should arrive within one week.
If you apply by post, DVLA says your licence should arrive in approximately three weeks, although it can take longer if your medical or personal details need to be checked.
Approximate processing times
| Application method | Expected timeframe |
|---|---|
| Online | Within 1 week |
| By post | Around 3 weeks |
These are expected processing times rather than guaranteed delivery dates.
Can You Replace a Stolen Driving Licence Online?
Yes.
Eligible Great Britain drivers can use the official online DVLA replacement service to replace a stolen full or provisional driving licence.
You will need to sign in and provide the requested information.
After completing the application, DVLA will send a confirmation email.
This makes an online application particularly convenient if you need your replacement licence as quickly as possible.
You can learn more about online services in our check driving licence online guide.
Can You Replace a Stolen Driving Licence by Post?
Yes.
If you cannot use the online service, you can apply by post.
For a car or motorcycle licence, DVLA generally requires 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.
You then send the completed application to the address provided on the form together with the appropriate fee and supporting documentation where required.
Postal applications generally take around three weeks.
Can You Replace a Stolen Driving Licence by Phone?
In certain circumstances, yes.
GOV.UK states that you can apply by phone if:
- You have a photocard driving licence.
- None of your details have changed.
There are restrictions. For example, you cannot use the phone service 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 your situation does not meet the telephone requirements, use the online or postal route.
What Information Do You Need to Replace a Stolen Licence?
The information you need can depend on your circumstances and the method you use.
Before beginning your application, it is useful to have information such as:
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Driving licence details, if known
- Payment information
- Other information requested by DVLA
If you have changed your name or other personal details, additional documentation may be required.
For a more general guide to applications, visit our driving licence application UK article.
What If Your Address Has Changed?
If you have moved since your last driving licence was issued, make sure DVLA has your correct address.
Changing your address while you still have your licence is normally free. However, if your licence has been stolen and you need a replacement, the £20 replacement fee applies.
Providing your current address helps ensure that your replacement licence is sent to the correct location.
You can also read our driving licence status guide.
What If Your Name Has Changed?
A name change can require additional documentation.
If your name has changed since your previous licence was issued, DVLA may require original documents confirming your new name.
If the old licence has been stolen and you cannot return it, GOV.UK confirms that you can still apply, but you need to explain what happened and pay the applicable £20 fee.
Can You Drive While Waiting for a Replacement Licence?
The physical photocard is evidence of your driving entitlement, but it is important to distinguish the physical card from the underlying entitlement to drive.
A 2025 DVLA service assessment explains that drivers are not legally required to carry their physical driving licence while driving, although they must have been issued a valid licence for the vehicle category they are driving. It also notes that police and other services can check driving entitlements.
However, your individual circumstances matter. If you are unsure whether you can legally drive while your replacement application is being processed, check the official GOV.UK guidance or contact DVLA.
Do not assume that submitting a replacement application automatically gives you permission to drive if your underlying entitlement is invalid, revoked or suspended.
Can You Check Your Driving Licence Online After It Has Been Stolen?
Yes, DVLA provides online services that allow drivers to access information associated with their driving licence and driving record.
This can be particularly useful if you no longer have the physical photocard.
You can learn more through our:
Checking your information can help you understand your current driving entitlement and record.
What Is a DVLA Driving Record?
Your driving record contains information associated with your driving entitlement.
It can be useful when you need to verify information about your licence, such as your driving categories or relevant endorsements.
If you need to check your record, read our check driving record guide.
You can also explore our dedicated DVLA driving record article.
What Is a Driving Licence Check Code?
A driving licence check code can be used to share relevant driving-record information with another person or organisation.
For example, you might need to provide information about your driving entitlement when hiring a vehicle.
If you need to understand how licence verification works, visit our driving licence check UK guide.
What If Your Stolen Licence Is Later Found?
Imagine you report your licence stolen, apply for a replacement and then discover the original licence somewhere at home.
What should you do?
GOV.UK states that if you find your old licence after applying for or receiving a replacement, you must return it to DVLA and explain what happened.
The current GOV.UK guidance gives the following address:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1AB
Always verify the current instructions on GOV.UK before posting your old licence.
Stolen Driving Licence vs Lost Driving Licence
The two situations have similar replacement procedures, but there is an important difference.
If your licence is lost
Search for it carefully and, if it cannot be found, apply for a replacement.
If your licence is stolen
Contact the police and then apply for a replacement.
If your licence is damaged
Use the DVLA replacement service.
If your licence is destroyed
Use the DVLA replacement service.
All four circumstances are covered by the DVLA replacement service, with the current replacement fee being £20.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Driving Licence Is Stolen
1. Failing to Report the Theft
If your licence was genuinely stolen, contact the police as advised by GOV.UK.
2. Assuming You Need a New Driving Test
A stolen physical licence does not normally mean you need to retake your theory or practical test.
3. Applying for a First Licence
If you already hold a driving entitlement, use the replacement process rather than applying for your first licence.
4. Providing an Old Address
If you have moved, make sure DVLA has your current address.
5. Using the Wrong Application
A stolen licence requires a replacement rather than an ordinary licence renewal.
6. Using an Unofficial Website for the Government Transaction
Independent websites can provide useful educational information, but use the official GOV.UK service when completing the actual government application.
Driving Licence Stolen: Quick Checklist
If your driving licence has been stolen, follow this checklist:
- Confirm that your licence has actually been stolen.
- Report the theft to the police.
- Check your current address.
- Gather your personal information.
- Access the official DVLA replacement service.
- Sign in to your DVLA account.
- Complete the replacement application.
- Pay the £20 replacement fee.
- Submit your application.
- Keep your confirmation email.
- Wait for your replacement licence.
- Check the information on the new licence.
- Return the old licence if it is subsequently found.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Driving Licence Stolen in the UK
What should I do if my driving licence is stolen?
You should contact the police and then apply for a replacement through the appropriate DVLA service.
How much does it cost to replace a stolen driving licence?
The current DVLA replacement fee is £20.
Can I replace a stolen driving licence online?
Yes. Eligible Great Britain drivers can use the official online DVLA replacement service.
How long does a replacement driving licence take?
GOV.UK says an online replacement should normally arrive within one week. Postal applications generally take around three weeks.
Can I replace a stolen provisional licence?
Yes. The DVLA online replacement service covers existing provisional and full driving licences.
Do I need to retake my driving test if my licence is stolen?
No. Losing or having the physical licence stolen does not, by itself, mean you need to retake your driving test. You apply for a replacement.
Can I apply by post?
Yes. D1 forms are generally used for car and motorcycle licences, while D2 forms are used for lorry and bus licences.
What happens if I find my stolen licence later?
If you find your old licence after applying for or receiving a replacement, GOV.UK says you must return it to DVLA and explain what happened.
Final Thoughts
Having your driving licence stolen can be inconvenient, but replacing it is generally a straightforward process for eligible Great Britain drivers.
The key steps are to report the theft to the police, apply for a replacement through DVLA, pay the current £20 replacement fee, and wait for your new photocard to arrive. Online applications should normally result in a replacement arriving within one week.
If you have also changed your name or address, make sure you provide the correct information and follow the appropriate DVLA procedure.
For more information about UK driving licences, DVLA licence checks, driving records, replacement licences, lost licences 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.