Losing your driving licence can be stressful, especially when you need it for work, vehicle hire, identification or other everyday activities. If you have a DVLA lost driving licence, however, you generally do not need to take your driving test again or apply for an entirely new licence.
For eligible drivers in Great Britain, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) provides a dedicated service to replace a licence that has been lost, stolen, damaged, defaced or destroyed. The current replacement fee is £20, and GOV.UK states that a licence should normally arrive within one week when the replacement is applied for online.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain what to do when you have a DVLA lost driving licence, how to apply for a replacement, how much it costs, how long it takes and what to do if you later find your original licence.
For more information about UK driving licences, DVLA services and licence checks, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence.
Important: This guide applies to Great Britain — England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has a separate driving licence system.
What Should You Do If You Have Lost Your Driving Licence?
If you cannot find your driving licence, the first thing to do is search carefully for the original card.
Check:
- Your wallet or purse
- Your car
- Your home
- Your workplace
- Handbags and backpacks
- Travel bags
- Recent places you visited
- Places where you last used your driving licence
If you have searched thoroughly and the licence cannot be found, you can apply for a replacement.
You do not normally need to apply for a completely new driving licence simply because the physical photocard has been lost.
For more information, read our lost driving licence UK guide.
What Is a DVLA Lost Driving Licence?
The phrase DVLA lost driving licence refers to an existing Great Britain driving licence that the holder can no longer find.
The DVLA replacement service covers:
- Lost driving licences
- Stolen driving licences
- Damaged driving licences
- Defaced driving licences
- Destroyed driving licences
It applies to existing full and provisional driving licences.
The purpose of the replacement process is to issue a duplicate licence while maintaining your existing driving entitlement.
How to Replace a Lost Driving Licence
For most eligible drivers, the easiest way to replace a lost licence is to use the online DVLA service.
The process is generally:
- Access the official DVLA replacement service.
- Sign in to your DVLA account.
- Provide the information requested.
- 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 confirms 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 a detailed application guide, visit our how to apply for a replacement driving licence article.
Who Can Replace a Lost Driving Licence?
The online DVLA replacement service is available to eligible existing Great Britain licence holders.
You must generally:
- Be a resident of Great Britain.
- Hold an existing full or provisional Great Britain driving licence.
- Not be disqualified from driving.
If you have never held a provisional driving licence before, you should not use the replacement service. Instead, you need to apply for your first provisional licence.
Read our provisional driving licence UK guide for more information.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Lost Driving Licence?
The current cost of replacing a lost, stolen, damaged, defaced or destroyed Great Britain driving licence is £20.
This is an important distinction because different DVLA transactions have different fees.
| DVLA service | Current fee |
|---|---|
| Replace lost driving licence | £20 |
| Replace stolen driving licence | £20 |
| Replace damaged licence | £20 |
| Replace destroyed licence | £20 |
| Online renewal of an expired licence | £14 |
| First provisional licence online | £34 |
Always check the latest official DVLA fee information before making an application because government fees can change.
How Long Does a Lost Driving Licence Replacement Take?
If you apply online, GOV.UK currently states that your replacement licence should arrive within one week.
If you apply by post, DVLA states that the licence should generally arrive within three weeks, although it may take longer if your medical or personal information needs to be checked.
Online vs postal application
| Application method | Typical timeframe |
|---|---|
| Online | Within 1 week |
| By post | Around 3 weeks |
For this reason, an online application can be a convenient option if you are eligible to use it.
What Information Do You Need?
The exact information required can depend on your circumstances and application method.
It is useful to have your:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Driving licence details, if available
- Payment card
- Other identifying information requested by DVLA
Do not guess information you are unsure about. Follow the instructions displayed by the official DVLA service.
If you have also changed your personal details, you may need to follow a different procedure.
What If You Have Lost Your Licence and Changed Address?
If you have moved house, it is important that your driving licence information is kept up to date.
Changing your address while you still have your licence is normally free. However, if your licence has already been lost, you need to use the replacement process and the £20 replacement fee applies.
Before submitting your replacement application, make sure you provide your current address.
For additional information, read our driving licence status guide.
What If Your Lost Driving Licence Was Stolen?
A lost licence and a stolen licence are slightly different situations.
If you believe that someone has stolen your driving licence, GOV.UK advises you to contact the police.
You can then apply for a replacement through DVLA.
Because your driving licence contains personal information, it is sensible to deal with a stolen licence promptly.
Read our replace lost driving licence guide for more information.
Can You Replace a Lost Provisional Driving Licence?
Yes.
Existing provisional driving licence holders can use the DVLA replacement service. The service covers both full and provisional driving licences.
For example, if you have lost your provisional licence while learning to drive, you can apply for a replacement rather than starting the licensing process again.
However, if you have never applied for a provisional licence, you need to make a first provisional licence application instead.
See our first provisional driving licence guide.
Can You Replace a Lost Driving Licence Online?
Yes.
The official DVLA online service allows eligible drivers to replace a lost driving licence.
The online application requires you to sign in and provide the information requested by DVLA. You will be told if you need to prove your identity.
Once the application is submitted, DVLA sends a confirmation email.
For a more detailed explanation, read our driving licence online application guide.
Can You Replace a Lost Driving Licence by Post?
Yes.
If you cannot use the online service, DVLA provides postal options.
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.
You then send your completed application to the address provided on the form along with the appropriate fee and supporting documents where required.
A postal application should generally result in your licence arriving within three weeks, although additional checks can take longer.
Can You Replace a Lost Driving Licence by Phone?
In certain circumstances, yes.
DVLA says you can apply by phone if:
- You have a photocard driving licence.
- None of your details have changed.
You cannot use the telephone replacement route if your licence is damaged or if it expires in less than 56 days, or less than 90 days if it is expiring for medical reasons.
If your situation does not meet these conditions, you may need to apply online or by post.
What If Your Licence Has Been Lost for a Long Time?
You should still replace it once you are certain that it is missing.
There is no reason to wait for several weeks before taking action.
A valid driving entitlement can still exist even when the physical photocard is missing. GOV.UK notes that services are available for checking driving entitlements, but drivers are encouraged to replace a licence when the original has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.
If you need to check information associated with your driving licence, visit our check driving licence online guide.
Can You Check Your Driving Licence Online After Losing It?
Yes.
The DVLA’s Driver and Vehicles Account provides access to several driving-related services, including viewing your driving record, checking penalty points or disqualifications, replacing a lost or stolen licence, and viewing a driving licence photograph when eligible.
This can be particularly useful when your physical photocard is missing.
Learn more with our guides:
Can You Check Your Driving Record Without Your Physical Licence?
Your physical photocard is not the only way to access information about your driving record.
The DVLA Driver and Vehicles Account allows users to view their driving record, including information such as vehicles they can drive and penalty points or disqualifications.
If you need to check your record, read our check driving record guide.
You can also learn more about the DVLA driving record.
What Is a DVLA Licence Check?
A DVLA licence check can help you access or verify information relating to your driving licence and record.
A DVLA Driver and Vehicles Account can also be used to create a licence check code that allows you to share your driving record with another person or organisation, such as a car hire company.
Read our DVLA licence check guide for more information.
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 create a check code when a vehicle rental company needs to verify your driving record.
You can find more information in our driving licence check UK guide.
What Happens After Applying for a Replacement?
Once you have submitted your application, DVLA will send a confirmation email.
If you applied online, your replacement should normally arrive within one week.
When your new licence arrives, carefully check:
- Your name
- Date of birth
- Photograph
- Address
- Driving categories
- Licence dates
If something appears incorrect, contact DVLA using the appropriate official service.
What If You Find Your Lost Driving Licence?
This happens more often than you might expect.
You may search for your licence, give up and apply for a replacement — only to find the original later.
If you find the old licence after applying for or receiving a replacement, GOV.UK says you must return it to DVLA and explain what happened.
The current GOV.UK guidance gives the following return address:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1AB
Check the official GOV.UK instructions before posting documents because government procedures can change.
Lost Driving Licence vs Expired Driving Licence
It is important to choose the correct DVLA service.
If your licence is lost
You need a replacement.
If your licence is stolen
You need a replacement, and you should contact the police.
If your licence is damaged or destroyed
You need a replacement.
If your photocard has expired
You generally need to renew the licence.
A standard online renewal currently costs £14, while replacing a lost, stolen, damaged, defaced or destroyed licence costs £20.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Have a DVLA Lost Driving Licence
1. Applying for a First Licence
If you already hold a driving entitlement, losing the physical card does not mean you need to start the licensing process again.
Use the replacement service.
2. Confusing Replacement With Renewal
A lost licence needs replacing. An expired licence generally needs renewing.
3. Forgetting to Update Your Address
If you have moved, make sure DVLA has your current address.
4. Waiting Too Long
There is generally little benefit in delaying a replacement once you know your licence is missing.
5. Assuming You Need to Retake Your Driving Test
Losing the physical photocard does not, by itself, mean you need to retake your theory or practical driving test.
6. Using an Unofficial Website for the Actual Application
Independent websites can provide information and explanations, but you should use the official GOV.UK service when completing the actual government transaction.
DVLA Lost Driving Licence Checklist
If you have lost your driving licence, use this quick checklist:
- Search carefully for the original licence.
- Confirm that it is genuinely missing.
- Determine whether it was lost or stolen.
- Contact the police if it was stolen.
- Check your current address.
- Gather the required personal information.
- Access the official DVLA replacement service.
- Sign in or create your DVLA account.
- Complete the replacement application.
- Pay the £20 fee.
- Submit your application.
- Keep the confirmation email.
- Wait for your replacement licence.
- Check the replacement when it arrives.
- Return the old licence if you later find it.
Frequently Asked Questions About DVLA Lost Driving Licence
What should I do if I have lost my driving licence?
Search carefully for your licence first. If you cannot find it, you can 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, defaced or destroyed Great Britain driving licence.
Can I replace a lost driving licence online?
Yes. Eligible Great Britain licence holders can use the official online DVLA replacement service.
How long does a replacement licence take?
GOV.UK states that an online replacement licence should arrive within one week. A postal application should generally arrive within three weeks.
Can I replace a lost provisional driving licence?
Yes. The replacement service covers existing full and provisional Great Britain driving licences.
What if my driving licence was stolen?
Contact the police and then apply for a replacement through DVLA.
Can I replace a lost licence if I have changed my address?
Yes, but make sure you provide your current address. If your existing licence is lost, the £20 replacement fee applies.
Can I replace my licence by post?
Yes. You can generally use a D1 form for car or motorcycle licences and a D2 form for lorry or bus licences.
What happens if I find my old licence after receiving the replacement?
You must return the old licence to DVLA and explain that you found it after applying for or receiving a replacement.
Final Thoughts
Having a DVLA lost driving licence does not need to become a major problem. If your existing Great Britain driving licence has gone missing, the official DVLA replacement service allows eligible drivers to request a new licence without starting the licensing process again.
The current replacement cost is £20, and online applications should normally result in a replacement arriving within one week.
The key steps are simple:
- Confirm that your licence is genuinely missing.
- Contact the police if you believe it was stolen.
- Check that your personal details and address are correct.
- Apply through the appropriate DVLA replacement service.
- Pay the £20 replacement fee.
- Keep your confirmation email.
- Check your new licence when it arrives.
- Return the old licence if you subsequently find it.
For more information about DVLA driving licences, lost licences, replacement licences, driving records, licence checks and 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.