Losing your driving licence can be frustrating, particularly if you need it for work, travel, vehicle hire or everyday identification. Fortunately, applying for a DVLA replacement driving licence is generally straightforward for eligible drivers in Great Britain.
Whether your licence has been lost, stolen, damaged, defaced or destroyed, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) provides a replacement service for existing full and provisional driving licences. The current replacement fee is £20, and GOV.UK states that an online replacement licence should normally arrive within one week.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about a DVLA replacement driving licence, including who can apply, the application process, costs, processing times, postal applications and what to do if you find your old licence later.
For more UK driving licence information, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence.
Important: This article relates to Great Britain — England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has a separate driving licence system.
What Is a DVLA Replacement Driving Licence?
A DVLA replacement driving licence is a new licence issued when your existing driving licence is no longer available or usable.
You may need to request a replacement if your licence has been:
- Lost
- Stolen
- Damaged
- Defaced
- Destroyed
The official DVLA online service allows eligible drivers to replace both full driving licences and provisional driving licences.
A replacement licence is not the same as applying for your first driving licence or renewing an expired photocard. It replaces an existing licence and does not mean you have to take your driving test again.
If you are looking for information about applying for a licence for the first time, read our driving licence application guide.
Who Can Apply for a DVLA Replacement Driving Licence?
You can generally use the Great Britain replacement service if:
- You already hold a Great Britain driving licence.
- Your licence has been lost, stolen, damaged, defaced or destroyed.
- You are resident in Great Britain.
- You are not currently disqualified from driving.
The service covers existing full and provisional licence holders.
If your licence is missing, you do not need to apply for an entirely new licence simply because you no longer have the physical photocard.
For more information, see our replacement driving licence UK guide.
How to Apply for a DVLA Replacement Driving Licence Online
For eligible drivers, the online application is usually the simplest option.
The basic process is:
- Go to 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 your application.
- Keep your confirmation email.
- Wait for your replacement licence to arrive.
GOV.UK states that you need to sign in to use the online service. If you do not already have sign-in details, you can create them, and DVLA will tell you if identity verification is required.
If you are researching the broader application process, our driving licence online application article can provide additional information.
Step 1: Check Whether Your Licence Is Really Lost
Before applying for a DVLA replacement driving licence, take a few minutes to search for your original.
Look in:
- Your wallet or purse
- Your car
- Your home
- Your workplace
- Bags and backpacks
- Recent travel luggage
- Places where you recently used your licence
If you are confident that your licence cannot be found, you can proceed with the replacement application.
If you specifically need help with a missing licence, read our lost driving licence UK guide.
Step 2: Report a Stolen Driving Licence
If you believe your driving licence has been stolen rather than simply lost, GOV.UK advises you to contact the police.
You can then apply for a DVLA replacement driving licence.
Because your driving licence contains personal information, dealing with a stolen licence promptly is sensible.
Read our replace lost driving licence guide for related information.
Step 3: Check Your Personal Information
Before submitting your application, make sure the information DVLA has for you is still correct.
Pay particular attention to:
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Licence details
- Any other personal information requested during the application
If you have moved house, you should ensure that your current address is correctly recorded.
Changing your address while you still have your licence is different from replacing a lost or stolen licence. GOV.UK lists address changes as a separate transaction.
You can also read our driving licence status guide to learn more about checking your licence information.
Step 4: Sign In to the DVLA Service
Once you are ready to apply, use the official online DVLA replacement service.
You will need to sign in before completing the transaction. If you do not already have sign-in details, GOV.UK says you can create them. DVLA may ask you to prove your identity, usually using photo identification.
Always carefully check the website address when accessing a government service and use the official GOV.UK service for the actual application.
Step 5: Complete the Application
Follow the instructions shown by DVLA and provide the information requested.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need information such as:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Driving licence details
- Other identifying information
If your physical licence has been lost, you may not have every licence detail available. Follow the instructions provided by DVLA rather than guessing information.
Step 6: Pay the DVLA Replacement Driving Licence Fee
The current fee for replacing a lost, stolen, damaged, defaced or destroyed Great Britain driving licence is £20.
The fee applies to the replacement transaction and should not be confused with other DVLA services.
For example:
| DVLA service | Current fee |
|---|---|
| Replace lost licence | £20 |
| Replace stolen licence | £20 |
| Replace damaged licence | £20 |
| Replace destroyed licence | £20 |
| Renew an expired licence online | £14 |
| First provisional licence online | £34 |
The fees above are current according to GOV.UK and can change in the future, so check the official fee information before applying.
Step 7: Review Your Application
Before you submit the application, carefully review all information.
Check:
- Your name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Licence information
- Application type
- Payment details
Incorrect information can result in additional correspondence or delays.
Once everything is correct, submit the application.
Step 8: Keep Your Confirmation Email
After applying online, DVLA will send you a confirmation email.
Keep this confirmation until your new licence arrives.
If there is a problem with the application, having your confirmation information available can make it easier to deal with the issue.
How Long Does a DVLA Replacement Driving Licence Take?
One of the biggest advantages of applying online is the relatively quick processing time.
GOV.UK currently states that your replacement licence should arrive within one week if you apply online.
Postal applications generally take longer. GOV.UK says a licence applied for by post should arrive in around three weeks, although it may take longer if DVLA needs to check medical or personal information.
Typical timescale
| Application method | Approximate timeframe |
|---|---|
| Online | Within 1 week |
| By post | Around 3 weeks |
These are indicative times rather than guaranteed delivery dates.
Can You Get a DVLA Replacement Driving Licence for a Provisional Licence?
Yes.
The official online replacement service covers both full driving licences and provisional driving licences.
This is particularly useful for learner drivers who have lost their provisional licence while taking lessons or preparing for their theory or practical test.
However, there is an important distinction:
If you have never had a provisional licence, you need to apply for your first provisional driving licence rather than a replacement.
For more information, visit our provisional driving licence UK guide.
What If Your Driving Licence Is Damaged?
A damaged driving licence can be replaced through the DVLA replacement service.
Examples of damage can include:
- Cracked plastic
- Severe scratches
- Water damage
- Broken card
- Unreadable information
- Damaged photograph
- Significant physical deterioration
The current replacement fee is £20.
If your licence is significantly damaged or defaced, replacing it ensures that the information on the photocard remains clear and usable.
What If Your Driving Licence Has Been Destroyed?
If your licence has been destroyed, you can apply for a replacement.
DVLA specifically includes destroyed licences within its replacement service.
You will need to complete the appropriate application and pay the £20 replacement fee.
Can You Apply for a DVLA Replacement 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.
Your application should be sent to the address specified on the form, together with the required fee and any supporting documents.
Can You Apply 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.
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 when it is expiring for medical reasons.
If your circumstances are more complicated, you may need to apply online or by post.
What Documents Do You Need?
The exact requirements depend on your circumstances and the application method.
For a straightforward online replacement, you should have your personal information available and follow the instructions provided by DVLA.
Postal applications can require additional documentation.
For example, if you have changed your name, you may need original documents confirming your new name.
If you have a paper licence, additional identity documents and a passport-type photograph may be required for certain postal applications.
What If Your Name Has Changed?
A name change can make the replacement process different.
If your name has changed since your previous licence was issued, DVLA may require original documents confirming the new name.
If the old licence has also been lost, stolen or destroyed, you can still apply, but you need to explain what happened and pay the £20 replacement fee where applicable.
For detailed information about applications, see our driving licence application UK guide.
What If Your Address Has Changed?
Keeping your address up to date with DVLA is important.
If you still have your driving licence and only need to change your address, GOV.UK currently lists an address change as free.
However, if the licence is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, the £20 replacement fee applies.
Before completing your application, make sure you provide your current address.
You can also read our check licence status guide.
Can You Check Your Driving Licence Online?
Yes. DVLA provides online services for accessing driving licence information.
Checking your licence information can be useful when:
- Your physical licence is missing.
- You want to confirm your driving entitlement.
- You need to review your driving record.
- You need information for another organisation.
For related information, visit our guides on check driving licence online and check my driving licence.
Can You Check Your Driving Record?
Your driving record contains information associated with your driving entitlement.
If you need to review your record, our check driving record guide provides further information.
You can also learn more about the DVLA driving record and DVLA licence check.
These topics are especially relevant if you have lost your physical photocard but still need to understand what information is held on your driving record.
What Is a DVLA Licence Check?
A DVLA licence check is used to access or verify information associated with a driver’s licence and driving record.
Depending on the particular service, drivers may be able to check information concerning their driving entitlement and record.
If you are researching how licence information can be checked, read our DVLA licence check guide.
What Is a Driving Licence Check Code?
A driving licence check code can be used to share certain driving-record information with another person or organisation.
For example, a driver may need to provide a check code when hiring a vehicle or allowing another organisation to verify relevant driving information.
See our driving licence check UK guide for more information.
What Happens If You Find Your Old Licence?
Sometimes a driver applies for a DVLA replacement driving licence and then discovers the original licence.
If you find your old licence after applying for or receiving a replacement, GOV.UK says you must return the old licence to DVLA and explain what happened.
The official guidance provides the return address:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1AB
Always check the current GOV.UK guidance before sending documents because government procedures and addresses can change.
Replacement Driving Licence vs Renewal
It is important not to confuse a replacement with a renewal.
You generally need a replacement when your licence is:
- Lost
- Stolen
- Damaged
- Defaced
- Destroyed
You generally need a renewal when:
- Your photocard is approaching its expiry date.
- Your licence has expired.
The current online renewal fee for a standard expired photocard licence is £14, while replacing a lost, stolen, damaged, defaced or destroyed licence costs £20.
Choosing the correct service can help you avoid submitting the wrong application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Applying for a New Licence Instead of a Replacement
If you already have a driving entitlement and have simply lost the physical licence, you normally need a replacement rather than a completely new licence application.
2. Confusing Replacement With Renewal
An expired licence requires renewal. A lost licence requires replacement.
3. Forgetting to Update Your Address
If you have moved house, make sure your current address is recorded correctly.
4. Using Incorrect Personal Information
Double-check your name, date of birth and address before submitting your application.
5. Assuming You Need to Retake Your Driving Test
Losing your photocard does not, by itself, mean that you need to take your theory or practical test again.
6. Using an Unofficial Website for the Government Transaction
Independent websites can provide useful explanations, but when you are ready to complete the actual government transaction, use the official GOV.UK service.
DVLA Replacement Driving Licence Checklist
Before applying, use this checklist:
- Confirm that your licence is genuinely missing.
- Determine whether it was lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.
- Contact the police if you believe it was stolen.
- Check your current address.
- Check whether your name has changed.
- Gather the required personal information.
- Access the official DVLA replacement service.
- Complete the application.
- Pay the £20 replacement fee.
- Submit the application.
- Keep your confirmation email.
- Wait for your replacement licence.
- Check the details when your new licence arrives.
- Return your old licence if you subsequently find it.
Frequently Asked Questions About DVLA Replacement Driving Licence
How much does a DVLA replacement driving licence cost?
The current fee is £20 to replace a Great Britain driving licence that has been lost, stolen, damaged, defaced or destroyed.
Can I replace my driving licence online?
Yes. Eligible Great Britain drivers can apply through the official online DVLA replacement service.
How long does a DVLA replacement driving licence take?
GOV.UK states that an online replacement licence should arrive within one week. Postal applications generally take around three weeks.
Can I replace a provisional driving licence?
Yes. The online DVLA replacement service covers existing full and provisional driving licences.
What should I do if my licence was stolen?
Contact the police and then apply for a replacement through the appropriate DVLA service.
Can I replace a damaged driving licence?
Yes. A damaged or defaced licence can be replaced, and the current fee is £20.
Can I apply by post?
Yes. D1 forms are generally used for cars and motorcycles, while D2 forms are used for lorries and buses.
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. Restrictions apply to damaged licences and licences approaching expiry.
What if I find my old licence after receiving a replacement?
You must return the old licence to DVLA and explain what happened.
Final Thoughts
A DVLA replacement driving licence is the appropriate solution when your existing Great Britain driving licence has been lost, stolen, damaged, defaced or destroyed.
For most eligible drivers, the online process is straightforward: access the official DVLA service, sign in, provide the requested information, pay the current £20 fee, and submit your application. GOV.UK currently states that an online replacement should arrive within one week.
If your licence was stolen, contact the police. If your personal details have changed, make sure you follow the appropriate DVLA procedure rather than treating every situation as a simple replacement.
For more useful information about DVLA driving licences, replacement licences, licence checks, driving records, provisional licences and UK 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 application, use the relevant official GOV.UK service.