If your driving licence has been lost, stolen, damaged, defaced or destroyed, you may be wondering how to apply for a replacement driving licence and how quickly you can get back to having a valid photocard.
For drivers in Great Britain, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) provides a replacement service for eligible full and provisional driving licences. The current fee for a duplicate licence is £20.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain how to apply for a replacement driving licence, what information you may need, how much the application costs, how long it can take, and what to do if your licence was stolen or you later find the original.
For more information about UK licences, DVLA checks and licence applications, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence.
Important: This guide concerns Great Britain — England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland operates a separate driving licence system.
What Is a Replacement Driving Licence?
A replacement driving licence is a duplicate of your existing licence issued when your original document is no longer available or usable.
You may need to apply for a replacement if your licence has been:
- Lost
- Stolen
- Damaged
- Defaced
- Destroyed
The DVLA replacement service covers existing full and provisional Great Britain driving licences.
A replacement is different from applying for your first licence or renewing an expired photocard. If you have never held a provisional licence before, for example, you need to make a first provisional driving licence application.
Read our guide to driving licence application for more information.
How to Apply for a Replacement Driving Licence Online
For eligible drivers, applying online is usually the most convenient option.
The general process is:
- Access the official DVLA replacement service.
- Sign in or create the required DVLA account.
- Provide the requested personal information.
- Confirm your licence details.
- Pay the replacement fee.
- Submit your application.
- Keep your confirmation information.
- Wait for your replacement licence to arrive.
DVLA requires customers using its online services to create or use a DVLA Customer Account. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be asked to prove your identity.
If you are researching online applications generally, our driving licence online application guide provides additional information.
Step 1: Confirm That Your Licence Is Missing
Before you start your application, make sure you have searched carefully for your driving licence.
Check places such as:
- Your wallet or purse
- Your vehicle
- Your home
- Your office or workplace
- Handbags and backpacks
- Travel luggage
- Places you recently visited
If you are certain that you cannot find it, you can proceed with the replacement process.
If you need more information specifically about a missing licence, see our lost driving licence UK guide.
Step 2: Decide Whether Your Licence Was Lost or Stolen
There is a difference between accidentally losing your licence and having it stolen.
If you believe your driving licence was stolen, GOV.UK advises you to contact the police. You can then apply to DVLA for a replacement.
If you simply misplaced the licence, you can proceed directly with the appropriate DVLA replacement process.
For additional information, read our guide to replace lost driving licence.
Step 3: Check Your Personal Details
Before applying, check whether your personal circumstances have changed since your previous licence was issued.
For example:
- Have you moved house?
- Has your name changed?
- Has your title changed?
- Does your photograph need updating?
- Are there any other details that need to be changed?
Keeping your driving licence details up to date is important.
If your licence has been lost and you have also changed your name, DVLA provides a separate process. You can still apply when the old licence is unavailable, but you must explain what happened to it and may need to provide supporting documents.
Step 4: Sign In to Your DVLA Account
To apply online, access the official DVLA service and sign in.
If you do not already have sign-in details, the service allows you to create them. DVLA may require identity verification to protect your personal information.
Be particularly careful when entering personal information. Make sure the details you provide correspond with your official records.
Step 5: Complete the Replacement Licence Application
Once you have accessed the service, follow the instructions displayed by DVLA.
You may need to provide information such as:
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Driving licence information
- Other personal details requested by DVLA
If your licence number is unavailable because the physical card has been lost, follow the instructions provided by the official service.
The information required can vary according to your circumstances.
Step 6: Pay the Replacement Driving Licence Fee
The current fee for a duplicate Great Britain driving licence is £20 when the previous licence has been lost, stolen, defaced or destroyed.
This is important because replacing a licence is not necessarily the same as changing an address while still holding the original licence.
For example, DVLA states that changing your address can be free when you still have the licence, whereas a lost licence requires the £20 replacement service.
Step 7: Review and Submit Your Application
Before submitting the application, carefully review the information you have entered.
Check:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Licence information
- Application type
- Payment information
Once everything is correct, submit the application.
Keep any confirmation email or reference information you receive from DVLA.
Step 8: Wait for Your Replacement Driving Licence
After applying, DVLA processes the application and sends the replacement licence to you.
For online transactions, GOV.UK’s current guidance indicates that online driving licence services can provide relatively quick processing, although the exact delivery time depends on the particular service and circumstances.
For applications that need to be completed by post, DVLA generally aims to send the licence within three weeks, although it can take longer if personal or medical information needs to be checked.
How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a Replacement Driving Licence?
The current replacement fee is £20 for a Great Britain driving licence that has been lost, stolen, defaced or destroyed.
It is useful to distinguish this fee from other DVLA transactions.
| Service | Current fee |
|---|---|
| Replace lost driving licence | £20 |
| Replace stolen driving licence | £20 |
| Replace destroyed driving licence | £20 |
| Replace defaced licence | £20 |
| Online renewal of a standard photocard | £14 |
The standard online renewal fee is currently £14, which is different from the £20 replacement fee.
Fees can change, so always check the latest official GOV.UK information before making a payment.
How Long Does a Replacement Driving Licence Take?
The processing time depends on how you apply and whether DVLA needs additional information.
For postal applications, DVLA currently says it aims to send the licence within three weeks, although additional checks can make the process longer.
If you are eligible for an online service, applying digitally can be more convenient because you do not have to wait for paper forms and postal delivery of your application.
Can You Apply for a Replacement Provisional Driving Licence?
Yes.
Existing provisional licence holders can use the replacement process when their licence has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed. DVLA’s replacement service specifically includes existing provisional and full Great Britain licence holders.
However, there is an important distinction:
If you have never had a provisional licence, you need to apply for your first provisional driving licence.
If you are a learner driver, see our guide to provisional driving licence UK.
How to Apply for a Replacement Driving Licence by Post
If you cannot use the online service, you may be able to apply by post.
For many car and motorcycle applications, the relevant form is D1. For buses and lorries, the relevant form is generally D2. These forms are available from Post Offices that provide DVLA services.
A postal application may require:
- The appropriate application form
- Identity documents where required
- A passport-style photograph where required
- The applicable fee
- Any other supporting documentation requested by DVLA
Do not send original documents unless the instructions specifically require them.
If you need more information about making an application, visit our driving licence application UK guide.
Can You Apply for a Replacement Driving Licence by Phone?
Depending on your circumstances, some DVLA licence transactions may be available by telephone.
Eligibility can depend on factors such as whether you hold a photocard licence and whether your personal details have changed.
If your circumstances are more complicated — for example, your licence is damaged or your name has changed — DVLA may require another application route.
Always check the current GOV.UK guidance before choosing a telephone application.
What If Your Driving Licence Has Been Damaged?
A damaged licence can be replaced through the appropriate DVLA replacement process.
Examples include:
- Cracked plastic
- Severe scratches
- Water damage
- Broken card
- Unreadable information
- Defaced photograph
- Other significant physical damage
The current replacement fee is £20.
If your licence is still readable but physically damaged, it is better to replace it rather than continue relying on a card that may become difficult to use.
What If Your Driving Licence Has Been Destroyed?
If your licence has been destroyed, you can apply for a replacement.
The DVLA replacement service specifically covers licences that have been lost, stolen, damaged, defaced or destroyed.
You will need to provide the information requested by DVLA and pay the applicable replacement fee.
What If Your Name Has Changed?
Changing your name is different from simply replacing a lost licence.
If you have changed your name, DVLA may require original documents confirming the new name. GOV.UK states that if you cannot provide the old licence because it has been lost, stolen or destroyed, you can still apply, but you need to explain what happened and the £20 fee applies.
Examples of documents that may be relevant include official evidence of your name change.
Always follow the current DVLA instructions for your particular circumstances.
What If You Have Changed Your Address?
You should keep your driving licence address up to date.
If you still have your existing licence, changing your address can generally be done without a replacement fee. However, if your licence has been lost, you will need the replacement service and the applicable fee.
Before submitting an application, make sure DVLA has the correct address for you.
This is particularly important because your replacement licence will be sent to the address associated with your application.
Read our driving licence status guide for additional information about checking licence details.
Can You Check Your Driving Licence Online?
Yes. Online DVLA services can help drivers access information relating to their driving licence and driving record.
This can be useful when your physical photocard is missing and you need to check information associated with your driving entitlement.
For more information, see 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.
DVLA provides online services for accessing driving-related information, including information about your driving entitlement.
If you need to research your record, see our check driving record guide.
You can also read our article about the DVLA driving record.
What Is a DVLA Licence Check?
A DVLA licence check is a way of checking information associated with a driver’s licence or driving record.
Depending on the service being used, information may include driving entitlement, penalty points and other relevant licence information.
This can be particularly useful when an employer, vehicle hire company or another organisation needs to verify driving information.
Learn more in our DVLA licence check guide.
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, a driver may be asked to provide a check code when hiring a vehicle.
If you are researching this topic, read our driving licence check UK guide.
What Should You Do If Your Licence Was Stolen?
If you believe your licence was stolen, contact the police.
You should then follow the DVLA replacement procedure to obtain a new licence. GOV.UK’s guidance identifies stolen licences as one of the circumstances covered by the replacement service.
Because a driving licence contains personal information, it is sensible to deal with a stolen document promptly.
What Happens If You Find Your Old Licence?
Imagine that you apply for a replacement because you cannot find your licence and then discover the original a few days later.
Do not assume that you should continue using both cards.
Follow DVLA’s instructions about returning the old licence once you have received a replacement. This helps keep your licensing record accurate.
Replacement Driving Licence vs Licence Renewal
One of the most common mistakes is confusing a replacement application with a renewal.
You 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 licence is £14, while the replacement fee for a lost, stolen, defaced or destroyed licence is £20.
If your licence has simply gone missing, do not apply for a renewal solely because you need another physical card.
Common Mistakes When Applying for a Replacement Driving Licence
1. Choosing the Wrong Application
A replacement licence is not the same as a first licence application or renewal.
Make sure you select the service that matches your circumstances.
2. Entering Incorrect Personal Information
Double-check your name, date of birth and address before submitting the application.
3. Forgetting About an Address Change
If you have moved, make sure your current address is correctly recorded.
4. Assuming a Lost Licence Requires a New Driving Test
Losing the physical licence does not mean you have to take your theory or practical driving test again. You are replacing the document associated with your existing entitlement.
5. Using an Unofficial Site for the Government Application
Informational websites can help explain the process, but when you are ready to complete an actual government transaction, use the official GOV.UK service.
How to Apply for a Replacement Driving Licence: Quick Checklist
Use this checklist before starting your application:
- Search for your original driving licence.
- Determine whether it is 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 information required by DVLA.
- Access the appropriate DVLA service.
- Complete the application carefully.
- Pay the current £20 replacement fee where applicable.
- Submit your application.
- Keep your confirmation details.
- Wait for your replacement licence.
- Check the new licence when it arrives.
- Follow DVLA instructions if you subsequently find the old licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a replacement driving licence?
If you are an existing Great Britain licence holder and your licence has been lost, stolen, damaged, defaced or destroyed, you can use the appropriate DVLA replacement service. The current duplicate licence fee is £20.
Can I apply for a replacement driving licence online?
Yes, eligible Great Britain drivers can use DVLA’s online services to replace a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed licence.
How much is a replacement driving licence?
The current fee is £20 for a duplicate licence where the original has been lost, stolen, defaced or destroyed.
Can I replace a provisional driving licence?
Yes. Existing provisional licence holders are included among the users of the Great Britain replacement service.
How long does a replacement driving licence take?
Processing time depends on the application method and circumstances. DVLA currently aims to send licences resulting from postal applications within three weeks, although additional checks can cause delays.
What if my licence was stolen?
Contact the police and then apply for a replacement through the appropriate DVLA service.
Can I replace my licence if I have changed my name?
Yes, but a name change can require supporting documents and a postal application rather than the standard online process. If the original licence has been lost, stolen or destroyed, you must explain what happened and the £20 fee applies.
Can I replace a damaged driving licence?
Yes. Damaged or defaced licences can be replaced through the DVLA replacement service.
What if I find my old driving licence after getting a replacement?
Follow DVLA’s instructions for returning the old licence. Do not simply continue using both documents.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to apply for a replacement driving licence can make an inconvenient situation much easier to manage.
If your Great Britain driving licence has been lost, stolen, damaged, defaced or destroyed, the DVLA provides a replacement process for eligible drivers. The current duplicate licence fee is £20.
Before applying, make sure you have selected the correct service, checked your personal details and confirmed that your address is up to date. If the licence was stolen, contact the police.
For more information about UK driving licences, DVLA licence checks, driving records, licence applications, provisional licences and replacement licences, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence.
Disclaimer: UKDVLADrivingLicence.com is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with DVLA or GOV.UK. When completing an actual government application, use the official GOV.UK service.