If you are searching for how to renew driving licence, you may want to know when your licence needs renewing, how to renew it online, how much it costs, what documents you need and what happens if your licence has already expired.
For most photocard driving licences in Great Britain, the photograph must be renewed every 10 years. Eligible drivers can renew online, while postal options are also available. The official online renewal service currently costs £14 for a standard renewal.
This guide explains how to renew driving licence step by step, including online renewal, renewal at age 70, expired licences, photographs, fees and common problems.
Important: UKDVLADrivingLicence.com is an independent information website and is not affiliated with DVLA or GOV.UK. For an actual government application, always use the official GOV.UK service.
What Does It Mean to Renew a Driving Licence?
When you renew a driving licence, you are updating your existing driving licence so that you can continue to hold valid driving entitlement.
For most standard photocard licences, the photograph needs to be renewed every 10 years. Your photocard shows its expiry date, so checking this date is an important first step.
Renewal is different from replacement.
You normally renew when:
- Your photocard is approaching its expiry date.
- Your photocard has expired.
- You need to update your photograph.
- You have reached age 70.
- You have a short-term licence that needs renewing.
If your licence has been lost, stolen or damaged, you normally need to apply for a replacement instead.
Read our replacement driving licence UK guide for more information.
How to Renew Driving Licence Online
For most eligible drivers, the online process is the easiest way to renew a driving licence.
The official DVLA online service is available through GOV.UK. You can use it to renew an eligible full or provisional driving licence.
Step-by-step process
1. Check Your Licence Expiry Date
Look at your photocard and check the expiry date.
Planning your renewal before the licence expires can help you avoid unnecessary problems.
2. Use the Official DVLA Online Service
Go to the official GOV.UK driving licence renewal service rather than relying on an unofficial website.
3. Sign In
You will be asked to provide the information required to access the renewal service.
4. Enter Your Details
Check and provide the requested personal information.
Make sure your details are accurate before continuing.
5. Provide Photograph Information
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to use your passport photograph or provide a new photograph. DVLA also provides an online service specifically for changing the photograph on your licence.
6. Pay the Renewal Fee
A standard online renewal currently costs £14.
7. Review Your Application
Carefully check your information before submitting the application.
8. Submit the Application
After submitting it, keep your confirmation information until your new licence arrives.
You can also read our driving licence online application guide.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Driving Licence?
The cost depends on the type of renewal and how you apply.
For a standard renewal, the current official GOV.UK information states that online renewal costs £14.
| Renewal situation | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard online renewal | £14 |
| Renewal at age 70+ | Free |
| Medical short-period licence | Free in applicable cases |
Always check the official DVLA fee information before applying because fees and eligibility can change.
For more information, visit our driving licence renewal UK guide.
How to Renew Driving Licence After It Has Expired
If your photocard has expired, you may still be able to renew it.
The standard online renewal fee for an expired licence is currently £14.
However, not every expired licence is treated in exactly the same way.
For example, different procedures may apply if your driving entitlement has been:
- Revoked
- Refused
- Suspended or disqualified
- Restricted for medical reasons
- Issued for a short period
If you have a medical or short-term licence, DVLA states that it will normally send a renewal letter around 90 days before the licence expires.
If you are unsure about your current entitlement, read our driving licence status guide.
How to Renew Driving Licence at 70
The renewal process changes when you reach 70.
If you are 70 or over, or will turn 70 within the next 90 days, you can use the specific DVLA online service if you meet the requirements. The service is free.
After reaching 70, you must renew your driving licence every three years.
You must also meet the minimum eyesight requirements and other applicable requirements.
Important
There is a separate renewal service for drivers aged 70 and over. Therefore, do not automatically use the standard renewal route if you are renewing at 70.
Read our driving licence renewal guide for additional information.
How to Renew Driving Licence and Change Your Photo
Your driving licence photograph needs to remain an accurate representation of you.
If you want to update your photograph, DVLA provides a specific online service. The current online cost is £14. You may be able to use your passport photograph or upload a new photograph, depending on your circumstances.
A new photocard will be issued after the application is processed.
For related information, see our view driving licence guide.
Can You Renew a Provisional Driving Licence?
Yes, eligible provisional licence holders can renew their licence.
However, there is an important distinction between renewing an existing provisional licence and applying for your first provisional licence.
If you have never held a provisional licence before, you need to make a first provisional driving licence application rather than a renewal application.
Read our provisional driving licence UK guide for more information.
How to Renew Driving Licence by Post
If you cannot or do not want to use the online service, you may be able to renew by post.
The exact process depends on your circumstances and the type of licence you hold.
For standard car and motorcycle licences, the relevant paper application forms can generally be obtained through Post Office services.
Postal applications can take longer than online applications, so check the latest DVLA guidance before choosing this option.
For information about applications, visit our driving licence application UK guide.
What Information Do You Need to Renew a Driving Licence?
The information required depends on your circumstances and application method.
Before starting an online renewal, it is useful to have:
- Your current driving licence
- Your personal details
- Your address information
- Your previous address information if requested
- Your passport information if applicable
- A suitable photograph where required
- A debit or credit card for the applicable fee
Do not send unnecessary original documents unless the official DVLA instructions specifically request them.
How Long Does It Take to Renew a Driving Licence?
The processing time depends on the type of application and whether DVLA needs additional information.
For online renewal, GOV.UK provides the quickest route for many eligible applicants. The DVLA service states that after online renewal, your new licence will be valid from the date your application is approved rather than from the expiry date of your old licence.
Postal applications can take longer. DVLA’s current service update advises allowing up to four weeks for new documents sent following postal applications.
Medical investigations or other checks can also increase processing times.
Can You Drive While Your Licence Is Being Renewed?
This depends on your individual circumstances.
For drivers with certain medical licensing situations, GOV.UK sets out specific conditions under which they may continue driving while an application is being processed.
Do not assume that submitting a renewal application automatically means you can drive in every situation.
If your licence was revoked, refused or restricted for medical reasons, check the specific DVLA guidance applicable to your circumstances before driving.
What If Your Name Has Changed?
A change of name can affect how you renew your licence.
The standard online renewal service may not be available if your name or title has changed. In such circumstances, you may need to apply using a different process and provide supporting evidence.
Always check the official instructions before submitting your application.
What If Your Address Has Changed?
Keeping your driving licence information up to date is important.
If you have moved house, you should tell DVLA about the address change. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to update your address online.
You can also use our check licence status guide to learn more about checking your licence information.
What If You Have Lost Your Driving Licence?
If you have lost your licence, you generally need to apply for a replacement driving licence, not renew the lost document.
The current replacement fee for a lost, stolen or destroyed licence is £20.
Useful resources include:
- Lost driving licence UK
- DVLA lost driving licence
- Replace lost driving licence
- Replacement driving licence UK
What If Your Driving Licence Has Been Stolen?
A stolen licence should normally be reported and replaced rather than renewed.
If your licence has been stolen, follow the current official DVLA guidance for obtaining a replacement.
Read our driving licence stolen guide for more information.
What If Your Driving Licence Is Damaged?
If your photocard has been damaged, you may need to replace it.
This is different from renewing an ordinary licence because its 10-year photocard period has expired.
Our replace damaged driving licence guide explains the difference between replacement and renewal.
How to Renew Driving Licence: Quick Checklist
Before submitting your application, check the following:
- Check your licence expiry date.
- Confirm whether you are eligible for online renewal.
- Check your personal details.
- Check your address.
- Make sure your photograph meets the requirements.
- Have your passport information available if required.
- Have a suitable payment card available.
- Review the application carefully.
- Submit your application through the appropriate official service.
- Save your confirmation.
- Wait for your new licence.
- Check the details when your new photocard arrives.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renewing Your Driving Licence
Waiting Until the Last Minute
Don’t wait until the final days before your licence expires if you can avoid it.
Applying earlier gives you more time to resolve potential issues.
Using the Wrong Application
A lost licence requires replacement, while an expiring photocard normally requires renewal.
Using an Unofficial Website
DVLA has repeatedly warned motorists about third-party websites that charge additional fees for services available through GOV.UK.
Always check that you are using the official GOV.UK website when making a government application.
Entering Incorrect Information
Carefully check your:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Licence information
- Photograph details
before submitting the application.
Ignoring Medical Requirements
Drivers with short-term medical licences may have different renewal requirements. DVLA normally sends a renewal letter before these licences expire.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Renew Driving Licence
How do I renew my driving licence online?
Use the official GOV.UK DVLA renewal service, provide the requested information, confirm your details, provide the required photograph information, pay the applicable fee and submit the application.
How much does it cost to renew a driving licence?
A standard online renewal currently costs £14. Renewal at age 70 or over is free for eligible drivers.
How often do I need to renew my photocard?
For most standard photocard licences, the photograph needs to be renewed every 10 years.
Can I renew an expired driving licence?
Eligible drivers can renew an expired licence. The standard online fee is currently £14.
Can I renew my driving licence at 70?
Yes. Drivers who are 70 or over, or will turn 70 within 90 days, can use the dedicated free renewal service if they meet the requirements. After 70, renewal is required every three years.
Can I renew my provisional driving licence?
Eligible provisional licence holders can renew their licence. A first provisional licence application is a different process.
What if my licence is lost?
You normally need a replacement rather than a renewal. The current replacement fee is £20.
Can I change my photograph when I renew?
Yes. DVLA provides an online service for renewing your full or provisional licence when you want to update your photograph. The current online fee is £14.
Final Thoughts on How to Renew Driving Licence
Knowing how to renew driving licence can make the process much easier. For most eligible drivers in Great Britain, the online DVLA service is a convenient way to renew a photocard licence.
A standard online renewal currently costs £14, while eligible drivers renewing at age 70 or over can renew for free.
Before you apply, check your expiry date, personal details, address and photograph requirements. If your licence is lost, stolen or damaged, remember that you will normally need a replacement rather than a standard renewal.
For more information about UK driving licences, DVLA checks, renewals, applications, replacements and driving records, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence.