If you are asking “how to renew my driving licence?”, the good news is that renewing a UK photocard driving licence is usually straightforward. For most drivers in Great Britain, the photocard must be renewed every 10 years, and DVLA normally sends a reminder before the current licence expires. Eligible drivers can renew online, by post or at a participating Post Office.
In this guide, we explain how to renew my driving licence step by step, including the online application process, costs, required information, photographs, expired licences, renewal at age 70 and what to do if your licence is lost or damaged.
Important: UKDVLADrivingLicence.com is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with DVLA or GOV.UK. For an official driving licence transaction, always use the appropriate GOV.UK service.
How to Renew My Driving Licence Online
For eligible drivers, renewing your driving licence online is generally the simplest option.
The official DVLA online service can be used to renew both full and provisional driving licences. You must generally be a resident of Great Britain and not be disqualified from driving.
Step 1: Check Your Driving Licence
Before you start, check your photocard and find the expiry date.
Most photocard licences are valid for 10 years unless a different period applies. DVLA normally sends a reminder before your licence expires.
You can also read our DVLA licence check guide to learn more about checking your licence information.
Step 2: Make Sure You Are Eligible
The standard online renewal service is designed for eligible Great Britain drivers.
You may need to use a different process if:
- You are aged 70 or over.
- You have a short-term medical driving licence.
- You hold a 5-year bus or lorry licence.
- Your name or title has changed.
- You are applying for your first provisional licence.
- You are currently disqualified from driving.
Different rules can apply in Northern Ireland, which has a separate licensing authority and process.
Step 3: Sign In to the DVLA Service
To renew online, you need to sign in to the official service. If you do not already have sign-in details, the service allows you to create them. DVLA may also ask you to prove your identity using photo identification.
You can also use the Driver and Vehicles Account resources on our website to learn more about online DVLA services.
Step 4: Provide the Required Information
You will be asked for information relevant to your application.
It is useful to have your:
- Current driving licence
- National Insurance number, if known
- Address history where requested
- Passport information, where applicable
- Personal details
- Payment card
DVLA’s online service will tell you exactly what information you need as you progress through the application.
Step 5: Check Your Photograph
If your photograph needs updating, you may be able to use your passport photograph or upload a new photograph through the relevant DVLA service.
Updating your photograph online currently costs £14.
For more information, see our view driving licence guide.
Step 6: Pay the Renewal Fee
A standard online driving licence renewal currently costs £14.
The fee can be paid using an accepted debit or credit card. Eligible drivers aged 70 or over and those with certain medical short-period licences do not pay the standard renewal fee.
Step 7: Review and Submit Your Application
Before submitting your application, carefully check your information.
Pay particular attention to:
- Your name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Driving licence details
- Photograph
- Any other information requested by DVLA
Once you submit the application, DVLA will send you a confirmation email.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew My Driving Licence?
The cost depends on the application method and your circumstances.
| Application method | Current cost |
|---|---|
| Online renewal | £14 |
| Postal renewal | £17 |
| Participating Post Office | £21.50 |
| Renewal at age 70+ | Free |
These are the current fees published by GOV.UK.
Online renewal is therefore normally the cheapest standard option.
For more information, visit our driving licence renewal UK guide.
How to Renew My Driving Licence by Post
If you cannot use the online service, you may be able to renew by post.
For a standard photocard renewal, you can obtain a D1 application form from a Post Office that provides DVLA photocard services.
You generally need to send:
- Completed application forms
- Your current photocard, if you have it
- A recent printed passport-style photograph
- The appropriate payment
- Identity documents if required
The current postal fee for a standard renewal is £17.
If your name or title has changed, you cannot use the standard online renewal service and must apply by post.
Read our driving licence application UK guide for more information.
How to Renew My Driving Licence at the Post Office
Another option is to renew at a participating Post Office.
If you receive a DVLA reminder letter, you can take it to a Post Office that provides DVLA photocard renewal services. You should also take your current photocard if you have it.
The current Post Office renewal fee is £21.50.
If you do not receive a reminder letter, check the current GOV.UK requirements before visiting.
How to Renew My Driving Licence If It Has Expired
If your photocard driving licence has expired, eligible drivers can still renew it.
GOV.UK currently lists the cost of renewing an expired driving licence as £14 online or £17 by post.
However, an ordinary expired photocard should not be confused with a licence that has been revoked, refused, withdrawn or restricted.
If your driving entitlement has been affected by a medical condition or another licensing issue, you may have to follow a different process.
Read our driving licence status guide if you need help understanding your licence status.
How to Renew My Driving Licence at Age 70
If you are approaching your 70th birthday, the renewal process is different.
You can renew your British driving licence online for free if you are 70 or over, or will be 70 within the next 90 days, provided you meet the applicable requirements.
After reaching 70, you must renew your licence every three years.
You must also meet the minimum eyesight requirements and other relevant conditions.
If you need to renew a C1 medium-sized vehicle or D1 minibus entitlement, the renewal must be completed by post.
For additional information, read our DVLA driving licence renewal guide.
Can I Renew My Provisional Driving Licence?
Yes. The standard DVLA renewal service can be used for eligible full and provisional driving licences.
However, if you have never previously applied for a provisional licence, you need to make a first provisional licence application instead of a renewal application.
Read our provisional driving licence UK guide for more information.
How to Renew My Driving Licence With a New Photo
If you want to update the photograph on your licence, you can use the DVLA photo renewal service.
The current online fee is £14. You may be able to use your passport photograph or upload a new photograph.
A new licence will be issued after the application is processed.
For related information, see our check my driving licence guide.
How Long Does It Take to Renew My Driving Licence?
The processing time depends on how you apply and whether DVLA needs additional checks.
For eligible online applications, GOV.UK says your new driving licence should normally arrive within one week.
Applications made by post or at a Post Office should generally arrive within three weeks, although the process can take longer if DVLA needs to check your medical or personal details.
After submitting an online application, you can also track your application through your Driver and Vehicles Account.
What Documents Do I Need to Renew My Driving Licence?
The exact requirements depend on your circumstances.
For an ordinary online renewal, you should have the information requested by the DVLA service available.
This can include:
- Your current driving licence
- National Insurance number, if known
- Address history
- Passport information, where applicable
- Photograph information
- Payment card
If you are applying by post, additional documents may be required, particularly if your name has changed.
What If My Name Has Changed?
If your name or title has changed since your current licence was issued, you cannot use the standard online renewal service.
GOV.UK states that a name or title change requires a postal application. If your signature has changed, you must apply by post or at a Post Office.
You may also need to provide identity documents proving the change.
What If My Address Has Changed?
If you have moved, make sure DVLA has your current address.
Changing your address on a driving licence is generally free, and eligible drivers can complete the process online.
If you are renewing at the same time, make sure you provide the correct information during the application.
Read our check licence status guide for more information.
What If I Have Lost My Driving Licence?
If you have lost your driving licence, you normally need to apply for a replacement, rather than renew it.
The current cost of replacing a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed driving licence is £20.
See our related resources:
- Lost driving licence UK
- DVLA lost driving licence
- Replace lost driving licence
- Replacement driving licence UK
What If My Driving Licence Has Been Stolen?
A stolen driving licence should normally be replaced.
GOV.UK advises contacting the police if your driving licence has been stolen before using the DVLA replacement service.
You can learn more in our driving licence stolen guide.
What If My Driving Licence Is Damaged?
If your photocard is damaged, defaced or destroyed, you generally need a replacement rather than an ordinary renewal.
The current replacement cost is £20.
Read our replace damaged driving licence article for more information.
How to Renew My Driving Licence: Quick Checklist
Before submitting your application, check the following:
- Check your licence expiry date.
- Confirm that you are using the correct renewal service.
- Check your name and date of birth.
- Confirm your current address.
- Have your current licence available.
- Check your photograph requirements.
- Have your National Insurance number available if known.
- Have an accepted payment card if a fee applies.
- Review all information before submitting.
- Save your confirmation email.
- Track your application if necessary.
- Check your new licence when it arrives.
Common Mistakes When Renewing a Driving Licence
Using the Wrong Website
One of the most important things to remember is that government driving licence services are provided through GOV.UK.
DVLA has warned motorists about third-party websites that charge additional fees for services that are available directly through GOV.UK.
Use independent websites such as UKDVLADrivingLicence.com for information and guidance, but use the official government service for the actual transaction.
Waiting Until the Last Minute
Although many applications are processed quickly, delays can occur when DVLA needs additional information.
Check your expiry date early and plan your renewal accordingly.
Confusing Renewal With Replacement
A licence approaching its normal expiry date generally requires renewal.
A licence that has been lost, stolen or damaged generally requires replacement.
Choosing the correct service can save time.
Forgetting About Name Changes
If your name or title has changed, the standard online renewal service cannot be used. You need to follow the postal process.
Ignoring Medical Licence Requirements
Drivers with short-term medical licences may have different renewal procedures. DVLA normally sends a renewal letter 90 days before a 1-, 2-, 3- or 5-year medical licence expires.
Can I Drive While My Licence Is Being Renewed?
The answer depends on your circumstances.
GOV.UK states that some drivers can continue driving while their renewal application is being processed if they meet specific conditions. These include having held a valid licence, meeting the conditions of the previous licence and not being disqualified, among other requirements.
Medical licence holders can have additional conditions.
If you are unsure whether you are legally entitled to drive while your application is being processed, check the official DVLA guidance relevant to your circumstances before driving.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Renew My Driving Licence
How do I renew my driving licence online?
Use the official DVLA renewal service on GOV.UK, sign in, provide the requested information, review your details, pay the applicable fee and submit the application.
How much does it cost to renew my driving licence?
A standard online renewal currently costs £14. Postal renewal costs £17, while participating Post Office renewal costs £21.50.
How often do I need to renew my photocard?
Most photocard licences need to have their photograph renewed every 10 years.
Can I renew an expired driving licence?
Yes, eligible drivers can renew an expired licence. The current standard fee is £14 online or £17 by post.
Is driving licence renewal free at age 70?
Yes. Eligible drivers aged 70 or over can renew their British driving licence free of charge. After age 70, renewal is required every three years.
Can I renew my provisional driving licence?
Yes, eligible provisional licence holders can use the DVLA renewal service. However, first-time applicants must apply for their first provisional licence instead.
What if I lose my driving licence?
You normally need to apply for a replacement. The current replacement fee is £20.
How long does online renewal take?
Your new licence should normally arrive within one week when you apply online, although additional checks can cause delays.
Can I track my driving licence renewal?
Yes. If you renewed your driving licence online, you can track the application through your Driver and Vehicles Account using your application reference.
Final Thoughts: How to Renew My Driving Licence
If you have been searching for how to renew my driving licence, the process is generally straightforward for eligible Great Britain drivers.
For most photocard licences, the photograph needs to be renewed every 10 years. Online renewal currently costs £14, and GOV.UK says an online application should normally result in your new licence arriving within about one week.
Drivers aged 70 and over follow a separate process and can renew for free if they meet the requirements. After reaching 70, licences must be renewed every three years.
Remember that renewal is different from replacement. If your licence has been lost, stolen or damaged, you normally need to use the replacement service instead.
For more helpful information about DVLA driving licence renewal, licence checks, applications, driving records, provisional licences and replacement licences, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence.