Losing your driving licence can be inconvenient, especially if you need it for work, driving lessons, vehicle hire, insurance or other situations where you need to prove your driving entitlement. Fortunately, replacing a lost driving licence UK drivers hold is generally straightforward when you use the correct DVLA service.
If your photocard licence has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, you can apply for a replacement. For drivers in Great Britain, the replacement service is available online, and the current replacement fee is £20.
This guide explains everything you need to know about a lost driving licence UK, including how to replace it, the cost, how long the process takes, what to do if your licence was stolen and how to check your driving information online.
For more useful information about UK driving licences, 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 a Lost Driving Licence UK?
If you discover that your driving licence is missing, the first thing to do is determine whether you have simply misplaced it or whether it may have been stolen.
If you cannot find your licence, you should apply for a replacement through the appropriate DVLA service.
A replacement can be required when your licence has been:
- Lost
- Stolen
- Damaged
- Destroyed
The replacement process applies to both full and provisional driving licences.
If you are looking for broader information about UK licence applications, see our driving licence application guide.
How to Replace a Lost Driving Licence UK
For eligible drivers, applying online is usually the most convenient way to replace a lost driving licence.
The process generally involves:
- Accessing the official DVLA replacement service.
- Signing in or creating the required account.
- Providing your personal information.
- Completing the replacement application.
- Paying the applicable fee.
- Submitting the application.
- Keeping your confirmation.
- Waiting for your replacement licence.
The official service should always be used when you are ready to submit the actual application.
Our DVLA licence check guide can also help you understand how to check information associated with your driving licence.
Can I Replace a Lost Driving Licence Online?
Yes. Eligible drivers can replace a lost GB driving licence online through the official government service.
The online route is useful because you can complete the application without sending a paper form through the post.
Before starting, make sure you have your personal information available and carefully check everything you enter.
If you are interested in online licence services generally, read our guide to check driving licence online.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Lost Driving Licence UK?
The current fee for replacing a lost, stolen or destroyed GB driving licence is £20.
This is a replacement fee rather than the cost of applying for your first driving licence.
For example, someone who has never previously held a provisional driving licence will need to follow the first provisional licence application process rather than applying for a replacement.
You can learn more about this process in our first provisional driving licence guide.
Replacement licence costs
| Situation | Replacement fee |
|---|---|
| Lost driving licence | £20 |
| Stolen driving licence | £20 |
| Destroyed driving licence | £20 |
| Damaged driving licence | £20 |
Fees can change, so always check the current official government information before paying.
How Long Does a Lost Driving Licence Replacement Take?
The time required to receive your replacement can depend on how you apply and whether DVLA needs additional information.
Online applications are generally the quickest and most convenient option.
If your application requires additional checks, it may take longer.
Therefore, if you need your physical photocard for an upcoming trip, employment requirement or vehicle hire, it is sensible to apply for a replacement as soon as you realise that your licence is missing.
For more information about your licence details and status, see our driving licence status guide.
What If Your Driving Licence Was Stolen?
A stolen driving licence should be treated differently from simply misplacing your licence.
If you believe that someone has stolen your driving licence, you should report the theft to the police and then apply for a replacement through the appropriate DVLA service.
Do not ignore a stolen licence. Your driving licence contains personal information, so taking appropriate action can help reduce the risk of misuse.
If you need information about replacing a licence that is both lost and stolen, our lost driving licence UK application guide provides additional information.
Can I Replace a Lost Provisional Driving Licence?
Yes.
A provisional driving licence can also be replaced if it has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.
This is particularly important for learner drivers who need their licence information for driving lessons, theory tests or practical driving tests.
However, there is an important distinction:
If you have never had a provisional driving licence before, you need to apply for your first provisional licence.
If you have previously been issued one and have lost it, you generally need a replacement.
Read our provisional driving licence UK guide for more information.
What Information Do You Need to Replace a Lost Driving Licence?
The information required can depend on your individual circumstances.
Before starting your application, it is useful to have your personal information available, including details such as:
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Driving licence information, if known
- National Insurance information where required
- Payment details
Always enter your information accurately.
If your name or address has changed since your previous licence was issued, you may need to follow the relevant DVLA process rather than simply submitting a standard replacement request.
What If You Have Moved House?
If you have a lost driving licence UK drivers should also consider whether their address has changed.
If you have moved house since your licence was issued, make sure your DVLA records contain your current address.
Changing the address on a driving licence is a separate transaction from simply replacing a lost licence.
For more information, visit our check licence status guide.
What If Your Name Has Changed?
If your name has changed since your driving licence was issued, you should check the specific DVLA requirements for changing your name.
Do not assume that a normal lost-licence replacement application will automatically update your personal details.
This is particularly important if you have recently:
- Changed your surname
- Changed your legal name
- Changed your address
- Updated other personal information
Make sure you use the appropriate government service for your circumstances.
Can You Replace a Lost Driving Licence by Post?
Yes.
If you cannot use the online service, there are postal application options for eligible licence holders.
For car and motorcycle licences, the relevant application form is generally the D1 form.
Applicants for certain lorry and bus licences may need a D2 form.
Paper applications normally take longer than online applications, so check the current GOV.UK instructions before sending your application.
Can You Replace a Lost Driving Licence by Phone?
In certain circumstances, you may be able to replace your photocard licence by telephone.
Eligibility depends on your circumstances and whether your personal information has changed.
If your details are unchanged and your situation meets the requirements, check the official DVLA telephone replacement service.
For the most convenient option, eligible applicants will generally find the online service easier.
Can You Check Your Driving Licence Without the Physical Card?
A lost physical licence does not necessarily prevent you from accessing your driving information online.
GOV.UK provides online services that allow drivers to view and share information from their driving record.
Depending on the service, you may be able to:
- View your driving record
- Check penalty points
- Check disqualifications
- Create a licence check code
- Share driving information with an employer or vehicle hire company
This can be particularly useful when you have a lost driving licence UK drivers need to replace but also need access to their driving information.
Read our check my driving licence guide for more information.
What Is a DVLA Licence Check?
A DVLA licence check allows you to access information about your driving entitlement and record.
For example, drivers may need to check:
- Driving licence categories
- Penalty points
- Disqualifications
- Driving history
- Licence information
You can learn more by reading our DVLA driving licence check article.
What Is a Driving Licence Check Code?
A driving licence check code allows you to share your driving record with another person or organisation.
For example, you may need to provide driving information to:
- An employer
- A car rental company
- An insurance provider
- Another authorised organisation
This can be particularly useful if you do not currently have your physical photocard available.
For additional information, visit our driving licence check UK guide.
What Happens After You Apply for a Replacement?
After submitting your application, make sure you keep any confirmation or reference information provided.
Your application may be processed immediately or may require additional checks depending on your circumstances.
When your replacement licence arrives, check that the information is correct.
Pay particular attention to:
- Your name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Photograph
- Licence categories
- Validity information
If anything appears incorrect, contact the appropriate DVLA service for assistance.
What If You Find Your Lost Driving Licence After Applying?
This is a common situation.
You might lose your licence, apply for a replacement and then discover the original licence somewhere at home or in your car.
If you find the old licence after applying for or receiving a replacement, do not simply continue using both documents.
Follow the official DVLA instructions concerning the old licence and return it where required.
This helps ensure that your records and physical documents remain consistent.
Do You Need to Carry Your Driving Licence When Driving?
A physical driving licence is useful evidence of your entitlement, but the legal requirement to carry the physical photocard whenever you drive is different from the requirement to actually hold the appropriate driving entitlement.
Even so, if your photocard has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, replacing it is advisable.
Having an up-to-date physical licence can make everyday situations such as hiring a vehicle or proving your identity more straightforward.
Lost Driving Licence UK: Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Applying for a First Licence
If you have previously held a driving licence, losing it does not mean you need to apply for a new first licence.
You normally need a replacement.
2. Ignoring a Stolen Licence
If your licence was stolen, report the theft and arrange a replacement.
3. Using an Outdated Address
If you have moved, make sure the relevant DVLA details are updated.
4. Entering Incorrect Information
Double-check your details before submitting the application.
5. Using an Unofficial Website to Submit the Application
Be careful when searching Google for phrases such as:
- “lost driving licence UK”
- “replace lost driving licence”
- “DVLA lost licence”
- “lost licence application”
Independent websites can provide useful educational information, but you should use the official GOV.UK/DVLA service when submitting an actual government application.
ukdvladrivinglicence.com should be presented as an independent informational resource and not as DVLA or GOV.UK.
Lost Driving Licence UK Checklist
If your licence is missing, follow this simple checklist:
1. Search for the original
Check your home, car, wallet, workplace and other places where you may have left it.
2. Determine whether it was stolen
If you believe it was stolen, report it appropriately.
3. Check your personal details
Make sure your current name and address are correct.
4. Start the replacement application
Use the appropriate official DVLA service.
5. Pay the replacement fee
The current GB replacement fee is £20.
6. Save your confirmation
Keep your application confirmation or reference information.
7. Wait for your replacement
Processing times depend on the application and whether additional checks are required.
8. Check your new licence
Verify all information when your replacement arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Lost Driving Licence UK
What should I do if I have a lost driving licence UK?
If your Great Britain driving licence is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, you can apply for a replacement through the appropriate DVLA service.
How much does it cost to replace a lost driving licence?
The current replacement fee for a lost, stolen or destroyed GB driving licence is £20.
Can I replace my lost driving licence online?
Yes. Eligible drivers can use the online government service to apply for a replacement.
Can I replace a lost provisional licence?
Yes. A lost provisional driving licence can also be replaced.
What if my driving licence was stolen?
You should report the theft to the police and apply for a replacement.
Can I replace my licence by post?
Yes, postal applications are available for eligible drivers. The appropriate form depends on the type of licence.
Can I check my driving record if my licence is lost?
Yes. Online DVLA services allow drivers to access various driving-record and licence-related information.
What happens if I find my old licence?
Do not simply start using the old document after receiving or applying for a replacement. Follow DVLA’s instructions for returning the old licence.
Final Thoughts on a Lost Driving Licence UK
A lost driving licence UK drivers hold does not have to become a major problem. The key is to take action promptly and use the correct replacement process.
Remember these important points:
- A lost licence can be replaced.
- The current replacement fee is £20 for a GB licence.
- Eligible drivers can apply online.
- A stolen licence should be reported appropriately.
- Provisional licences can also be replaced.
- Keep your personal information accurate.
- Check your licence information after receiving the replacement.
- Use GOV.UK when you are ready to complete the official application.
For more information about UK driving licences, DVLA licence checks, driving records, licence applications, provisional licences and licence status, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence.