Losing your driving licence can be frustrating, especially if you need to drive regularly, hire a vehicle or provide proof of your driving entitlement. Fortunately, if you have lost your licence in Great Britain, the lost driving licence UK application process is relatively straightforward.
Whether your licence has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, you can generally apply for a replacement through the official DVLA service. The current replacement fee is £20, and GOV.UK states that an online replacement licence should normally arrive within one week.
This guide explains exactly what you need to know about a lost driving licence UK application, including eligibility, costs, online applications, what to do if your licence was stolen, how long replacement takes and what happens if you find your old licence later.
For more UK driving licence information, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence.
Important: This guide covers Great Britain — England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has a separate driving licence system.
What Should You Do If You Lose Your Driving Licence?
If you have lost your photocard driving licence, you should apply for a replacement rather than simply continuing to use your licence details without reporting the loss.
The official replacement service covers licences that have been:
- Lost
- Stolen
- Damaged
- Destroyed
The same replacement service can be used for both full driving licences and provisional driving licences.
If you are unsure whether you need a replacement or another type of application, our driving licence application guide can help you understand the different options.
How to Make a Lost Driving Licence UK Application Online
For eligible applicants, applying online is generally the simplest way to replace a lost driving licence.
The basic process is:
- Go to the official GOV.UK replacement service.
- Sign in or create the required account.
- Provide the requested information.
- Complete the replacement application.
- Pay the £20 fee.
- Submit the application.
- Receive confirmation.
- Wait for your replacement licence to arrive.
GOV.UK confirms that the online replacement service is available for both full and provisional licences.
For more information about checking your licence details, visit our DVLA licence check guide.
How Much Does a Lost Driving Licence UK Application Cost?
The current cost of replacing a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed GB driving licence is £20.
This applies whether the licence is:
- Lost
- Stolen
- Damaged
- Destroyed
The £20 replacement fee is different from the fee for applying for a first provisional licence.
For comparison, the current first provisional licence costs £34 online or £43 by post.
Understanding the difference between these applications can help you avoid selecting the wrong DVLA service.
Can You Replace a Lost Driving Licence Online?
Yes. Eligible Great Britain residents can use the online DVLA service to replace a lost driving licence.
The official online service requires you to sign in. If you do not already have the required sign-in details, GOV.UK says you can create them. You may also be asked to prove your identity.
The online route is convenient because you can complete the process without sending a paper form through the post.
What Information Do You Need?
Before starting your lost driving licence UK application, it is useful to have your personal information available.
Depending on the application and your circumstances, DVLA may require information relating to:
- Your identity
- Your driving licence
- Your address
- Your personal details
- Your payment method
The online service will tell you what information is required during the application.
You should always enter your details accurately.
Incorrect information can result in additional checks or delay the replacement process.
What If Your Driving Licence Was Stolen?
A stolen driving licence is treated differently from simply misplacing your licence in one important respect: you should contact the police if your driving licence has been stolen.
GOV.UK specifically advises drivers to contact the police if their driving licence is stolen.
After reporting the theft where appropriate, you can proceed with the replacement application.
You should not wait unnecessarily if you believe your licence has been stolen.
How Long Does a Replacement Driving Licence Take?
One of the most common questions about a lost driving licence UK application is how quickly the replacement will arrive.
GOV.UK states that if you apply online, your replacement licence should arrive within one week.
However, processing times can vary if additional checks are required.
For example, an application could take longer if DVLA needs to verify certain personal or identity information.
If you apply by post, GOV.UK currently says a replacement licence should arrive in about three weeks, although it can take longer if medical or personal details need to be checked.
Can You Apply by Phone?
In some 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 phone route if your licence is damaged or if it expires within the relevant restricted period.
For many people, the online application is the more convenient option.
Can You Apply by Post?
Yes.
If you need to apply by post for a car or motorcycle licence, you generally use the D1 application form.
For lorry or bus licences, the relevant form is D2.
GOV.UK says D1 and D2 forms are available from most Post Offices.
Postal applications can take longer than online applications, so applicants who are eligible for the online service may prefer to use it.
What If Your Personal Details Have Changed?
This is an important consideration before submitting a lost driving licence UK application.
If your name or other personal details have changed, you should make sure you follow the appropriate DVLA process rather than assuming that a simple replacement application will update everything automatically.
For example, changing your address is a separate driving licence transaction.
You can learn more about keeping your licence information up to date through our driving licence status guide.
What If You Have Also Changed Your Address?
If you have moved since your last licence was issued, make sure DVLA has the correct address.
Changing the address on a photocard driving licence is currently free.
Do not assume that a lost licence replacement automatically solves every change to your personal information.
If your circumstances have changed, check which DVLA service applies to your situation.
What Happens After You Submit Your Application?
After successfully completing the online application, DVLA will send you a confirmation email.
You should keep the confirmation until your replacement licence arrives.
The replacement licence will contain the appropriate information and driving entitlement held on your DVLA record.
If you need to check information about your driving record, see our check driving record guide.
Can You Check Your Driving Licence Online?
Yes. The DVLA’s online services allow drivers to access various driving information.
The current Driver and Vehicles Account can be used for services including:
- Viewing your driving record
- Checking penalty points
- Checking disqualifications
- Replacing a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed licence
- Changing the address on your licence
- Viewing a photo of your driving licence where eligible
- Creating a licence check code
For additional information, visit our check driving licence online guide.
What If You Find Your Old Driving Licence?
Sometimes a lost licence turns up after you have already applied for a replacement.
If this happens, do not simply start using the old licence again.
GOV.UK states that if you find your old licence after applying for or receiving a replacement, you must return the old licence to DVLA and explain what happened.
This is important because the replacement licence has superseded the old one.
Do You Need to Carry Your Driving Licence While Driving?
Losing your physical licence does not necessarily mean that your driving entitlement has disappeared.
GOV.UK’s service assessment notes that drivers are not legally required to carry their physical driving licence whenever they drive, although they must have been issued a valid licence for the category of vehicle they drive.
However, if your photocard has been lost, obtaining a replacement is still sensible and is the appropriate way to keep your documentation current.
Lost Driving Licence UK Application for a Provisional Licence
The replacement service is not only for full licence holders.
You can also replace a lost provisional driving licence using the applicable replacement service.
This can be particularly important for learner drivers who need their licence details for driving lessons or other purposes.
If you are applying for your first provisional licence rather than replacing an existing one, however, you need the first provisional licence application service instead.
Read our first provisional driving licence guide for more information.
Lost Driving Licence vs First Driving Licence Application
It is easy to confuse these two services.
Lost driving licence
You have previously been issued a driving licence but no longer have it.
Action: Apply for a replacement.
First driving licence
You have never previously held the relevant GB licence and are applying for your first provisional entitlement.
Action: Submit a first provisional licence application.
The current online fee for a first provisional car, motorcycle or moped licence is £34, while replacing a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed licence costs £20.
Choosing the correct application can prevent unnecessary delays.
Common Mistakes With a Lost Driving Licence UK Application
1. Applying for a New Licence Instead of a Replacement
If you already have a licence and have simply lost it, you generally need a replacement rather than a first licence application.
2. Forgetting to Report Theft
If your licence was stolen, GOV.UK advises contacting the police.
3. Entering Incorrect Details
Check your personal information carefully before submitting.
4. Forgetting About Address Changes
If you have moved, make sure your address information is dealt with correctly.
5. Using an Unofficial Application Website
Be particularly careful when searching for terms such as “lost driving licence UK application.”
Search engines may display independent websites alongside official government services.
When you are ready to make the actual application, use the official GOV.UK service.
ukdvladrivinglicence.com should be presented as an independent informational resource and should not imply that it is DVLA or GOV.UK.
6. Using Your Old Licence After Finding It
If you find your old licence after applying for a replacement, follow DVLA’s instructions and return the old licence.
Lost Driving Licence UK Application Checklist
Before starting your replacement application, use this checklist:
If Your Licence Is Lost
- Confirm that the licence is genuinely missing
- Check whether you may have left it somewhere
- Prepare your personal information
- Access the official DVLA replacement service
- Complete the online application
- Pay the £20 replacement fee
- Save your confirmation
- Wait for the replacement licence
If Your Licence Was Stolen
- Report the theft to the police
- Prepare your personal information
- Apply for a replacement
- Pay the £20 fee
- Keep your confirmation
- Wait for the replacement
When Your Replacement Arrives
- Check your name
- Check your address
- Check your date of birth
- Check your photograph
- Check your driving entitlement
- Keep your licence secure
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a lost driving licence UK application?
If you live in Great Britain and have lost your full or provisional licence, you can generally apply for a replacement online through the official GOV.UK service.
How much does it cost to replace a lost driving licence?
The current replacement fee is £20.
How long does a replacement licence take?
If you apply online, GOV.UK says your replacement licence should arrive within one week.
Can I replace a provisional licence if I lose it?
Yes. The replacement service covers both full and provisional driving licences.
What should I do if my driving licence was stolen?
You should contact the police if your driving licence has been stolen, then apply for a replacement through the appropriate DVLA service.
Can I replace my licence by post?
Yes. You can apply by post using the appropriate form. For car or motorcycle licences, GOV.UK directs applicants to the D1 form; lorry or bus licence applicants use D2.
Can I replace my licence by phone?
You may be able to apply by phone if you have a photocard licence and none of your details have changed.
What happens if I find my old licence?
If you find your old licence after applying for or receiving a replacement, you must return it to DVLA and explain what happened.
Can I check my driving record after losing my licence?
Yes. DVLA’s Driver and Vehicles Account provides access to driving-record information and other licence services.
Final Thoughts: Lost Driving Licence UK Application
A lost driving licence UK application does not need to be complicated. For eligible drivers in Great Britain, the online replacement process provides a convenient way to obtain a new photocard.
The current replacement fee is £20, and GOV.UK states that an online replacement should normally arrive within one week.
The basic process is:
Lose your licence → Report theft if applicable → Apply for a replacement → Pay £20 → Receive confirmation → Receive your replacement licence.
If you find your old licence after applying, follow DVLA’s instructions and return it rather than continuing to use it.
For more information about lost driving licences, DVLA licence applications, driving licence checks, driving records, provisional licences and UK driving licence requirements, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence.