If you are looking for information about how to renew driving licence in the UK, it is important to understand when your licence needs renewing, how much renewal costs, how to apply online and how long it takes to receive your new photocard.
For most Great Britain drivers, a photocard driving licence must be renewed every 10 years. DVLA normally sends a reminder before the current photocard expires. The standard online renewal fee is currently £14.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain everything you need to know about renew driving licence applications, including online renewal, postal applications, renewal at age 70, photographs, fees and common mistakes.
For more information about UK driving licences and DVLA services, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence.
Important: This guide covers Great Britain — England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has a separate driving licence system.
When Do You Need to Renew Your Driving Licence?
A standard Great Britain photocard driving licence is normally valid for 10 years.
You should renew your photocard before it expires. DVLA sends a reminder before the end of your current licence period.
Renewing your licence is different from replacing a licence that has been lost, stolen or damaged.
You normally need to renew when:
- Your photocard licence is approaching its expiry date.
- Your photocard licence has expired.
- You need to update the photograph.
- You have reached an age where a different renewal procedure applies.
- Your licence has a short-term medical validity period and requires renewal.
If your licence has simply disappeared, read our guide to lost driving licence UK instead.
How to Renew Driving Licence Online
For most eligible drivers, applying online is the easiest way to renew driving licence.
The official online process requires you to sign in and provide the information requested by DVLA. If you do not already have sign-in details, you can create them. DVLA may also ask you to prove your identity.
The basic process is:
- Access the official DVLA renewal service.
- Sign in or create your account.
- Confirm your personal information.
- Provide or confirm your photograph.
- Check your details carefully.
- Pay the renewal fee.
- Submit the application.
- Keep your confirmation email.
- Wait for your new driving licence.
The online renewal fee is currently £14.
For more information about online applications, visit our driving licence online application guide.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Driving Licence?
The cost depends on how you apply.
| Renewal method | Current fee |
|---|---|
| Online | £14 |
| By post | £17 |
| At a participating Post Office | £21.50 |
| Age 70+ online | Free |
These are the current fees published by GOV.UK.
If you are simply changing your address, the change is free. However, renewing an expired photocard is a separate transaction.
How Long Does It Take to Renew a Driving Licence?
If you renew driving licence online, GOV.UK says the new licence should arrive within one week.
If you apply at a Post Office or by post, the licence should generally arrive within three weeks. It can take longer if DVLA needs to check medical or personal information.
Expected delivery times
- Online: within 1 week
- Post Office: around 3 weeks
- Postal application: around 3 weeks
Because these are expected timeframes, it is sensible to apply before your licence expires rather than waiting until the last minute.
Can You Renew an Expired Driving Licence?
Yes.
If your photocard driving licence has expired, you can generally use the DVLA renewal service if you meet the eligibility requirements. The current online fee for renewing an expired driving licence is £14.
However, different rules can apply depending on your age, medical circumstances and type of driving entitlement.
If your licence has been revoked or you have been disqualified, you may need to reapply for a licence rather than use the ordinary renewal process.
Who Can Renew a Driving Licence Online?
The standard online renewal service is available to eligible Great Britain residents who are not disqualified from driving. It can be used to renew both full and provisional driving licences.
Before applying, check that:
- You live in Great Britain.
- You are not disqualified from driving.
- You have the required information.
- Your application does not involve a change that prevents online renewal.
If your name, title or signature has changed, the normal online service may not be available for your situation.
Renew Driving Licence With a New Photo
Your photograph is an important part of your photocard licence.
If you want to update your photograph, you may be able to renew your licence online. GOV.UK explains that eligible drivers can use a passport photograph or upload a new photograph when renewing online.
The online fee for this type of renewal is currently £14.
A new photograph can be particularly useful if your appearance has changed significantly since your previous licence was issued.
For related information, visit our view driving licence guide.
Renew Driving Licence at the Post Office
If you cannot use the online service, you may be able to renew your photocard at a participating Post Office.
You will normally receive a DVLA reminder letter. You should take the reminder and your photocard licence if you have it.
The current Post Office renewal fee is £21.50.
Not every Post Office provides DVLA photocard renewal services, so check before visiting.
Renew Driving Licence by Post
You can also apply by post.
For a standard car or motorcycle licence, you can obtain a D1 application pack from a Post Office that provides DVLA services.
A postal application generally requires:
- Completed application form
- Recent passport-style photograph
- Current photocard licence, if available
- Required fee
- Identity documents if applicable
The current postal renewal fee is £17.
A postal renewal should generally arrive within three weeks, although additional checks can cause delays.
Renew Driving Licence at 70
The renewal process changes when you reach 70.
If you are 70 or over, or will be 70 within the next 90 days, you can renew your British driving licence online for free if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Once you reach 70, your licence must be renewed every three years.
You must also meet the relevant eyesight and other eligibility requirements.
For more detailed information, see our UK driving licence resources.
What If Your Name Has Changed?
A name change can affect how you renew your licence.
GOV.UK states that you cannot renew online if your name or title has changed. In such circumstances, you need to apply by post.
You may also need to provide original documents proving the change.
This is one reason it is important to check your personal details before starting the renewal application.
What If Your Address Has Changed?
If you have moved house, you should make sure your address is updated with DVLA.
Changing the address on your photocard driving licence is currently free.
If your licence is also due for renewal, you may be able to deal with the relevant changes during the renewal process.
For more information, read our driving licence status guide.
What If Your Driving Licence Has Been Lost?
If your licence has been lost, you normally need to replace it, not renew it simply because it is missing.
The current replacement fee for a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed licence is £20.
You can learn more in our guides:
If your licence is damaged rather than expired, see our replace damaged driving licence guide.
What If Your Driving Licence Has Been Stolen?
If your driving licence has been stolen, you should contact the police and apply for a replacement through the appropriate DVLA service.
A stolen licence is treated differently from an ordinary renewal.
For more information, read our driving licence stolen guide.
Renewing vs Replacing a Driving Licence
Understanding the difference between renewing and replacing your driving licence is important.
Renew your licence if:
- Your photocard is expiring.
- Your photocard has expired.
- You need to update your photograph.
- You are due for your regular 10-year photocard renewal.
Replace your licence if:
- You lost it.
- It was stolen.
- It was damaged.
- It was destroyed.
- It was defaced.
The current standard online renewal fee is £14, while replacing a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed licence costs £20.
Do You Need to Retake Your Driving Test When Renewing?
No.
A normal photocard renewal does not mean you need to retake your theory or practical driving test.
The renewal process updates your licence and photograph while maintaining your existing driving entitlement, subject to the relevant rules.
However, different procedures apply if your licence has been revoked or you have been disqualified.
Can You Continue Driving While Your Licence Is Being Renewed?
In many ordinary renewal situations, you can continue driving while waiting for your new licence, provided you meet the relevant legal requirements.
GOV.UK provides specific conditions for driving while an application is with DVLA, particularly where medical restrictions or previous disqualification are involved.
If your circumstances are unusual — for example, you have a medical driving restriction, previous disqualification or revoked licence — check the specific DVLA guidance before driving.
How to Check Your Driving Licence Status
The DVLA Driver and Vehicles Account provides access to several driving licence services.
Depending on your circumstances, you can use it to:
- View your driving record
- Check penalty points
- Check disqualifications
- Renew your photocard
- Replace a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed licence
- Change your address
- View your driving licence photograph
- Create a licence check code
For related information, visit:
- DVLA licence check
- DVLA driving licence check
- Check driving licence online
- Check my driving licence
- Driving licence status
- Check driving record
What Happens After You Renew Online?
After you complete an online renewal, DVLA sends a confirmation email.
Your new licence becomes valid from the date your application is approved rather than from the expiry date of your previous licence.
If you applied online, your new licence should normally arrive within one week.
When it arrives, check:
- Your name
- Date of birth
- Photograph
- Address
- Driving categories
- Licence validity dates
If something is incorrect, contact DVLA using the appropriate procedure.
What Should You Do With Your Old Driving Licence?
When you renew online, GOV.UK states that you must send your old photocard licence to DVLA when you receive the new one. You will be told which address to use when you complete your application.
Do not simply keep using an old photocard after receiving your replacement.
Common Driving Licence Renewal Mistakes
1. Waiting Until the Last Minute
Although renewal can be relatively quick, it is better to apply before your licence expires.
2. Using the Wrong Service
A lost licence needs replacing. An expired photocard generally needs renewing.
3. Forgetting About Your Photograph
If your photograph needs updating, make sure you follow the current DVLA photo requirements.
4. Ignoring a Change of Name
If your name or title has changed, you cannot use the standard online renewal process.
5. Assuming Every Driver Has the Same Renewal Rules
Drivers aged 70 or over, vocational drivers and drivers with certain medical conditions can have different requirements.
6. Using an Unofficial Website for the Government Transaction
Independent websites can provide useful explanations, but when you are ready to submit a government application, use the relevant official GOV.UK service.
Renew Driving Licence: Step-by-Step Checklist
Before you start your renewal, check the following:
- Check your photocard expiry date.
- Wait for or locate your DVLA reminder if applicable.
- Confirm your address.
- Check whether your name or title has changed.
- Prepare your photograph if required.
- Sign in to the DVLA online service.
- Confirm your personal information.
- Pay the applicable renewal fee.
- Submit your application.
- Keep your confirmation email.
- Wait for your new licence.
- Check the new photocard.
- Return your old photocard to DVLA as instructed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renewing a Driving Licence
How often do I need to renew my driving licence?
A standard photocard driving licence must normally be renewed every 10 years.
How much does it cost to renew a driving licence?
The current online renewal fee is £14. Postal renewal costs £17, while renewal at a participating Post Office costs £21.50.
Can I renew my driving licence online?
Yes. Eligible Great Britain drivers can renew their full or provisional photocard licence online.
How long does online renewal take?
GOV.UK says your new licence should arrive within one week when you renew online.
Can I renew an expired driving licence?
Yes, if you meet the relevant eligibility requirements. The current online fee for an expired licence renewal is £14.
Is driving licence renewal free after age 70?
Yes. Eligible drivers aged 70 or over can renew their British driving licence online for free.
Can I renew my licence if my name has changed?
Not through the standard online renewal service. GOV.UK says you need to apply by post if your name or title has changed.
Can I renew my provisional driving licence?
Yes. The standard renewal service covers full and provisional driving licences, subject to eligibility.
What if my licence is lost rather than expired?
You need to apply for a replacement rather than an ordinary renewal. The current replacement fee is £20.
Can I check my driving record online?
Yes. The DVLA Driver and Vehicles Account allows you to view your driving record and other information.
Final Thoughts
Knowing when and how to renew driving licence can help you avoid unnecessary delays and ensure your photocard remains up to date.
For most Great Britain drivers, photocard licences need renewing every 10 years, and the current online renewal fee is £14. Online applications are generally the quickest option, with GOV.UK stating that the new licence should arrive within approximately one week.
Remember that renewal is different from replacement. If your licence has been lost, stolen or damaged, you normally need a replacement service instead.
For more information about UK driving licences, DVLA licence renewal, licence checks, driving records, replacement licences and driving licence applications, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence.
Disclaimer: UKDVLADrivingLicence.com is an independent informational website and is not the official DVLA or GOV.UK website. For an actual government transaction, use the relevant official GOV.UK service.