If your driving licence has been cracked, broken, badly scratched, bent, defaced or damaged by water, you may be wondering how to replace a damaged driving licence in the UK.
A damaged driving licence does not normally mean you need to take your driving test again. If you already hold a valid Great Britain driving licence, you can apply for a replacement through the DVLA’s replacement service. The current fee for replacing a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed licence is £20. GOV.UK says an online replacement should normally arrive within one week.
This guide explains how to replace a damaged driving licence, how much it costs, how long it takes, what application options are available and what to do if your personal details have also changed.
For more information about UK driving licences and DVLA services, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence.
Important: This article concerns Great Britain — England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has a separate driving licence system.
What Does a Damaged Driving Licence Mean?
A damaged driving licence is a licence that has suffered physical damage that affects its condition or makes some of the information difficult to read.
Examples include:
- A cracked photocard
- A broken driving licence
- A badly scratched card
- Water damage
- A bent or creased photocard
- Damage to the photograph
- Faded or unreadable information
- A card that has been physically defaced
- A licence that has been damaged beyond practical use
If your licence is badly damaged, replacing it can give you a new photocard and ensure that your licence information is clearly displayed.
The DVLA replacement service specifically covers licences that have been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.
If your licence has gone missing rather than being damaged, read our guide to DVLA lost driving licence.
How to Replace a Damaged Driving Licence
For most eligible drivers, the simplest way to replace a damaged driving licence is to apply online.
The process is straightforward:
- Access the official DVLA replacement service.
- Sign in to your DVLA account.
- Provide the requested information.
- Confirm your personal details.
- Pay the £20 replacement fee.
- Submit the application.
- Keep your confirmation email.
- Wait for your replacement licence to arrive.
The online service can be used to replace both full and provisional Great Britain driving licences.
For related information, visit our DVLA replacement driving licence guide.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Damaged Driving Licence?
The current cost to replace a damaged Great Britain driving licence is £20.
The same £20 replacement fee applies to licences that have been:
- Lost
- Stolen
- Damaged
- Destroyed
- Defaced
This is confirmed by the current GOV.UK driving licence fee information.
DVLA replacement costs
| Licence situation | Current fee |
|---|---|
| Damaged driving licence | £20 |
| Lost driving licence | £20 |
| Stolen driving licence | £20 |
| Destroyed driving licence | £20 |
| Defaced driving licence | £20 |
It is important not to confuse replacement with renewal. An expired photocard licence is normally renewed rather than replaced, and the current online renewal fee is £14.
Can I Replace a Damaged Driving Licence Online?
Yes. Eligible Great Britain drivers can use the official online DVLA service to replace a damaged driving licence.
You need to sign in to use the service. If you do not already have sign-in details, GOV.UK says you can create them. You will also be told if you need to prove your identity.
After completing the application, DVLA sends a confirmation email.
The online service is generally the most convenient option because GOV.UK states that your replacement licence should arrive within one week when you apply online.
For more information about online licence services, read our driving licence online application guide.
Can You Replace a Damaged Driving Licence by Phone?
No. This is an important point.
Although DVLA allows some drivers to replace their photocard licence by phone, GOV.UK specifically states that you cannot apply by phone if your licence is damaged.
If your licence is damaged, you should use the online replacement service if eligible or apply by post.
Can You Replace a Damaged Driving Licence by Post?
Yes.
If you cannot use the online service, you can apply by post.
For a:
- Car or motorcycle licence: use form D1.
- Lorry or bus licence: use form D2.
D1 and D2 forms are available from most Post Offices.
You then send the completed application to the address shown on the form, together with the required fee and supporting documents where applicable.
A postal replacement should generally arrive within three weeks, although DVLA says it can take longer if medical or personal details need to be checked.
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Damaged Driving Licence?
The expected timeframe depends on how you apply.
| Application method | Expected delivery |
|---|---|
| Online | Within 1 week |
| By post | Around 3 weeks |
These are expected timeframes rather than guaranteed delivery dates. Additional checks can sometimes make an application take longer.
If you need your replacement as quickly as possible, an online application is generally the more convenient route when you are eligible.
Can You Replace a Damaged Provisional Driving Licence?
Yes.
The DVLA online replacement service covers both:
- Full driving licences
- Provisional driving licences
Therefore, if your provisional licence has been damaged while you are learning to drive, you can apply for a replacement.
You do not normally need to apply for another first provisional licence simply because your existing photocard has been damaged.
Read our provisional driving licence UK guide for more information.
What If Your Driving Licence Is Damaged and You Have Changed Address?
If you have moved house, make sure your current address is recorded with DVLA.
There is a difference between simply changing the address on a licence and replacing a damaged licence.
A change of address on a photocard licence is normally free, but replacing a licence because it is damaged currently costs £20.
If you need to replace a damaged licence and change your address at the same time, follow the instructions provided by the DVLA service rather than submitting conflicting applications.
For related information, see our driving licence status guide.
What If Your Name Has Changed?
If your name has changed since your previous licence was issued, you may need to provide original documents confirming your new name.
This is particularly important if you apply by post. GOV.UK states that applicants who have changed their name need to provide original documents confirming the change.
Do not send photocopies where DVLA specifically requests original documents.
If you are unsure what documentation is required, check the current official DVLA instructions before submitting your application.
What Information Do You Need to Replace a Damaged Licence?
The exact information required depends on your circumstances and the application method.
It is useful to have information such as:
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Driving licence information, if available
- Payment card for an online application
- Supporting documents if requested
If your personal details have changed, additional documentation may be required.
For information about the wider application process, visit our driving licence application UK guide.
What If Your Licence Is Severely Damaged?
If the card is cracked, broken, badly scratched or otherwise difficult to read, replacing it is generally preferable to continuing to use a seriously damaged document.
For example, you may have difficulty using a badly damaged licence when you need to demonstrate your driving entitlement or provide licence information to another organisation.
DVLA’s service information encourages drivers to apply for a duplicate when their last licence has been lost, stolen, defaced or destroyed.
If the licence is only showing minor cosmetic wear and all details remain clearly readable, the situation may be different. When in doubt, check the current DVLA guidance.
Does a Damaged Licence Mean You Have Lost Your Driving Entitlement?
Not necessarily.
The physical driving licence card and your underlying driving entitlement are related but distinct.
Government guidance explains that drivers must have been issued a valid licence for the vehicle category they drive, while systems are available for checking driving entitlements.
A damaged photocard does not automatically mean that you have been disqualified or that your driving entitlement has disappeared.
However, if you have concerns about your entitlement, penalty points or disqualification status, you should check your driving record.
You can read our check driving record guide for more information.
Can You Check Your Driving Licence Online?
Yes.
The DVLA Driver and Vehicles Account provides several online services. You can use it to:
- View your driving record
- Check vehicles you can drive
- Check penalty points or disqualifications
- Replace a damaged licence
- Change the address on your licence
- Renew your photocard
- Create a driving licence check code
- View your driving licence photograph where eligible
If you need to check information about your licence, see our:
What Is a DVLA Licence Check?
A DVLA licence check allows relevant driving information to be accessed or shared.
The Driver and Vehicles Account can be used to create a licence check code that allows you to share your driving record with another person or organisation, such as a car hire company.
If you want to learn more, visit our DVLA driving licence check guide.
Can You Check Your Driving Record While Waiting for a Replacement?
Yes.
The Driver and Vehicles Account allows you to view your driving record, including information about vehicles you can drive and penalty points or disqualifications.
This can be useful if your physical licence is damaged and you need to review your licence information.
See our DVLA driving record guide for more information.
What Happens After You Apply for a Replacement?
Once you submit an online replacement application, DVLA sends a confirmation email.
Your new licence should normally arrive within one week if you applied online.
When the replacement arrives, check the information carefully.
Look at:
- Your name
- Date of birth
- Photograph
- Address
- Driving categories
- Licence dates
If something appears incorrect, follow the relevant DVLA procedure to have it corrected.
What Should You Do With Your Old Damaged Licence?
If DVLA provides specific instructions about returning your damaged licence, follow those instructions.
Do not automatically throw the damaged photocard away without checking the requirements associated with your application.
For example, GOV.UK explains that if someone finds their old licence after receiving a replacement, they must return it to DVLA with an explanation.
Damaged Driving Licence vs Lost Driving Licence
These situations are related but not identical.
Damaged driving licence
You still have the card, but it is damaged.
Action: Apply for a replacement.
Lost driving licence
You no longer have the card and cannot find it.
Action: Apply for a replacement.
Stolen driving licence
Someone has taken your licence.
Action: Contact the police and apply for a replacement.
Destroyed driving licence
The licence has been destroyed.
Action: Apply for a replacement.
DVLA groups these circumstances under its replacement service, with the current replacement fee being £20.
Read our driving licence stolen article if your licence was taken.
Damaged Driving Licence vs Expired Driving Licence
It is also important to distinguish a damaged licence from an expired licence.
If your licence is damaged
You need a replacement.
If your photocard has expired
You generally need to renew it.
GOV.UK currently lists the online fee for renewing an expired photocard licence as £14, while replacing a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed licence costs £20.
Choosing the correct service can help you avoid submitting the wrong type of application.
Common Mistakes When Replacing a Damaged Driving Licence
1. Confusing Replacement With Renewal
A damaged licence is normally replaced rather than renewed.
2. Trying to Apply by Phone
DVLA specifically says the telephone service cannot be used when the licence is damaged.
3. Applying for a First Licence
If you already have a driving entitlement, you generally need a replacement rather than a first licence application.
4. Forgetting to Update Your Address
If you have moved, make sure your current address is correctly recorded.
5. Sending the Wrong Documents
If applying by post, check whether your circumstances require additional documentation.
6. Using an Unofficial Website for the Government Transaction
Independent websites can provide useful information, but use the official GOV.UK service when you actually submit your DVLA application.
Replace Damaged Driving Licence: Quick Checklist
Before applying, use this checklist:
- Confirm that your driving licence is damaged.
- Check whether your personal details have changed.
- Confirm your current address.
- Gather the information you need.
- Access the official DVLA replacement service.
- Sign in to your DVLA account.
- Complete the application.
- Pay the £20 replacement fee.
- Submit the application.
- Keep your confirmation email.
- Wait for your replacement licence.
- Check the new photocard when it arrives.
- Follow DVLA’s instructions concerning the damaged licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I replace a damaged driving licence?
Eligible Great Britain licence holders can apply for a replacement online through the DVLA replacement service. The current fee is £20.
How much does it cost to replace a damaged driving licence?
The current replacement fee is £20.
Can I replace a damaged driving licence online?
Yes. The official DVLA online replacement service covers damaged full and provisional driving licences.
How long does a replacement licence take?
GOV.UK says an online replacement should arrive within one week. A postal application should generally arrive within three weeks.
Can I replace a damaged provisional licence?
Yes. The online replacement service covers both full and provisional licences.
Can I replace a damaged licence by phone?
No. DVLA specifically states that you cannot apply by phone if your licence is damaged.
Can I apply by post?
Yes. You can use the appropriate D1 or D2 application form depending on your type of licence.
Do I need to retake my driving test because my licence is damaged?
No. Damage to the physical photocard does not, by itself, mean you need to retake your theory or practical driving test. You apply for a replacement.
Can I check my driving record online?
Yes. The DVLA Driver and Vehicles Account allows you to view your driving record and other licence information.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to replace a damaged driving licence can save you time and prevent unnecessary confusion.
For eligible Great Britain drivers, the process is relatively simple: use the appropriate DVLA replacement service, provide the requested information and pay the current £20 fee. If you apply online, GOV.UK says your replacement should normally arrive within one week.
Remember that a damaged licence is different from an expired licence. If your licence is simply damaged, you normally need a replacement. If it has expired, you normally need to renew it.
For more information about UK driving licences, DVLA replacement licences, lost or stolen licences, licence checks, driving records 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.