Losing your driving licence can be frustrating, particularly when you need to prove your driving entitlement, hire a vehicle, update insurance information or simply keep your personal documents up to date. Fortunately, if you need to replace lost driving licence documentation in Great Britain, the DVLA has a dedicated replacement service.
A driving licence can also need replacing if it has been stolen, damaged or destroyed. The current DVLA replacement fee for a duplicate licence is £20.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain how to replace lost driving licence documents, who can apply, what it costs, what information you may need, what happens after you apply and what to do if you find your original licence later.
For more information about UK driving licences and DVLA-related services, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence.
Important: This article focuses on Great Britain — England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has a separate driving licence system administered by the DVA.
How to Replace Lost Driving Licence in the UK
If your photocard driving licence has gone missing, you should arrange a replacement rather than continuing to search indefinitely for the original.
For eligible drivers in Great Britain, the DVLA replacement service covers licences that have been:
- Lost
- Stolen
- Damaged
- Destroyed
The replacement service is designed to provide a duplicate of the licence previously issued to you. DVLA’s 2025 service assessment confirms that the replacement service carries a £20 fee.
If you want to understand the wider UK application process, see our driving licence application guide.
Can You Replace a Lost Driving Licence Online?
Yes. For eligible drivers, replacing a lost driving licence online is generally the most convenient option.
The online process allows you to provide the required information, complete the application and pay the replacement fee electronically.
Before starting, make sure you have the personal information requested by the service and check that your details are accurate.
You can also learn more about online licence services through our driving licence online application guide.
Step-by-Step: Replace Lost Driving Licence Online
Although the exact screens and requirements can change as DVLA updates its digital services, the general process is straightforward.
Step 1: Confirm Your Licence Is Missing
Search your home, vehicle, workplace, wallet, bags and other places where you may have left your licence.
If you cannot find it, proceed with a replacement.
Step 2: Use the Official DVLA Service
When you are ready to submit an application, use the official GOV.UK/DVLA service rather than an unofficial website.
Step 3: Sign In to Your DVLA Account
DVLA’s replacement service requires customers to create a DVLA Customer Account before completing transactions.
Step 4: Provide Your Information
Enter the information requested by DVLA and check it carefully.
Step 5: Pay the Replacement Fee
The current fee for a duplicate licence where the original has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed is £20.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Review the information before submitting.
Step 7: Keep Your Confirmation
Save any confirmation or reference information supplied after completing the application.
Step 8: Wait for Your Replacement
Your replacement licence will be issued once the application has been processed.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Lost Driving Licence?
For a Great Britain driving licence, the current fee for a duplicate licence where the previous licence has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed is £20.
This is different from the cost of applying for your first provisional driving licence.
Replacement vs first licence
| Application | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Replace lost driving licence | You previously held a licence but no longer have it |
| Replace stolen driving licence | Your existing licence was stolen |
| Replace damaged licence | Your existing licence is damaged or defaced |
| First provisional licence | You are applying for your first provisional licence |
Understanding this distinction is important because applying for the wrong service can create unnecessary delays.
If you are applying for your first licence, read our apply for first driving licence guide.
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Lost Driving Licence?
Processing times can depend on the application method and whether DVLA needs additional information or checks.
Online applications are generally the most convenient route.
However, applicants should avoid assuming that every replacement will arrive within exactly the same timeframe. Applications requiring additional checks can take longer.
If you need your licence for an upcoming journey, employment requirement or vehicle hire, it is sensible to start the replacement process as soon as possible.
You can also read our driving licence status guide for information about checking licence-related information.
What Information Do You Need to Replace a Lost Driving Licence?
The information required can depend on your individual circumstances.
You should have your relevant personal information available before beginning the application.
This may include information such as:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Driving licence details, if known
- National Insurance information where requested
- Payment information
Make sure all information is entered accurately.
If your personal details have changed since your last licence was issued, you may need to complete a different or additional process.
What If Your Address Has Changed?
This is an important issue for anyone who needs to replace lost driving licence documentation.
If you have moved house since your previous licence was issued, you should make sure your driving licence records contain your current address.
DVLA’s service information states that drivers are legally required to notify DVLA when they change their address.
If you still have your previous licence, certain changes can be handled through the relevant address-change service. If the previous licence has been lost, DVLA directs customers into the replacement process.
For more information, visit our check licence status guide.
What If Your Name Has Changed?
If your name has changed since your previous licence was issued, do not assume that a simple lost-licence replacement will automatically update your name.
You may need to provide supporting information or use the appropriate DVLA process for changing your personal details.
This can apply if you have:
- Changed your surname
- Changed your legal name
- Changed your title
- Updated other personal information
Check the current GOV.UK requirements before submitting your application.
How to Replace a Stolen Driving Licence
If you believe your driving licence has been stolen rather than simply misplaced, take appropriate action promptly.
You should report the theft to the police and then arrange a replacement through the relevant DVLA service.
A stolen licence can contain personal information, so it is sensible not to ignore the situation.
The replacement service covers stolen licences, and the current duplicate licence fee is £20.
For more information, read our lost driving licence UK application guide.
Can You Replace a Lost Provisional Driving Licence?
Yes.
The DVLA replacement service covers provisional licences as well as full driving licences.
This can be particularly important for learner drivers who need their provisional licence information while taking lessons or preparing for their theory and practical tests.
However, there is a difference between replacing a lost provisional licence and applying for your first provisional licence.
If you previously had a provisional licence
You generally need a replacement.
If you have never had one
You need to make a first provisional driving licence application.
Read our provisional driving licence UK guide for more information.
Can You Replace a Lost Driving Licence by Post?
If you cannot use the online service, postal routes may be available depending on your circumstances and licence type.
For example, the appropriate DVLA paper form can depend on the type of licence you hold.
Before sending anything by post, check the current GOV.UK instructions to ensure you are using the correct form, documentation and payment method.
Online applications are generally more convenient when you are eligible to use them.
Can You Replace a Lost Driving Licence by Phone?
Telephone replacement may be available in certain circumstances.
Eligibility depends on factors such as the type of licence you hold and whether your personal details have changed.
If you are eligible for the online service, completing the replacement electronically can be a simpler option.
Can You Check Your Driving Licence Without the Physical Card?
Yes. Losing the physical photocard does not necessarily mean you cannot access your driving information.
DVLA provides online services for checking and sharing driving information.
Depending on the service and your circumstances, you may be able to access information relating to:
- Your driving record
- Penalty points
- Disqualifications
- Driving entitlement
- Licence information
- Licence check codes
For more information, read our check driving licence online guide.
What Is a DVLA Driving Licence Check?
A DVLA driving licence check can help you verify information associated with your driving record.
This can be useful if you need to confirm:
- Which vehicle categories you can drive
- Whether penalty points are recorded
- Whether you have a disqualification
- Information about your driving entitlement
- Information that needs to be shared with an authorised third party
Visit our DVLA driving licence check article for more information.
What Is a Driving Licence Check Code?
A driving licence check code allows you to share relevant driving-record information with another person or organisation.
For example, you may need to provide driving information to:
- An employer
- A car hire company
- An insurance provider
- Another organisation that needs to verify your driving entitlement
This can be particularly useful when you do not have your physical licence immediately available.
You can learn more in our driving licence check UK guide.
What Happens After You Submit Your Replacement Application?
After submitting your application, keep any confirmation or reference information provided.
DVLA may process a straightforward application without additional intervention, while other applications may require further checks.
Once your replacement licence arrives, carefully check the details.
Pay particular attention to:
- Your name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Photograph
- Driving categories
- Licence dates
If something is incorrect, contact DVLA through the appropriate official channel.
What Happens If You Find Your Old Licence?
Imagine that you lose your licence, apply for a replacement and then discover the original card a few days later.
Do not simply keep using the old licence alongside the replacement.
DVLA’s replacement service information indicates that the replacement is intended to supersede the previous lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed licence.
Follow the official instructions concerning the old document and return it where required.
Do You Need to Carry Your Driving Licence?
Drivers are not legally required to carry their physical driving licence whenever they drive, according to DVLA’s 2025 service assessment. However, drivers must have been issued a valid licence for the category of vehicle they drive.
Even though you may not always need to carry the physical card, replacing a lost licence remains advisable.
A current photocard can make it easier to demonstrate your driving information when required.
Why Should You Replace a Lost Driving Licence Quickly?
There are several reasons not to delay.
1. You may need proof of your driving entitlement
An employer or vehicle rental company may need to verify your driving record.
2. Your personal information is involved
A stolen licence, in particular, should be dealt with promptly.
3. Your records should remain accurate
If you have moved house or changed personal details, keeping your licence information current is important.
4. A replacement gives you an up-to-date physical document
Having your current licence available can make future transactions easier.
Common Mistakes When Replacing a Lost Driving Licence
Mistake 1: Applying for a first licence
If you previously held a licence, you normally need a replacement rather than a new first licence.
Mistake 2: Using an unofficial application website
Independent websites can provide useful information, but the actual government application should be completed through the official GOV.UK/DVLA service.
Mistake 3: Forgetting about a change of address
If you have moved, make sure your address information is dealt with correctly.
Mistake 4: Entering incorrect personal details
Review everything before submitting your application.
Mistake 5: Continuing to use an old licence after replacement
If you subsequently find your old licence, follow DVLA’s instructions rather than using both documents.
Replace Lost Driving Licence: Quick Checklist
Before submitting your application, use this checklist:
- Confirm that your licence is genuinely missing.
- Determine whether it was lost or stolen.
- Report theft where appropriate.
- Check whether your name has changed.
- Check whether your address has changed.
- Prepare the required personal information.
- Use the official DVLA replacement service.
- Pay the applicable replacement fee.
- Keep your application confirmation.
- Check the replacement when it arrives.
- Return your old licence if you subsequently find it and DVLA instructs you to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I replace lost driving licence documentation?
If your Great Britain driving licence has been lost, you can use the appropriate DVLA replacement service. The replacement service covers lost, stolen, damaged and destroyed licences.
How much does it cost to replace a lost driving licence?
The current fee for a duplicate GB driving licence is £20.
Can I replace my lost driving licence online?
Yes. Eligible customers can use DVLA’s online replacement service.
Can I replace a lost provisional licence?
Yes. Provisional licences can also be replaced.
What if my licence was stolen?
Report the theft to the police and then arrange a replacement through the appropriate DVLA service.
What if I have moved since my licence was issued?
Make sure your current address is correctly recorded with DVLA. Drivers are legally required to notify DVLA when they change address.
Can I check my driving record while waiting for my replacement?
Yes. DVLA provides online services that allow drivers to access various driving-record and licence-related information.
What should I do if I find my old licence?
Do not simply continue using it after a replacement has been issued. Follow the current DVLA instructions concerning the old licence.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to replace lost driving licence documentation can save you time and prevent unnecessary complications.
The key points are simple:
- A lost GB driving licence can be replaced.
- The current duplicate licence fee is £20.
- Eligible drivers can use the online DVLA replacement service.
- The process covers lost, stolen, damaged and destroyed licences.
- Provisional licences can also be replaced.
- Keep your address and personal details accurate.
- Use the official GOV.UK/DVLA service for the actual government transaction.
If you are researching UK driving licence requirements, DVLA checks, applications, driving records or licence status, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence for more helpful information.