Losing your driving licence can be stressful, especially if you need it for work, car hire, insurance, driving-related paperwork or simply to keep your personal documents up to date. Fortunately, if you need to replace lost driving license documents in Great Britain, the DVLA provides a straightforward replacement service.
A lost licence can be replaced whether it was a full driving licence or a provisional driving licence. The current replacement fee is £20, and eligible drivers can apply online.
In this guide, we explain how to replace lost driving license documentation, how much it costs, how long it takes, what information you need and what to do if your licence was stolen or you find it after applying.
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.
What to Do If You Lose Your Driving Licence
If you cannot find your driving licence, you should first check whether you have simply misplaced it. Search your home, car, workplace, wallet, bags and other places where you may have used it recently.
If the licence remains missing, you can apply for a replacement.
The DVLA replacement service covers licences that have been:
- Lost
- Stolen
- Damaged
- Destroyed
The same service can be used for both full driving licences and provisional driving licences.
If you are researching the broader application process, see our guide to driving licence application.
How to Replace Lost Driving License Online
For most eligible drivers, the online process is the easiest 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 DVLA account.
- Provide the requested personal information.
- Confirm your details.
- Pay the replacement fee.
- Submit your application.
- Keep your confirmation email.
- Wait for your replacement licence to arrive.
The current GOV.UK service states that you need to sign in to use the online service, and you can create sign-in details if you do not already have them.
For information about other online services, see our driving licence online application guide.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replace Lost Driving License
Step 1: Make Sure Your Licence Is Actually Lost
Before applying for a replacement, take a few minutes to look for your original.
Check:
- Your wallet
- Your car
- Your home
- Your office
- Your bags
- Recent travel luggage
- Places where you recently presented your identification
If you still cannot find it, proceed with the replacement.
Step 2: Check Whether It Was Stolen
If you believe your driving licence has been stolen rather than misplaced, GOV.UK advises contacting the police.
You can then arrange a replacement through DVLA.
This is particularly important because a driving licence contains personal information.
Step 3: Check Your Personal Details
Before applying, consider whether anything has changed since your previous licence was issued.
For example:
- Have you moved house?
- Has your name changed?
- Have your personal circumstances changed?
- Is your photograph still current?
DVLA has separate procedures for certain changes to your driving licence details.
If your address has changed, you should make sure DVLA has your current address. Drivers are legally required to notify DVLA when they change address.
You can learn more through our check licence status guide.
Step 4: Sign In to the DVLA Service
The official online replacement service requires you to sign in.
DVLA’s current Driver and Vehicles Account allows users to manage several driving-related services, including replacing a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed driving licence.
Step 5: Complete the Application
Enter the information requested by DVLA.
Review your details carefully before submitting the application. Incorrect information could result in additional checks or delays.
Step 6: Pay the Replacement Fee
The current cost to replace a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed driving licence is £20.
This is different from the fee for obtaining your first provisional driving licence.
Step 7: Submit the Application
Once you have checked everything and paid the applicable fee, submit your application.
DVLA says that an online applicant will receive a confirmation email after applying.
Keep this confirmation until your replacement licence arrives.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Lost Driving License?
The current replacement fee for a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed GB driving licence is £20.
Driving licence fee comparison
| Type of application | Current fee |
|---|---|
| Replace lost driving licence | £20 |
| Replace stolen driving licence | £20 |
| Replace damaged driving licence | £20 |
| Replace destroyed driving licence | £20 |
| First provisional driving licence online | £34 |
The exact fee depends on the type of transaction, so check the current GOV.UK fee information before making a payment.
If you are applying for your first licence rather than replacing one, read our first provisional driving licence guide.
How Long Does It Take to Replace Lost Driving License?
One of the biggest advantages of applying online is speed.
GOV.UK currently states that your replacement licence should arrive within one week if you apply online.
Postal applications generally take longer. GOV.UK states that a postal replacement should arrive in approximately three weeks, although it may take longer if medical or personal details need to be checked.
Typical expectations
Online: Around one week
By post: Around three weeks
These are stated service expectations rather than guarantees, so applications requiring additional checks may take longer.
Can You Replace a Lost Provisional Driving Licence?
Yes.
The DVLA online replacement service covers both full driving licences and provisional driving licences.
This is especially useful for learner drivers who have lost their provisional licence while taking driving lessons or preparing for their theory or practical test.
However, there is an important distinction:
Already had a provisional licence?
You need to replace it.
Never had a provisional licence?
You need to apply for your first provisional driving licence.
For more information, visit our provisional driving licence UK guide.
What If Your Driving Licence Was Stolen?
If you believe your driving licence was stolen, you should contact the police.
After dealing with the theft, apply for a replacement through the DVLA service.
The replacement fee is currently £20, the same as for a lost or damaged licence.
Do not continue searching indefinitely for a licence you believe has been stolen. Arrange a replacement promptly.
Read our lost driving licence UK guide for additional information.
Can You Replace a Lost Driving Licence by Post?
Yes.
If you cannot use the online service, you can apply by post.
For a car or motorcycle licence, GOV.UK states that you should complete form D1.
For a lorry or bus licence, you should complete form D2. These forms are available from most Post Offices.
Postal applications generally take longer than online applications.
If your goal is to replace your licence as quickly as possible, check whether you are eligible for the online service before choosing the postal route.
Can You Replace a Lost Driving Licence by Phone?
In certain 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 telephone route if your licence is damaged or if it expires within certain specified periods.
If you are eligible, the telephone option can be useful if you cannot complete the online application.
What Information Do You Need to Replace Lost Driving License?
The exact information required can depend on your circumstances.
It is sensible to have your personal information available before beginning the application.
This may include:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Driving licence information, if known
- National Insurance information where requested
- Payment details
If you have changed your name, additional documentation may be required for a postal application.
What If Your Address Has Changed?
If you have moved house since your previous driving licence was issued, make sure your address is updated with DVLA.
Drivers are legally required to notify DVLA when they change their address.
DVLA’s current Driver and Vehicles Account also provides a service for changing the address on your driving licence.
For more information, read our driving licence status article.
What If Your Name Has Changed?
A name change is different from simply losing a licence.
If your name has changed, you should follow the appropriate DVLA procedure for updating your name.
For example, DVLA explains that applicants changing their name may need to provide original documents confirming the change.
If you no longer have your old licence because it was lost, stolen or destroyed, you can still apply, but additional requirements may apply.
Can You Check Your Driving Record Without Your Physical Licence?
Yes.
The DVLA Driver and Vehicles Account provides access to information including your driving record, vehicles you can drive, penalty points and disqualifications. It can also be used to create a licence check code for sharing your driving record.
This can be particularly useful while you are waiting for a replacement physical licence.
Learn more in our check driving licence online guide.
How to View Your Driving Licence Information Online
The DVLA Driver and Vehicles Account can provide access to various licence-related services.
Depending on your circumstances, you can use it to:
- View your driving record
- Check penalty points
- Check disqualifications
- See vehicles you can drive
- Replace a lost licence
- Renew your licence
- Change your address
- Create a driving licence check code
For more information, see our view driving licence guide.
What Is a DVLA Licence Check?
A DVLA licence check allows you to access or verify information associated with a driving record.
This can be useful when you need to confirm your:
- Driving categories
- Penalty points
- Disqualifications
- Driving entitlement
- Licence information
You can read our detailed DVLA licence check guide for more information.
What Is a Driving Licence Check Code?
A driving licence check code allows you to share relevant information from your driving record with another person or organisation.
For example, DVLA says you can create a licence check code to share your driving record with someone such as a car hire company.
This can be useful if you have lost your physical licence but need to provide driving information.
Read our driving licence check UK guide to learn more.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once your online application has been submitted, DVLA will send you a confirmation email.
If your application is straightforward, your replacement licence should arrive within approximately one week when applying online.
When the new licence arrives, check:
- Your name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Photograph
- Driving categories
- Licence dates
If you notice an error, contact DVLA using the appropriate official service.
What If You Find Your Lost Licence After Applying?
This is an important point.
You may find your original licence after you have already applied for a replacement.
GOV.UK states that if you find the old licence after applying for or receiving a replacement, you must return the old licence to DVLA and explain what happened.
Do not simply keep both cards and use whichever one you prefer.
Do You Have to Carry Your Driving Licence When Driving?
You are not generally required to carry your physical driving licence whenever you drive.
However, you must have been issued a valid licence for the category of vehicle you are driving.
Replacing a lost physical licence is still advisable because you may need the document for identification or other practical purposes.
Common Mistakes When Trying to Replace Lost Driving License
1. Applying for the wrong service
If you previously had a licence but lost it, you normally need a replacement rather than a first licence application.
2. Using an unofficial application website
Be careful when searching for phrases such as “replace lost driving license” online.
An independent information website can explain the process, but the actual government transaction should be completed through the official GOV.UK service.
3. Forgetting to update your address
If you have moved house, make sure DVLA has the correct address.
4. Providing incorrect information
Carefully check your personal information before submitting your application.
5. Keeping an old licence after receiving a replacement
If you subsequently find your original licence, follow DVLA’s instructions and return it when required.
Replace Lost Driving License: Quick Checklist
Before submitting your application, use this checklist:
- Search for your original licence.
- Determine whether it was lost or stolen.
- Contact the police if it was stolen.
- Check whether your address has changed.
- Check whether your name has changed.
- Gather your personal information.
- Use the official DVLA replacement service.
- Pay the £20 replacement fee.
- Keep your confirmation email.
- Wait for your replacement licence.
- Check the details when it arrives.
- Return the old licence if you later find it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I replace lost driving license documents?
If you have lost your Great Britain driving licence, you can apply for a replacement through the DVLA replacement service. Eligible drivers can apply online, by phone in certain circumstances or by post.
How much does it cost to replace a lost driving licence?
The current fee is £20 for a replacement licence that has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.
How quickly can I replace my lost driving licence?
If you apply online, GOV.UK says your replacement should arrive within one week. Postal applications should arrive in around three weeks, although additional checks can cause delays.
Can I replace a lost provisional driving licence?
Yes. The DVLA replacement service covers provisional licences as well as full driving licences.
What should I do if my licence was stolen?
Contact the police and then apply for a replacement through DVLA.
Can I replace my licence by post?
Yes. You can use the appropriate D1 or D2 form depending on the type of licence you hold.
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.
Can I check my driving record while waiting for my replacement?
Yes. The DVLA Driver and Vehicles Account provides access to driving-record information and other licence services.
What if I find my old licence after receiving a replacement?
You must return the old licence to DVLA and explain what happened.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to replace lost driving license documentation can save you considerable time and avoid unnecessary confusion.
The process is relatively simple for most eligible drivers:
- Confirm that your licence is genuinely missing.
- Report it to the police if it was stolen.
- Use the official DVLA replacement service.
- Pay the £20 replacement fee.
- Keep your confirmation.
- Expect an online replacement to arrive in about a week.
- Check your new licence when it arrives.
Remember that ukdvladrivinglicence.com is an independent informational website, not the official DVLA or GOV.UK website. When you are ready to complete an actual government application, use the official GOV.UK service.
For additional information about UK driving licences, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence.