How to Renew Your Driving Licence at the Post Office: Complete UK Guide

Renewing your driving licence at the Post Office offers a convenient middle ground between online renewal and postal applications. This face-to-face service is particularly valuable for those who prefer personal assistance or lack reliable internet access, though it comes with additional costs and longer processing times.

What is Post Office Driving Licence Renewal?

The Post Office Check & Send service allows you to renew your UK driving licence in person at participating branches. A trained Post Office staff member will verify your documents, check your application, and send it securely to the DVLA on your behalf. This service combines the convenience of in-person assistance with the reliability of professional document handling.

Key Benefits:

Face-to-face guidance from trained staff
Document verification on the spot
Secure transmission to DVLA
No need for internet access
Instant error checking and correction

Which Post Offices Offer Driving Licence Renewal?

Not all Post Office branches provide the Check & Send service for driving licence renewals. The service is available at:

Main Post Office Branches: Most large town and city centre branches Crown Post Offices: Government-owned branches in major locations
Selected Franchise Branches: Larger franchised locations with trained staff

To find your nearest participating branch:

Visit the Post Office branch finder online
Filter by “Check & Send Services”
Call ahead to confirm availability and opening hours
Check if appointments are required

Important Note: Smaller sub-post offices and those in supermarkets typically don’t offer this service.

Complete Post Office Renewal Process

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before visiting the Post Office, ensure you have:

Essential Documents:

Current driving licence (photocard and paper counterpart if issued before 2015)
Completed D1 application form (available at Post Office or download from DVLA)
Recent passport-style photograph
Supporting identity documents (passport, birth certificate, or other accepted ID)
Payment method (cash, card, or cheque)

Step 2: Complete the D1 Form

Fill out the D1 form completely and accurately:

Use black ink and capital letters
Ensure all sections are complete
Sign and date the form
Don’t leave any mandatory fields blank

Step 3: Visit the Post Office

During Your Visit:

Arrive during less busy periods (mid-morning or early afternoon)
Allow extra time for document checking
Bring backup ID documents if possible
Have your payment ready

Staff Will:

Verify your identity documents
Check your application for completeness
Ensure photo meets DVLA requirements
Process your payment
Provide a receipt with reference number

Step 4: Application Submission

The Post Office will:

Securely package your documents
Send your application via tracked post
Retain copies for their records
Provide you with tracking information

Post Office Renewal Costs Breakdown

Service Fees:

DVLA Licence Fee: £17.00
Post Office Check & Send Fee: £4.50
Total Service Cost: £21.50

Additional Costs:

Passport Photos: £4.00-£8.00 (if not bringing your own)
D1 Form: Free at Post Office
Parking: Variable depending on location

Cost Comparison:

Online Renewal: £14.00 (cheapest)
Post Office Renewal: £21.50
Postal Renewal: £17.00 + postage costs

The Post Office option costs £7.50 more than online renewal but provides personal service and document verification.

Processing Times and What to Expect

Timeline Breakdown:

Document Processing: Same day at Post Office
Postal Transit: 1-2 working days
DVLA Processing: 10-15 working days
Return Delivery: 3-5 working days
Total Time: 2-3 weeks typically

During Processing:

You’ll receive a receipt with reference number
Your old licence will be returned with your new one
Continue driving with your current licence until the new one arrives
No confirmation of receipt from DVLA (unlike online applications)

When to Choose Post Office Renewal

Post Office Renewal is Best For:

Those uncomfortable with online applications
People needing document verification assistance
Applicants with complex circumstances
Those without reliable internet access
People who prefer face-to-face service

Consider Alternative Methods If:

You’re comfortable with online systems (faster and cheaper)
You have straightforward renewal circumstances
Cost is a primary concern
You need the fastest possible service

Common Post Office Renewal Issues and Solutions

Photo Problems:

Issue: Photo doesn’t meet DVLA requirements Solution: Most Post Offices offer photo services on-site or can advise on nearby facilities

Document Concerns:

Issue: Uncertainty about required documentation Solution: Post Office staff can verify document acceptability before processing

Form Completion Errors:

Issue: Mistakes on D1 form Solution: Staff can provide guidance or new forms for correction

Busy Periods:

Issue: Long wait times Solution: Visit during off-peak hours or call ahead to check busy periods

Post Office vs Other Renewal Methods

Post Office vs Online:

Cost: Post Office £7.50 more expensive
Speed: Online faster (1 week vs 2-3 weeks)
Convenience: Online available 24/7, Post Office limited hours
Support: Post Office offers personal assistance

Post Office vs Postal:

Cost: Post Office £4.50 more expensive
Security: Post Office provides tracked sending
Verification: Post Office checks documents beforehand
Speed: Similar processing times

Tips for Successful Post Office Renewal

Before You Go:

Check branch opening hours and services
Ensure all documents are valid and current
Complete D1 form in advance
Bring backup identification documents
Have exact payment ready

During Your Visit:

Arrive early to avoid queues
Double-check form completion with staff
Verify photo meets requirements
Keep your receipt safe
Note your reference number

After Your Visit:

Don’t contact DVLA unnecessarily about progress
Continue driving with current licence
Allow full processing time before following up
Keep receipt until new licence arrives

Troubleshooting Post Office Renewal Problems

If Your Application is Rejected:

Contact the Post Office branch for initial guidance
Call DVLA customer services for specific rejection reasons
Gather any additional required documents
Resubmit application with corrections

If Processing Takes Too Long:

Wait minimum 3 weeks before following up
Use DVLA online tracking if available
Contact Post Office first, then DVLA
Consider temporary licence if needed for travel

If Documents Are Lost:

Contact the Post Office branch immediately
Report to DVLA customer services
Provide reference number from receipt
Follow up with tracking information

Alternatives to Post Office Renewal

If Post Office renewal isn’t suitable:

Online Renewal: Fastest and cheapest option for straightforward renewals Postal Application: Direct to DVLA for complex cases DVLA Local Offices: For immediate assistance (limited locations)

Next Steps After Post Office Renewal

Once you’ve submitted your application:

Keep your receipt – This is your proof of application
Continue driving – Your current licence remains valid during processing
Allow 2-3 weeks – Don’t chase progress too early
Update other documents – Prepare to update insurance, etc., when new licence arrives

Conclusion

Post Office driving licence renewal provides a reliable middle ground between online convenience and postal applications. While it costs more than other methods, the personal service and document verification make it worthwhile for many drivers. The key to success is preparation, choosing the right branch, and allowing adequate processing time.

For those comfortable with technology, online renewal remains the fastest and most cost-effective option. However, if you value personal assistance and document verification, the Post Office service offers excellent value for the additional cost.

Remember that regardless of the method chosen, the most important factor is ensuring your licence remains valid and up to date. The Post Office provides a trusted pathway to achieve this with professional support throughout the process.