Driving Licence Renewal FAQ: 25+ Common Questions Answered

UK driving licences must be renewed every 10 years. The photocard expires on your 70th birthday if you’re under 70, or 3 years after issue if you’re over 70. You’ll receive a reminder from DVLA approximately 56 days before expiry.

Yes, most people can renew online through the DVLA website. or learn how to renew your driving online from our guide if you have a valid UK passport, your current photo is suitable, and you haven’t changed your name since your last renewal. The process costs £14 and typically takes one week.

You can renew your licence through:
Online: £14, fastest method (1 week processing)
Post Office: £21.50, face-to-face service (3 weeks processing)
By post: £17, using form D1 (3 weeks processing)
Each method has different requirements and costs, detailed in our driving licence renewal costs guide.

Required documents vary by renewal method:
Online: Valid UK passport or other accepted identity document
Post Office: Current licence, identity document, and new photo
Postal: Completed D1 form, current licence, identity document, and passport photos
 

Yes, you can renew an expired licence using the same methods and fees. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired licence, so arrange alternative transport until your new licence arrives.
 

You can renew your licence up to 56 days before it expires. DVLA recommends renewing as soon as you receive their reminder to avoid any risk of expiry. Starting early also allows time to resolve any issues that might arise.

Driving with an expired licence is illegal and can result in:
£1,000 fine
3-6 penalty points
Potential driving ban
Insurance may be invalidated

Yes, you can continue driving while your renewal application is being processed, provided:
You’ve submitted your application before the expiry date
You haven’t been told to stop driving by DVLA
You meet the required medical standards

Renewal costs depend on your chosen method:
Online: £14 (cheapest option)
Post Office: £21.50 plus photo costs (£4-8)
Postal: £17 plus photo costs (£4-15) and postage
For detailed cost breakdowns including hidden fees, see our comprehensive cost analysis.
 

Online renewal costs less because it requires minimal manual processing. The DVLA can reuse your existing photo and process applications automatically, reducing administrative costs. Other methods require additional manual handling and verification.
 

Yes, potential additional costs include:
New passport photos (£4-15)
Special delivery postage (£6.85)
Document replacement if lost (£5-10)
Resubmission fees if application rejected (full fee again)

No, DVLA fees are non-refundable even if your application is rejected. You’ll need to pay the full fee again when resubmitting. This is why it’s important to ensure all requirements are met before applying.

No, renewal fees are the same regardless of age. However, over-70s need to renew every 3 years instead of 10 years, and medical declarations may be required.

No, all DVLA renewal fees must be paid in full at the time of application. Payment methods accepted are:
Online: Debit/credit card only
Post Office: Cash, card, or cheque
Postal: Cheque or postal order only

You need a new photo if:
Your current photo is over 10 years old
Your appearance has changed significantly
You’re renewing by post or at Post Office
DVLA specifically requests a new photo
Online renewal typically uses your existing photo unless it’s unsuitable.

Photos must be:
45mm x 35mm in size
Taken within the last month
Clear, in focus, and good quality
Showing your head and shoulders only
Taken against a light grey or cream background
For detailed specifications and examples, see our photo requirements guide.

You can get photos from:
Photo booths (£4-6) – most convenient
High street photographers (£8-15) – highest quality
Pharmacy chains (£5-8) – good balance of cost and quality
Online services (£4-7) – budget-friendly with home delivery

Yes, you can take your own photo if it meets DVLA requirements. Use good lighting, a plain background, and ensure the photo is sharp and correctly sized. Many people find professional photos more reliable to avoid rejection.

If your photo is rejected, you’ll need to:
Provide a new photo meeting requirements
Pay for new photos (£4-15)
Potentially resubmit your entire application
Wait for processing to restart

Processing times vary by method:
Online: 1 week typically
Post Office: 3 weeks average
Postal: 3 weeks average
These are standard times; delays can occur during busy periods or if additional checks are needed. For detailed timeline information, see our processing time guide.

Yes, you can track applications through:
Online renewals: Email updates and online tracking
Post Office: Tracking number provided
Postal: No automatic tracking unless you use recorded delivery
 

Common delay factors include:
Peak processing periods (summer months)
Incomplete applications
Photo quality issues
Identity verification problems
Medical condition declarations

Yes, DVLA can issue a temporary licence for £20 if you have urgent need and your application is being processed. This is typically only available in exceptional circumstances like medical emergencies or essential work travel.

Name changes require postal renewal:
You cannot use online renewal
Must provide legal proof of name change (marriage certificate, deed poll, etc.)
Use form D1 with supporting documents
Costs £17 plus additional document and postage fees
For detailed guidance, see our special circumstances driving licence renewal with name chnage.

Yes, you can renew from abroad using postal method only:
Complete form D1
Include all required documents
Use international postage (£5-15)
Allow extra time for international mail
Consider using tracked delivery services

You must declare any medical conditions that might affect your driving:
Some conditions require additional forms
Medical assessments may be needed (£90-150)
Processing takes longer for medical cases
Licence may be issued for shorter periods

If your licence is lost or stolen during renewal:
Report to police (for stolen licences)
Apply for duplicate licence (£20)
Then proceed with renewal application
You cannot drive until replacement arrives

Standard renewal covers all categories currently on your licence. To add new categories, you need a separate application and test. To remove categories, you can specify this during renewal.
 

Common online renewal issues and solutions:
Identity verification failure: Try different accepted documents
Photo rejected: May need new photo for manual processing
System errors: Try again later or use alternative methods
Payment problems: Check card details and try different payment method
For comprehensive troubleshooting, see our problems and solutions guide.

For assistance with renewal issues:
DVLA Customer Services: 0300 790 6801
Post Office: Visit local branch for face-to-face help
Online Help: DVLA website has detailed guidance sections
Emergency: 0300 790 6801 for urgent issues