admin

Renewing your UK driving licence can raise many questions, especially with three different renewal methods available and various personal circumstances to consider. We’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions about driving licence renewal to provide you with clear, authoritative answers.

For comprehensive guidance on all renewal methods, see our complete UK driving licence renewal guide.

Process Questions

1. How often do I need to renew my driving licence?

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.

2. Can I renew my driving licence online?

Yes, most people can renew online through the DVLA website. Online renewal is available 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.

3. What are the three ways to renew my driving licence?

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 renewal costs guide.

4. What documents do I need to renew my driving licence?

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

5. Can I renew my licence if it has already expired?

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.

6. How long before expiry should I renew my driving licence?

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.

7. What happens if I don’t renew my driving licence?

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

8. Can I drive while my renewal application is being processed?

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

Cost Questions

9. How much does it cost to renew a driving licence?

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.

10. Why is online renewal cheaper than other methods?

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.

11. Are there any additional costs I should know about?

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)

12. Do I get a refund if my renewal application is rejected?

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.

13. Is renewal free for over-70s?

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.

14. Can I pay renewal fees by installments?

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

Photo Questions

15. When do I need a new photo for licence renewal?

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.

16. What are the photo requirements for driving licence renewal?

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.

17. Where can I get suitable photos taken?

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

18. Can I take my own driving licence photo?

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.

19. What happens if my photo is rejected?

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

This is why following photo requirements carefully is important.

Timing Questions

20. How long does driving licence renewal take?

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.

21. Can I track my renewal application?

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

22. What causes delays in licence renewal?

Common delay factors include:

  • Peak processing periods (summer months)
  • Incomplete applications
  • Photo quality issues
  • Identity verification problems
  • Medical condition declarations

23. Can I get an emergency temporary licence?

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.

Special Circumstances

24. How do I renew if I’ve changed my name?

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 guide.

25. Can I renew my licence if I live abroad?

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

26. What if I have a medical condition?

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

27. How do I renew if my licence is lost or stolen?

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

28. Can I renew different categories on my licence?

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.

Troubleshooting

29. What if my online renewal won’t work?

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.

30. Who can I contact for help with renewal?

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

Getting Started

Ready to renew your licence? Start with our comprehensive renewal guide to choose the best method for your circumstances. For specific guidance on costs, photos, or processing times, use the links throughout this FAQ to access detailed information.

Most people can complete online renewal in just 10 minutes for £14, making it the fastest and most economical option available.

This FAQ is regularly updated with the latest DVLA guidance. For the most current official information, always check the DVLA website or contact them directly.

Leave a Comment