Once you’ve passed your driving test in the UK and get out on the road in your car, you never have to take it again – unless you’re ordered to by a court. But you do have to periodically renew your driving license photocard and failure to do so could result in a hefty fine. But how to renew driving licenses?
Fortunately, it’s a very easy process that can be completed online or at a Post Office. There’s a small cost for renewing your license, as well. Here, we’re going to explain exactly how you go about renewing your license, and how to find out when it’s time to do so. You also have to update your driving license every time any of the details listed on it change; we’ll cover how to do that, as well.
When should I renew my driving license?
Your driving license photocard must be renewed every 10 years. The expiry date is given at point 4b on its front. About a month or so before the expiry date, the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will send you a D798 Renewal Reminder.
Once you reach the age of 70, license renewals become more frequent – every three years. Sufferers of certain medical conditions may also have to renew their license at one, two or three-year intervals, according to the terms stipulated by DVLA.
Driving with an expired license can result in you receiving three to six penalty points on your license and a fine of up to £1,000. Not having received a D798 letter isn’t a valid excuse. All the details on your license, including penalty points, are carried over from your old license to your new one.
Old-style paper driving licenses are no longer valid. Any UK driving license holder who doesn’t have a photocard should apply for one immediately. The paper ‘counterparts’ that were issued with photocards for many years are no longer needed.
How do I renew my driving license?
There’s a quick and easy process to go through on the DVLA website. You’ll be asked for some personal details to confirm your identity, including your driving license number which is given at point six on your photocard. You’ll need to submit images of a photo I.D. document, such as your passport. There’s also a fee of £14 to pay. The whole process can take less than 10 minutes and your new license should arrive in the post within a week.
If you’re not sure about how to renew driving licenses online, it can be done by post using form D1 obtained from a Post Office. The fee increases to £17 and delivery of your new license can take three weeks.
If you received a D798 letter from DVLA, you can renew your license at a Post Office. Make sure you take photo I.D. with you. The fee is higher still at £21.50; your new license should arrive within three weeks.
How do I change the details on my driving license?
The details on your driving license photocard include your name and address – and, of course, there’s a photo of you. If your name or address change, or there are any permanent changes to your appearance, you must update your driving license to reflect them. Failure to do so can land you with three or more penalty points on your license and a £1,000 fine.
Fortunately, it’s a very quick process to change your address that can be completed online in about five minutes on the DVLA website – unless the details on your license and passport don’t match. Alternatively, you can do it by post using form D1 obtained from a Post Office. Make sure you change the address on your car’s V5c registration document and insurance while you’re at it.
If your name has changed, it’s still a relatively easy process to update your driving license. You need to fill out the name change section of form D1 and send it to DVLA with documentation showing your new name is legally recognised, such as a marriage certificate or deed poll.
If you need to update the photo on your license, it’s another quick online process to do so. You can either submit a suitable photo of yourself that you’ve had taken, or one can be taken using your computer’s built-in webcam during the process. There’s no charge for making any of these updates. Once you’ve completed the necessary process, you’ll be issued with a new photocard that will arrive within three weeks. Note that point 4a on the photocard gives the date that it was issued but the expiry date doesn’t change.
