Drivers are legally required to renew their photocard driving licences every 10 years, usually receiving a reminder from the DVLA before it expires.
There are two ways to renew your licence, by post or through GOV.UK’s online service. Though the online service is a much quicker and cheaper choice, the agency has revealed that many still choose to send their applications through post.
According to figures, between April 2020 and March 2021, around 23% of the 2 million photocard drivers licence renewal applications it received were sent in either by post or via the post office, despite it costing £17 and taking much longer to arrive.
This means by using the postal services, drivers have losing out millions of savings with every renewal.
Why is it better to use the online service to renew your driving licence?
The online service is the quickest and easiest way to deal with the DVLA. It costs only £14 with the driver receiving the renewed license in just five days.
Renewing online also allow customers to track the progress of their licence by visiting the track your driving licence application page on the GOV.UK website.
But it’s important that we drivers use only the GOV.UK website when applying for DVLA services online and not third party websites which often charges additional fees for services that are free or cost less, said Julie Lennard, DVLA Chief Executive.
How to renew a driving licence online?
Renewing your licence online is quick and easy through the GOV.UK site. But you need to have a valid UK passport to do it. Other things you’ll need are :
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to be a resident of Great Britain - there’s a different service in Northern Ireland
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to pay £14 by MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card (there’s no fee if you’re over 70 or have a medical short period licence)
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addresses of where you’ve lived over the last 3 years
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your current driving licence (if you do not have your licence you must say why in your application)
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your National Insurance number (if you know it)
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to not be disqualified from driving
You cannot apply online if your name or title has change. You will also be sent a confirmation email once you’ve applied.
What do you do with your expired licence?
Your new licence will be valid from the date your application is approved, not the expiry date of your current licence.
Once you receive your new licence, you need to send your old photocard licence to DVLA. The agency will inform you of the address to send this to.