Not everyone is aware of this requirement
A photocard driving licence pictured alongside a counterpart form.(Image: PA)
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued a ten-year warning to all UK motorists relating to their photocard driving licence.
Photo driving licences were first issued in the UK in July 1998, when the DVLA began rolling them out to new drivers and for licence renewals.
The new format, which came with a paper counterpart for penalty points, was introduced to improve security and help combat car-related crime.
The old paper licences, which didn’t include a photograph of the driver, remain valid until the driver turns 70 or until they need to be updated due to a change in personal details.
This includes changes of address or name.
The DVLA has issued a reminder to UK motorists that the must renew a photocard licence every 10 years.
All current licence holders will receive a reminder before their term ends.
To renew your licence, you must be a resident of Great Britain (there’s a different service in Northern Ireland) and not be disqualified from driving.
It costs £14 when you apply online and you can pay 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.
Your new licence will be valid from the date your application is approved, not from the expiry date of your current licence.
Your driving licence should arrive within a week if you apply online. You must send your old photocard licence to DVLA when you get your new licence.
You can also apply for a renewal at a Post Office. It costs a little bit more than online – £21.50 – and you’ll need to bring your current photocard licence with you.
If you want to apply by post, you’ll need to get a ‘D1 pack’ of forms from a Post Office that deals with DVLA photocard renewal or vehicle tax.
You need to include the following with your completed forms:
- a recent printed passport type photo (do not sign the back of the photo)
- your current photocard licence, if you have it
- a cheque or postal order for £17, payable to DVLA (no fee is needed if you have a medical short period licence or you’re aged 70 or over)
You also need to include identity documents if you’ve changed your name.
A postal application can be sent to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DH.
