DVLA issues urgent driving licence warning to anyone who passed test before 2016
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The DVLA is reminding UK motorists to check their driving licence expiration dates, signposting that renewal can be swiftly managed online.
On social media platform X, the DVLA posted: "Due to renew your driving licence? Do it online. It's easy, quick and secure to renew on gov.uk."
Remember, photocard driving licences must be renewed every 10 years, so if your full licence was issued in 2015 or earlier, it's time to see if an update is due.
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Reminder letters are typically sent by the DVLA prior to a licence's expiry date. You can renew your documentation at gov.uk for those residing in England, Scotland, and Wales, a service that incurs a fee of approximately £14, payable via MasterCard, Visa, Electron, or Delta debit and credit cards.
Meanwhile, drivers in Northern Ireland should use the NI direct website for their renewals, as reported by Lancs Live. Beware, roaming the roads with an outdated licence could lead to fines of up to £1,000, penalty points, or even invalidate your insurance, reports the Mirror.
(Image: GETTY)
(Image: GETTY)
(Image: GETTY)
It's important to note that the validity of your new licence starts from when your application is approved, not from the expiry date of your current licence. If your licence has lapsed, best practise would be to refrain from driving until your renewal application is finalised.
According to MSE, if your licence expires while your renewal is being processed you should be able to continue driving if you meet certain requirements, like not being disqualified from driving. Online applicants typically receive their new licences within a week.
You will need to send your current photocard back to the DVLA, with specific address details provided when you complete your application. Alternatively, some might opt for renewing in person at the Post Office, which will set you back £21.50.
For this method, you will have to bring along your reminder letter and current licence, or if you are missing a reminder letter, the photocard alone will suffice for servicing at the Post Office.
You can also apply by post. To do this, you will need a 'D1 pack' of forms which you can obtain from any Post Office that deals with DVLA photocard renewals or vehicle tax.
When completing the forms, you must include a recent printed passport-style photo, your current photocard licence if you have one, and a cheque or postal order for £17, made payable to the DVLA.
You will need to send your completed application to:.
DVLA.
Swansea.
SA99 1DH.
If you apply at the Post Office or by post, you should receive your driving licence within three weeks. However, this may take longer if your medical or personal details need to be verified.
You can continue driving while you wait for your new licence to arrive.
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