How to renew your photocard driving licence in the UK

A UK driving licence in plastic photocard form is not valid forever: you do not lose your driving entitlement, but the photocard itself must be renewed periodically so it carries an up-to-date photo. Driving with an expired photocard can bring a fine, and renewal does not happen automatically — the driver must apply. Here are the timings, fees and the process, based on GOV.UK.

How often must you renew the photocard?

You must renew a photocard driving licence every 10 years. DVLA explains this is so police and other agencies have the best possible photograph of the driver. DVLA sends a reminder before your licence ends, but the responsibility to apply in time rests with the driver: "motorists must renew their photocard licence when it expires."

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How much does renewal cost?

The fee depends on how you apply. Online with DVLA it costs £14 (paid by debit or credit card). By post it is £17 (cheque or postal order payable to DVLA). At a Post Office it is £21.50. No fee applies if you are aged 70 or over, or if you hold a short-period licence for medical reasons.

What happens if you drive with an expired photocard?

It is an offence. According to GOV.UK, driving with a photocard you have not renewed can bring a fine of up to £1,000. Note that your driving entitlement (the right to drive) and the plastic photocard are two different things. The photocard expiry date is shown at point 4b on the front — that is the date to watch.

How do you renew online or by post?

The easiest route is online: you need a sign-in account and, if asked to prove your identity, a document such as a passport. After an online application the licence usually arrives within a week. By post you send the completed D1 pack forms, a recent passport-type photo (do not sign the back), your current photocard and the £17 payment; by post or Post Office the licence arrives within 3 weeks. You cannot renew online if your name, title or signature has changed — then you must apply by post.

Who can renew, and can you drive while waiting?

The service is for Great Britain residents who are not disqualified from driving. Northern Ireland has a separate service. While you wait for the new photocard you can usually keep driving, provided you meet the conditions.

What changes after 70?

From age 70 the rules differ: you must renew every 3 years, and it is free. GOV.UK states plainly: "Once you reach 70, you must renew every 3 years," and online renewal at that age carries no fee. You can use the online service if you are 70 or over, or will turn 70 within the next 90 days.

All fees and timings here come from official GOV.UK pages. Check the date on your own photocard early: renewing online takes a few minutes and costs £14, while the fine for letting it lapse is far higher.