Renew your photocard driving licence every 10 years

You must renew a photocard driving licence every 10 years. It costs £14 online and usually arrives within a week. DVLA sends a reminder before your licence ends.

Deadline

Depends on a date you enter in the app

Last checked

Checked against the official source: 20 October 2026

What if you miss the deadline? Your photocard will be out of date. Renew it as soon as you can. If you are 70 or over, use the separate renewal service for drivers aged 70 and over.

This is for residents of Great Britain. The photocard part of your licence must be renewed every 10 years. Your new licence is valid from the date your application is approved, not from the expiry date of your old one. Northern Ireland has a different service.

How to do it

1. Check the expiry date of your photocard and enter it in the app.
2. Renew online on GOV.UK for £14. You will need to sign in and may need to prove your identity.
3. Or apply at a Post Office for £21.50, or by post with a D1 form and a cheque or postal order for £17.
4. Send your old photocard to DVLA when your new licence arrives.

Common questions

How long does it take to get a new driving licence?

It should arrive within a week if you apply online, or within 3 weeks if you apply at a Post Office or by post.

Can I keep driving while I wait?

Yes. After you apply at a Post Office or by post, you can keep driving while you wait for your new licence.

Can I renew online if I changed my name?

No. If your name or title has changed, you can only apply by post.

Official source: gov.uk (opens in a new tab)

This information is not legal or tax advice.