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DVLA GUIDE - Unofficial Guide to the DVLA Renew Licence

For helpful and convenient driving licence and vehicle advice:

Telephone : 0905 801 7211

Calls cost £1.53 per minute from a BT Landline.


Advice provided is available free of charge from DVLA

Advice you can trust, when you need it
We provide helpful and convenient advice regarding United Kingdom driving licence, vehicles, MOT, SORN and tax disc including advice on the following:

  • Change of address of UK driving licence
  • Renewals of UK driving licence
  • Lost or stolen of UK driving licence
  • Learner and new driver information
  • Register a vehicle
  • Who to notify when you buy or sell a vehicle
  • Making changes to your registration
  • Taxing your vehicle
  • MOT Certificates
  • SORN a vehicle
  • Locations and Hours

Helping you make the right choice
All callers must be aged 16+, please ensure that you have the billpayers permission before entering this service. Calls cost £1.53 on connection + £1.53 per minute from a BT Landline, calls from other networks may vary and calls from mobiles may cost considerably more. This service is provided by Chris Snow t/a Online Guides HX7 6AH. helpline 01614086460. For full service terms and condition goto http://dvlaguide.co.uk/index.php/site/terms_of_use

If you need to apply for, renew or replace a licence, or have any other vehicle enquiry, you may also contact Drivers' Customer Services, Correspondence Team, DVLA, SA6 7JL or the Vehicle Customer Services, DVLA, SA99 1AR. You also may be able to use the vehicle and licensing services at a Post Office®.

You are in the Drivers License & ID. If you are looking for Drivers License & ID information dvlaguide.com is the right site for you. In this section you-ll find out how to apply, renew and replace your drivers license, how to update any name or address changes, how to apply motorcycle license, or what medical rules apply to drivers

This site, dvlaguide.com, also covers the specifics for learners and new drivers, vehicle registration, taxing your vehicle, MOTs, how to SORN a vehicle, what forms you need and DVLA hours and locations.





Renewing Your Licence

  Jump to:   How and When do I renew My Photograph?   What If I Have Changed My Name?   Renewing Driving Licence at 70 years Plus   How to Renew Photocard Licence - 70 Plus years

There are many reasons why a UK driving licence gets renewed. In this section, Dvlaguide.com provides information on renewing your driver for the following reasons:

  • Renewing Driving Licence Photo
  • Renewing Driving Licence at 70 years Plus
  • Medical Renewals
  • Renewing your Driving Licence Entitlement for Larger Vehicles at 45 years or 65 years of Age

DVLA aims to get your new driving licence to you within three weeks of receiving your application. It’ll take longer if they have to check your health or personal details.

How and When do I renew My Photograph?

You need to renew your driving licence photograph every 10 years. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will send you a renewal application pack two months before your photo is due to expire.

Here�s what you do next:

  1. Complete the enclosed form.
  2. nclude a new passport type photo of yourself that�s been taken within the last month (you don�t need the back of the photo signed)
  3. Return both parts of your driving licence photocard and counterpart document.
  4. Enclose a cheque or postal order for �17.50 (no fee is needed if you have a medical short period licence or you�re aged 70 or over).

Where DO I Send My application?

Send your completed application and fee to DVLA, Swansea SA99 1DH

What If I Have Changed My Name?

If you have changed your name, you�ll also need to provide identity documents as proof.
You must tell the DVLA immediately of any changes to your name, address or both. You can update your driving licence online or send it to DVLA for amendment. A new licence will be issued free of charge unless your photograph�s due for renewal. Click here for more details on name and address changes.

Renewing Driving Licence at 70 years Plus

You�ll need to renew the photo on your driving licence before it expires, the photograph only valid for 10 years. This will cost �17.50.

If you�re a short period licence holder (over 70 or medical short period) you only need to renew your photograph when your driving entitlement expires. This is free.
Driving licence entitlement expires when you reach the age of 70 and if you want to continue to drive, the entitlement needs to be renewed by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

DVLA aims to get your new driving licence to you within three weeks of receiving your application. It’ll take longer if they have to check your health or personal details.

Apply Online 
You can renew your licence online but there are a few criteria. It is a good idea to have read of how the process works first.

For example, when applying online the DVLA automatically carry out identity checks. Also you cannot renew your C1 (medium size vehicles) or D1 (minibus) driving entitlement on your licence online.

How to Renew Photocard Licence - 70 Plus years

DVLA will send you, 90 days before your 70th birthday, a D46P �application for renewal of a driving licence.
You�ll need to:

  1. Complete the D46P form.
  2. Return your photocard driving licence and counterpart
  3. A message on your D46P form will let you know if your photo is due for renewal. If it is then you will need to include a new passport type photograph.
  4. Enclose the original identity documentation if your name has changed since your last licence was issued.
  5. No fee is needed with this application.
  6. Send it to DVLA, Swansea SA99 1AA

Click here for more information.

What If I Don�t Get a Reminder In the Post?

If you don�t receive the reminder application form in the post you can use the D1 or Application for a Driving Licence. This form is available from the DVLA form ordering service and Post Office branches.

Paper Licence Holders - 70 Plus years

If you have a paper licence the DVLA will send you a D46P form, 90 days before your 70th birthday.

Here is what you need to do need to:

  1. Complete the D46P form
  2. Enclose original documentation confirming your identity include a passport type colour photograph
  3. Send your application and documents to DVLA, Swansea SA99 1AA or you can use the premium checking service Post Office branches or at selected DVLA local offices.

You can also use a D1 form if you don�t receive the D46P in the post. This form is available from the DVLA form ordering service and Post Office branches.

Driving Before Your Licence is Returned

Once the DVLA has received a valid application you can continue to drive if you meet certain criteria.