How Contact DVLA Customer Services and Apply for a Replacement Licence

Renewed Licences

You have to renew a photocard driving licence once every 10 years. You will receive a reminder letter from the DVLA beforehand. If you are a UK passport holder, you can renew your driving licence online.

What you need to have to renew your licence online:

• Valid UK passport
• Be a resident of Great Britain
• Be able to pay £14 by Visa, Mastercard, Maestro or Delta debit/credit card.
• List of addresses where you have lived for the last three years.
• Your current driving licence to hand.
• Your National Insurance number to hand.
• Not be disqualified from driving.

If you apply online, your new driving licence should arrive within a week. When your new licence arrives, you must send the old one to the DVLA- you will be given an address when you complete your application.

If your licence is lost/stolen/damaged or destroyed

If your driving licence is stolen, your first instinct should be to contact the local police.

What you need to replace your licence:

• Be a resident of Great Britain.
• Not be disqualified from driving.
• Be able to pay £20 by MasterCard, Visa or Delta debit.
• Hold a valid UK passport or other form of identity.
• List of addresses you have lived at for the past three years.

If your photocard licence is due to expire within two years and you have a UK passport, the DVLA will use an electronic copy of your passport photo for your replacement licence. If a suitable electronic image isn’t available, you will need to fill out a form and send it to the DVLA with a replacement photo.

If after you receive your new licence, you happen to find the old one; you must contact the DVLA explaining what has happened and send it back to them.

Once you have applied for a replacement licence, you will be sent a confirmation email acknowledging your application. You may also be invited to take part in DVLA research.

Changing something on your driving licence (name/address/gender)

In order to change the name or gender on your driving licence, send the DVLA your old licence along with an application form. It is the same process if you wish to change your title, for example to Dr. Send the completed form to the DVLA with your licence and any original documents to confirm your name or gender. You will usually receive your licence within 3 weeks of applying and you can keep driving whilst you wait for it.

Changing the address on your driving licence is free of charge. You will receive a confirmation email after application and your licence should arrive within a week. You can still drive whilst waiting for your new licence. You can apply to change your address online using your Government Gateway ID. Remember, that if you fail to inform the DVLA of a change of address, you could be fined up to £1000.

Replacing your licence doesn’t have to be a complex process.