TL;DR
DVLA photocard driving licences must be renewed every ten years. Renewal can be done online at gov.uk for £14. Penalties of up to £1,000 apply for driving with an expired photocard. The entitlement to drive on a paper licence remains valid until age 70.
DVLA photocard driving licences must be renewed every ten years. Renewal can be done online at gov.uk for £14, or by post for £17. Driving with an expired photocard can attract a fine of up to £1,000, although the entitlement to drive on a paper licence remains valid until age 70 in most cases.
How the photocard renewal works
Photocard driving licences carry the holder's photograph and signature. The card must be renewed every ten years even though the underlying driving entitlement does not expire until age 70 for car drivers.
Renewal involves submitting an up-to-date photograph and confirming the holder's details. Online renewal at gov.uk uses the passport photograph already on file, or a new one can be uploaded for an additional fee.
Fees and timing
Online renewal costs £14, post renewal £17. Renewal at a Post Office costs £21.50 plus the photograph fee. DVLA recommends starting the renewal at least two weeks before the expiry to avoid driving on an expired photocard.
Renewal documents are sent to the address registered on the DVLA system. Drivers who have moved should update their address through gov.uk before starting renewal.
Fines for driving with an expired photocard
Driving with an expired photocard can attract a fine of up to £1,000 under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Police forces can issue a fixed penalty notice as the immediate sanction.
Insurance can also be affected. Insurers may treat driving with an expired photocard as a material change in circumstances that voids cover, leaving the driver responsible for any third-party costs.
Renewal at 70 and over
Driving entitlement expires at age 70 in most cases. Drivers must renew at that age and then every three years thereafter. Renewal includes a self-declaration of medical fitness to drive.
Medical conditions including epilepsy, sleep apnoea and diabetes treated with insulin must be reported to DVLA. The full list is published on the gov.uk Medical conditions and driving page.
What to do if your photocard is lost or stolen
Lost or stolen photocards should be replaced through gov.uk. The replacement costs £20 and a temporary cover letter can be requested while waiting for the new card.
Drivers can continue to drive on the entitlement while waiting for a replacement, provided no medical issues affect fitness to drive. The replacement letter is acceptable evidence of entitlement when stopped by police.
Key facts
- Photocard renewal every ten years.
- Online renewal costs £14.
- Driving with expired photocard can attract £1,000 fine.
- First age 70 renewal requires medical self-declaration.
- Replacement cost is £20.
FAQ
How often does the photocard need renewing?
Every ten years. The card itself expires even though driving entitlement runs to age 70. Renewal involves an up-to-date photograph and confirmation of details.
How much does renewal cost?
£14 online, £17 by post and £21.50 at a Post Office. DVLA recommends starting the renewal at least two weeks before the expiry date.
Can I be fined for driving with an expired photocard?
Yes, the maximum fine is £1,000 under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Insurance can also be affected, with insurers potentially treating an expired photocard as a material change in circumstances.
What happens when I turn 70?
Driving entitlement expires at 70 in most cases. Drivers must renew at that age and then every three years thereafter, with a self-declaration of medical fitness to drive.
