Renewing Your Photo Driving Licence Every 10 Years
Every day, thousands of UK drivers are facing the threat of prosecution without even realising that they are doing anything wrong. Could you be one of them?
Am I doing something wrong?
If you didn't know that you need to renew your photocard driving licence after 10 years, then you may well be one of the more than 40,000 drivers across the UK who are breaking the law – many of whom are doing so unwittingly.My licence is valid until I’m 70 – isn’t it?
Many motorists believe that their photocard - like the old style green paper licences - are valid right up until they turn 70. In actual fact, they expire after a relatively short ten year period.I didn’t know this – does it say it on the card?
It’s thought that many motorists are being caught out because the small print about licence renewal is exactly that – very small print. It’s tucked away on the back of the photocard under the section named ‘4b’. To find out what section ‘4b’ pertains to, the driver has to check the even smaller print on the reverse of the card, and when they do, they’ll see that it refers to a photocard ‘valid to’ date, which will be 10 years from the date of issue. The DVLA have sent out reminders to everyone who needs to get their photocard licences renewed but it seems that people aren't reading them or don't understand what is being asked of them. This could be because confusingly, next to the 'valid to' date, is another date which is the day before the driver turns 70 years old, and this is the date when the actual driving licence expires – not the photocard.What do I have to do to get my photocard renewed?
To get your photocard renewal, you need to take the following steps :If you have had a renewal application pack (should arrive approximately 2 months before your licence is due to run out) then you should:
- Complete the form as detailed in the pack
- Include a new passport style photo taken within the last 30 days. You don't need to get this signed.
- Return the photocard and the paper counterpart of your driving licence
- Enclose a cheque or postal order for £20.00 (unless you have a medical short period licence or you are aged over 70 in which case it is free)
If you haven't received the renewal pack then you need to get a D1 form from the Post Office or from the DVLA online form ordering service. The form name is 'Application for a Driving Licence'.
Renewing online
You can also renew online for the same fee. You will need your passport details (and your passport must have been renewed within the past five years to do this) and the DVLA will attempt to retrieve your photo image and signature from your passport.At the post office
You can also renew your photocard licence with your reminder (mentioned above) at participating Post Offices for an additional fee.For more information visit the Direct Gov website.
So can I drive while my licence is renewed?
According to a DVLA spokesman, qualified drivers are still entitled to drive a vehicle if their licence has expired, but what they must be aware of is that they could be charged with the offence of failing to renew their licence. If the matter went to court, then the motorist could end up with a £1,000 fine. The spokesman went on to say that the reason photocard licences needed to be renewed every ten years was because people's faces would change over that period, so updates are essential.What happens if I have an accident in the meantime?
You may find that if your photo card has expired, then your insurance company will refuse to pay up for any claims you make. If this happens, you will be able to appeal, and if your photocard is being processed then you will usually be ok. However, it will often come down to the insurance company themselves and what their policies are in this type of situation. If you were involved in a bump, you would still be covered for third party claims, regardless of whether or not your photocard was still in date.Reapplying for Licence
If you have been disqualified from driving and need to Reapply For Your Driving Licence, read our article on this site which explains exactly what you need to do.
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Comments...
@daffyD -we think it makes lot of sense to do that - you shouldn't have to pay twice and we're sure the DLVA will see it that way too. But you really should check with them first. Good luck!
YourDrivingLicence - 31 January 2012 @ 10:26 AM
My photo licence expires on 23/04/12 but I will be 70 on 05/07/12.I don't really want to pay £20 in April and then have to renew my licence when I am 70 in July.Can I drive until I submit my photo for my licence at 70 (probably that will be requested about April?) without committing some offence?
DaffyD - 30 January 2012 @ 9:17 PM
My driving licence 4a reads 31-05-07 4b 14-08-10. What do these figures mean?. Has my licence expired and do I need to renew it?.
Frank Wood - 27 January 2012 @ 11:56 AM
Hello I wonder if you could help me I passed my test when I was 17 got my driving licence on card,but I havent driven for at least 15yrs lack of confidence that was my reason.i want to start driving again how do I go about getting my card licence back
lucy - 14 January 2012 @ 11:10 PM
I watched a Traffic Cops programme the other day when a lady was pulled over for something minor, the police did the usual checks and as her licence had expired she was classed as driving without a licence, therefore was driving without insurance and had her car seized. Be warned-if you are pulled for this you will likely lose your car until you update your licence-assuming you manage to get the car back in time.
Adam - 10 January 2012 @ 11:00 AM
I move eighteen months ago and I have just realised my driving licence expired thirteen months ago. I guess any reminders went to my old address. What will be my penalty?. Govenments will screw us with any excuse dispite Westminster being a den of thieves and parasites who abuse every privilege they are given.
Sixstringsid - 9 January 2012 @ 10:03 PM
my photo licence expires in june 2012 can i renew it now or do i need to wait to nearer the time, if i need to wait what is the earliest time i can renew it.
also what is the total cost & will you send out a new paper copy as well
Regards
Delboy - 9 January 2012 @ 3:29 PM
I have a friend who is 84 years of age and has the photo card driving licence which according to what I have been told states according to the dates on the licence runs from 1976 up to DEC 2012. I thought ALL PEOPLE AFTER THE AGE of 70 HAD TO RENEW THE PHOTOCARD LICENCE EVERY 3 YEARS is this NOT ALWAYS THE CASE????
eckie - 8 January 2012 @ 3:41 PM
I'm living in spain and haven't had a car for over 3 years. However when I went to buy one my licence is outof date by 2 years will I incur a fine if I renew now??? Thank you
carol - 5 January 2012 @ 2:44 PM
My photo card licence expires in February 2012. I have asked the DVLC and the local Police Chief Constable to provide me with details of what relevant laws or statutes etc I may be breaching should I decide not to pay the £20 to renew.I will post their responses when I receive them.
Saltire - 19 December 2011 @ 8:16 PM
another rip-off trick for rip off britain no way should the charge for this service be £20.00 @@@@ £5 would be a fairer amount.
big les - 1 December 2011 @ 10:59 AM
Do I have to renew my paper license issued 1976 - expires 2013?Your website is not very helpful on this simple question ??
Snowdoc - 22 November 2011 @ 11:10 PM
I think it's a disgusting rip off earning DVLA half a billion pounds per year yes £500,000,000 per year. when i passed my test in 1978 my licence did not expire til 2030. In law that surely is a contract and to have altered that contract i should have been CONSULTED not FORCED to hand over DVLA money and inconvenience every 10 years. We get penalised for changing your address and can the DVLA justify £20?.I will not be renewing my licence as i stick to the original date i was given in 2030 so the authorities can just fight this one out with my Barrister.
basil1924 - 2 November 2011 @ 8:34 AM
Could you tell me if I can hire a van while my documents are being renewed. If I show the hire firm copies of the documents, and is it possible for the hire firm to contact the D.V.L.A to confirm my entitlement to drive?
Many Thanks
N/A - 5 September 2011 @ 1:23 PM
my husband only has his paper licience never been issued with a card one, should he get one or is the paper sufficient, He got stopped by the police last week and they didnt say anything so we are assuming he is ok
Murder at the Match - 7 August 2011 @ 8:11 PM
Have just realised that my photo licence is out 18th Aug. Thought they lasted10years?Mine was issued 2007. Why do i have to renew if theoretically i have6 years left? Can't quite work it out,
cd - 4 August 2011 @ 3:34 PM
I am overseas at the moment (not driving or using UK driving licence) and have just realised that I have to renew my photo by 18th August 2011. Unfortunately I will be unable to do this until I return to the UK which will be after the expiry date. Will I still be able to renew the photo with Form D798 after 18th August when it is due?
Ann - 20 July 2011 @ 2:55 AM
rip off brittain ripping us off again, prehaps the dvla are just trying to finance a new computer system to try and prevent the recent cock ups.
not too happy about sending off my licence incase they loose all records of my having one or passing a test as they have done with others.
geejayy - 12 July 2011 @ 11:39 AM
Hi there. No they will automatically remove expired points when you renew your licence, so no extra fee.
YourDrivingLicence - 24 June 2011 @ 10:04 AM
I am due to to renew my driving licence after 10 years this coming September. However, I have a disqualification from 1996 and 3 penalty points in 2007 that need to come off. Do I need to pay additionaly to have these removed or just advise for them to be removed upon renewal?
Abz - 24 June 2011 @ 7:39 AM
Just another money making swiz! Why £20? I think it's TOO expensive.
ladyady - 18 June 2011 @ 12:59 AM
I have only just found out that i need to renew my licence after ten years.
The reason i have not is i have change adress so did not recieve reminder,i thought it was for life.My licence has expired on 07-03-11
spitfire - 16 June 2011 @ 8:36 AM
returning from long spell abroad,license out of date,not enough time to renew on line, Can i still hire a car on arrival at airport and renew as soon as i can get home? Thanks
bombero - 14 June 2011 @ 5:21 AM
Just realised my licence runs out in August 2011 and was only issued in 2007. I thought a licence was issued for 10 years.
I have two SP30 endorsements on the paper copy in which one has expired. Will I be required to pay £20.00 to have this updated and another £20.00 for my licence renewal?
Yamkin - 13 June 2011 @ 12:23 PM
Can't believe so many people are surprised that their licence has expired or is going to expire, does nobody read their licence or look at it. Surely if you want to be a legal driver then you should look at your expiry date and then find out if you can do something about it so that it doesn't run out, ie: make a note in diary and then try and renew 1 month before expiry then you always have a valid licence, not that difficult really. As for moaning about being charged for renewing isn't that just life we get charged for everything.
Kathy - 4 June 2011 @ 7:30 AM
The DVLA no longer issues paper driving licences. Instead, all drivers in the UK need to obtain a driving licence in a photocard format.
YourDrivingLicence - 3 June 2011 @ 1:56 PM
i'm confused. I received one of these DVLA renewal letters today about renewing photo etc. I've never had a photo license and only had a paper provisional. Any idea why they've sent it to me? How can i renew something i don't have.
toodles - 2 June 2011 @ 8:21 PM
Ithink its disgusting that the DVLA made a decision to make the driving licence a photocard, then put an expiry date on it and then charge us for their decision, its just another way to get money out of us!! like the theory test
Sazelle - 26 May 2011 @ 10:14 AM
Do your ears have to be shown?
megan - 15 May 2011 @ 3:52 PM
I personally think its wrong that it's possible to get a fine just for not having an up to date photo, likewise I think insurance companys that invalidate your policy just because a photo is not accurate is outrageous, all a person has to do is change a hairstyle and they can look completely different, and why does the dvla charge £20.00 for this? Its just one more expence and inconvenience that the uk motorist has to deal with!
matt - 9 May 2011 @ 9:46 PM
I am Saudi Citizen leaving in Riyadh and I have a UK Driver Licence,
which expire in 12-02-26 Please let me know how to renue my UK licence. Can I do it online. Please please send me information on my email.
Abu Tariq - 5 May 2011 @ 10:58 AM
Barbarag: Seems your daughter may be ok: Copied from government website: Driving before your licence is returned. You can drive before you get your licence as long as you: have held a Great Britain or Northern Ireland licence issued since 1 January 1976 or another exchangeable licenceare not disqualified from drivinghaven't been refused a licence for medical reasons or for failing to comply with medical enquirieswouldn't be refused a licence for medical reasons - if in doubt, check with your doctor keep to any special conditions that apply to your licence
shop girl - 5 April 2011 @ 11:54 AM
There is some confusion about photocards for drivings licences. I've just had a reminder to renew with all usual info about no hair over eyes, no reflection on glasses, no smiling etc. However, photobooth info says you must also have your ears showing in the photo. There's nothing about this on the form. Is it correct?
JC - 4 April 2011 @ 5:49 PM
My daughter has a photo driving licence which she has just realised has expired (on 15th March) although she has only had it for five years and her appearance hasn't changed. She thought the licence and the photo were valid for 10 years. She ony discovered this when she tried to hire a car last weekend. She has applied for a new licence but has been told that it could take 3 weeks to process. She has booked a holiday to Cornwall on 8th April, and is unable to hire a car due to the situation. The DVLA did not notify her that the licence was due to expire, as stated in the article, and as a result she is going to have to cancel her holiday if the new licence does not come in time, leaving two very disappointed five year olds to try to explain to!
barbarag - 28 March 2011 @ 1:47 PM
Well I just renewed mine and glad I did a google search and seen this site thanks. Renew online line bit of hassle finding all the documents after 9 years lol
Lee - 26 March 2011 @ 8:22 AM
Mine expires next week, I too have not had a reminder!
ksquared - 23 March 2011 @ 7:15 PM
I dont think it's a bad idea to change the photo card every ten years as we age and change a lot in 10 years, not good having a 18 year old face when in real life you're 50!! That doesn't make sense. I do think however, that it could be made more clear to you that that is the case. Mine ran out in Sept 2010 and I wasn't notified by the DVLA at all!
Keeley - 22 March 2011 @ 10:50 AM
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