You must replace your Photocard Driving Licence if it is lost, stolen or defaced. You can do this in three ways – by phone, online or by post. Remember, you no longer needed the paper counterpart of the driving licence from 8 June 2015.
Phone
If none of your details have changed, this can be replaced over the telephone. A fee of £20 will be applicable and will be paid by credit or debit card. Call DVLA on 0300 790 6801 (Monday to Friday 8.00am to 7.00pm; Saturday 8.00am to 2.00pm).
Online
Visit https://www.gov.uk/apply-online-to-replace-a-driving-licence and follow the online steps to receive a replacement.
Post
If your licence has been lost, stolen or the details have been changed, you will need to complete a D1 Application for a Driving Licence form. You can get this from the Post Office.
When you send the form, please ensure you include all the correct documents and send them, along with the fee of £20 to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB.
Renewing a Photo on a Photocard Licence
You are able to renew your photo on your photocard driving licence at anytime. Also, it is also worth remembering that a photo on a photocard driving licence has an expiry date. The expiry date can be found on the front of the licence. You will be required to update your photo before the expiry date passes.
You can learn more about renewing the photo on your licence and apply online via DVLA’s website.
Finding Your Previous Lost Licence
If you find a licence which you had replaced, return the latest one back to the DVLA and explain what happened.
Receiving your New Licence
It is advised to wait 3 weeks before contacting the DVLA regarding your licence.
Driving without the Physical Licence
It is ok to drive/ride your vehicle if you are waiting for a new licence to arrive. The following conditions are acceptable:
- Not disqualified from driving
- Not been – or will be – refused a licence for medical reasons
Last updated October 2017.
