Renewing your photocard driving licence online is the quickest and cheapest option for most drivers in Great Britain.
The online fee is £14 and DVLA says your new licence should arrive within a week once the application is approved.
By comparison, renewing at the Post Office costs £21.50 and by post costs £17, with a typical turnaround of around 3 weeks.
Who must renew — and when?
- Photocard validity: Standard photocard licences must be renewed every 10 years.
- Over 70s: At age 70 and beyond, you must renew every 3 years, and the renewal is free. You can start your online renewal within 90 days of turning 70.
- Great Britain vs Northern Ireland: Online renewals described here apply to Great Britain (DVLA). Northern Ireland drivers use the DVA service, which accepts renewals up to two months before expiry and aims to process fully completed applications within 10 working days.
Tip: Driving with an expired photocard can lead to a fine of up to £1,000—set yourself a reminder well before the date in section 4b on your licence.
At-a-glance: cost & speed
| Method | You pay | Typical timeline | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (DVLA) | £14 | About 1 week | Fastest, cheapest for most drivers |
| Post Office | £21.50 | ~3 weeks | If you prefer counter service |
| By post (D1 pack) | £17 | ~3 weeks | If your name changed or online isn’t an option |
Figures and timelines per GOV.UK guidance.
What you need to renew online
To renew your UK driving licence online, have these to hand:
- Email address and addresses for the last 3 years.
- National Insurance number (if you know it).
- Debit/credit card to pay the £14 fee (no fee if you’re 70+ or have a medical short-period licence).
- UK passport number if you want DVLA to reuse your passport photo (or you can upload a new photo when changing it).
- You must be a resident of Great Britain and not disqualified from driving.
Name changed? You cannot renew online if your name or title has changed; apply by post with identity documents.
Step-by-step: Renew UK driving licence online
- Go to GOV.UK and choose “Renew your driving licence” (avoid third-party sites).
- Sign in / create an account, then follow on-screen prompts to confirm your details and (if needed) prove your identity.
- Confirm your photo: DVLA can reuse your passport photo or your existing photo; you can update the photo if you wish (fees unchanged online).
- Pay the £14 fee by card (free if 70+/medical short-period).
- Submit the application. DVLA typically issues your new licence within a week.
- Post your old photocard back to DVLA when your new card arrives (address provided at the end of the online journey).
Special cases to know
- Over 70s: Use the dedicated free online service. You’ll confirm you meet the minimum eyesight rules, and you cannot renew C1/D1 (medium-sized vehicles/minibus) online—those require postal forms with medical evidence.
- Northern Ireland (DVA): Expect up to 10 working days processing after DVA receives a complete application; you can drive while your valid application is processed if you meet stated conditions.
- Driving while waiting: If DVLA/DVA has your licence for renewal, you can usually continue driving if you meet the conditions in their guidance and your previous licence was valid (medical/disqualification rules apply).
Common mistakes that slow things down
- Using a non-GOV.UK website (often costlier and unnecessary).
- Changing your name and trying to renew online (must apply by post).
- Submitting a non-compliant photo when changing it—using your passport photo is the easiest way to stay compliant.
Renewing your UK driving licence online is simple, budget-friendly, and fast.
For most drivers in Great Britain, the online route costs just £14 and the card typically arrives within a week—while over-70s renew free every three years.
If your name has changed, switch to a postal application, and if you live in Northern Ireland, follow the DVA path with its own timelines.
Avoid third-party websites, keep your details ready, and you’ll complete a hassle-free renewal in minutes and stay legal on the road.
FAQs
Generally yes, if you meet DVLA/DVA conditions (for example, your prior licence was valid, you’re not disqualified, and there are no medical prohibitions). Check the service instructions relevant to your case; DVLA notes online renewals are usually issued in around a week.