DVLA tells thousands of UK drivers ‘do it’ now - or risk £1,000 fine
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued a reminder to all UK drivers, urging them to carry out a vital task online.
Motorists across the UK have been issued a warning to carry out a vital task online. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) urged Brits to renew their licence online.
According to the DVLA this is “easy” and “quick” to do. In a post made to social media platform X, the DVLA said: “Due to renew your driving licence? Do it online at http://gov.uk/renewdrivinglicence.
“It’s easy, quick and secure to renew on http://GOV.UK.”
Renewing your licence can be done online via the official DVLA website, at the Post Office, or by post. The standard renewal cost is £14 online, and you’ll need a valid UK passport photo.
Check if your driving licence has expired
You only need to renew your licence if it has expired or is about to do so. The expiry date can be found on the front of your photocard licence, typically in section 4b.
Licences are valid for 10 years from the date of issue and must be renewed to remain legally valid. Drivers must also keep their licence details current - this includes name changes, address changes, and disclosing any medical conditions that could affect their ability to drive.
Risks of an expired licence
If your licence isn't current, it could cause significant issues in the event of an accident or insurance claim, potentially rendering your insurance invalid.
If you're stopped by the police while driving with an expired or invalid licence, you may face immediate consequences:
- You could be issued a fixed penalty notice on the spot
- The police have the authority to seize the vehicle
- Your insurance provider could be informed
Depending on the severity, the case could be taken to court, where the maximum fine is £1,000 and additional points could be added to your record.
Driving licences for over 70s
There are different licence renewal rules if you are aged 70. You can renew your licence for free if you’re 70 or over, or will be 70 in the next 90 days, and:
- Your British licence has expired – or it’s going to expire within 90 days
- You’re a resident of Great Britain (there’s a different service in Northern Ireland)
- You meet the minimum eyesight requirement
- You aren’t prevented from driving for any reason
Once you reach 70, you must renew every three years.