Drivers miss out on more than £2 million of savings by not renewing photocard driving licences online

Drivers missed out on £2.3 million of savings by not renewing their photocard driving licence using DVLA’s online service, according to new figures released by DVLA.

The agency has revealed that between April 2020 and March 2021, around 23% of the 2 million renewal applications it received were sent in either by post or via the post office. This is despite the online service being quicker and cheaper.

Going online is the cheapest way to renew a photocard driving licence. Renewing a photocard driving licence using GOV.UK costs £14 and the driver will receive their new licence in just 5 days. Posting an application to DVLA costs £17 and will take longer.

Customers who apply online can also track the progress of their licence by visiting the track your driving licence application page on the GOV.UK website.

Drivers are legally required to renew their photocard driving licence every 10 years and will receive a reminder from DVLA before their current licence expires.

Julie Lennard, DVLA Chief Executive, said:

Our online services are the quickest and easiest way to deal with DVLA and customers usually receive their driving and vehicle documents in just 5 days. Remember to always use GOV.UK when using DVLA’s online services.

To renew online or find out more about renewing a licence visit GOV.UK.

Notes to editors:

• Renew a driving licence online or find out more about renewing a licence.
• If you are renewing your photocard driving licence, and you are unable to use our online services, you can do this quickly and easily at participating Post Office branches. Check if you are eligible to use this service. By using this service, you can expect your driving licence to be issued within 5 days.
• If you need to change your address on your driving licence, you can do this online by visiting GOV.UK.
• By only using GOV.UK when applying for DVLA services online, motorists can also ensure they avoid using third party websites or sites purporting to be DVLA. Such sites will often charge an additional fee for services that are free – or cost significantly less – on GOV.UK. Websites such as these are not connected with the DVLA in any way.