{"id":5696,"date":"2024-08-08T09:00:32","date_gmt":"2024-08-08T08:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/?p=5696"},"modified":"2026-04-06T11:31:45","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T10:31:45","slug":"how-to-renew-a-driving-licence-that-has-expired","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-renew-a-driving-licence-that-has-expired\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Renew a Driving Licence That Has Expired?"},"content":{"rendered":"

To drive a vehicle legally in the UK, you need a valid driving licence \u2013 no surprise there. However, you also need to remember to renew a driving licence<\/a> every few years. There are a few valid reasons why your driving licence might have expired (you may have been away from the country for a few years, for example), or maybe you simply forgot about it!<\/p>\n

If you have let your UK driving licence expire, don\u2019t panic. You can still renew it without too much hassle. This article will tell you everything you need to know to get it done \u2013 and get back on the road.<\/p>\n

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When To Renew a Driving Licence?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

You can check your driving licence\u2019s expiry date on section 4b of your photocard licence. Either way, know that you must renew it<\/strong> every 10 years<\/strong>. Once you are over the age of 70, that becomes every 3 years<\/strong>. The government will also normally send you a renewal reminder a couple of months before it expires by post, known as a D798\u00a0notification. You don\u2019t need<\/em> this reminder to renew your licence \u2013 you can do it when it\u2019s convenient for you, even if the expiry date is still a bit far away.<\/p>\n

The old paper driving licence began being phased out in the UK many years ago, in favour of the more modern photocard format. However, if you still have the paper licence, it\u2019s still valid \u2013 and has the bonus that you don\u2019t need to renew it in regular intervals. That is, as long as your personal details and address on the licence<\/a> remain accurate, and you are under the age of 70. If any of these things change, then you are required to renew your licence. You will then be given a new photocard licence, which you must renew periodically.<\/p>\n

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What To Do If Your Driving Licence Expired?<\/h2>\n

The first thing you need to know about renewing your UK driving licence is that you must have a valid UK home address<\/strong>. That means if you are currently living abroad and your UK driving licence is expiring, there really isn\u2019t much you can do about it. However, you can apply to have a new driving licence in your current country of residence, and that will be valid when you visit the UK.<\/p>\n

The only other requirement is that you must not be banned from driving in the UK for any reason. If that\u2019s you, consider having our free car valuation<\/a> instead.<\/p>\n

If all you have is your UK driving licence and it expires, you cannot continue to drive until you renew it. The fine if you are caught can go up to \u00a31,000 on top of getting points on your licence. This is why it\u2019s important to keep up with your licence expiry date. If it has expired, then you should look to renew it as soon as possible<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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\"Renew<\/p>\n

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How To Renew a Driving Licence?<\/h2>\n

Renewing a UK driving licence is quite a simple process, and it shouldn\u2019t really matter whether your current licence is expired or not. Essentially, you have three options: you can do it online, by post, or in person at a post office. Each method has its advantages, but not everyone can use all of them, as there are some special conditions and exceptions.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s look at each one in more detail.<\/p>\n

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Renew a Driving Licence Online<\/h3>\n

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This is the cheapest method. All you need is to live in Great Britain and have a UK passport, but if you are a non-national resident, you can use the document you used to set up your online immigration status.<\/p>\n

You can\u2019t renew your licence online if your title or name has changed \u2013 that has to be done exclusively by post. The cost is \u00a314, which you can pay using your credit or debit card.<\/p>\n

You can reuse your passport photo or upload a new one from your device. Also, you will need to mail your old photocard licence to the DVLA once you get your new one. The address will be provided at the end of your application.<\/p>\n

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Renew a Driving Licence by Post<\/h3>\n

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This is the only method you can use if you need to change your name or title. The address is DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DH. You will need to Include the following documents:<\/p>\n

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