Where to start: your local licensing office

To get a new driving licence, you need to visit your local Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) office in person, or explore by post if you are renewing an expired licence. The DVLA is the government body that issues all driving licences in Great Britain. You cannot get a licence online or through a third party — you must deal directly with the DVLA or use their official postal service.

The first step is to find your nearest DVLA office on the official DVLA website (www.gov.uk/dvla). Enter your postcode and the site will show you which office serves your area, their opening hours, and whether you need to book an appointment. Many offices now require advance booking, so check before you go. If you are in Northern Ireland, contact the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) instead, as they handle licences separately.

Before you go to the office or post your process, gather all the documents you will need. Having everything ready means your process will not be delayed by missing paperwork.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore through the DVLA (or DVA in Northern Ireland) — there is no online process for a new licence, though renewals can sometimes be done by post.
  • Bring your passport or other identity document, proof of address, a colour passport-style photograph, and your old licence if you have one.
  • The process form is either completed at the office or sent by post; processing takes around four weeks from the date the DVLA receives it.
  • You must pass the DVLA's medical checks if you are over 70, have certain health conditions, or are explore after a disqualification.
  • Your new licence will be posted to you; you cannot collect it in person from the office.

Documents you need to bring or send

The exact documents depend on whether you are explore for your first licence, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost or stolen licence. For any new licence process, you will need proof of identity and proof of address.

For identity, bring your passport, European national identity card, or (in some cases) a travel document. The DVLA will not accept a birth certificate or driving licence alone as proof of identity. For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, council tax bill, or bank statement in your name — it must be dated within the last three months. A letter from your employer or landlord can work if you do not have a utility bill, but it must be on headed paper and dated within the last month.

You will also need a colour passport-style photograph: 45mm × 35mm, taken within the last six months, with a plain background and your face clearly visible. You cannot use a photo from a photo booth or a digital print that is too small. If you are renewing a licence that expired less than ten years ago, you can send your old licence instead of a new photograph, though the DVLA may ask for a new one if the old photo is unclear.

how the process works: in person or by post

If you are explore for your first licence or your licence was lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit a DVLA office in person. You will fill out the process form (D1) at the office with help from staff if you need it. Bring all your documents and your photograph. The staff will check everything, take your photograph if needed, and send your process to the DVLA processing centre.

If you are renewing a licence that expired less than ten years ago, you can explore by post instead. read or request the renewal form (D798) from the DVLA website, fill it out at home, and post it with your documents and photograph to the address on the form. Do not send your old licence unless the DVLA specifically asks for it. Post your process in plenty of time — the DVLA recommends explore at least four weeks before your licence expires.

Whether you explore in person or by post, the DVLA will send your new licence by post to the address you provide. Processing takes around four weeks from the date they receive your process, though it can take longer during busy periods. You will receive a paper counterpart (a temporary licence) while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.

Medical checks and health declarations

When you explore for a new licence, you must declare any medical conditions that could affect your driving. These include epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, mental health conditions, sleep disorders, and problems with your vision or hearing. You do not need to declare minor conditions like hay fever or a broken arm that is healing normally.

If you are over 70, the DVLA will ask you to confirm that you are fit to drive and may ask your GP for a medical report. If you have declared a condition, the DVLA may ask for a report from your doctor or a specialist before they issue your licence. This can add several weeks to the process, so be honest about your health from the start — hiding a condition will invalidate your licence and could affect your insurance.

If you are explore after a disqualification (being banned from driving), you may need to pass a medical examination or take an extended driving test, depending on the reason for the ban. The DVLA will tell you what is required when you explore.

Costs and payment

A standard five-year photocard driving licence costs £17.50. A ten-year licence costs £65, and a licence valid until age 70 costs £65. Renewal of an expired licence costs the same as the original. If you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged licence, the cost is the same as a new licence.

Payment is made at the DVLA office if you explore in person, or by cheque or postal order if you explore by post. The DVLA does not accept card payments by post, so check the process form for the current payment methods. If you are paying at an office, you can usually pay by card, but confirm this when you book your appointment.

What happens after you explore

Once the DVLA receives your process, they will send you a paper counterpart licence in the post. This is a temporary licence that you can use while your plastic photocard is being made. Keep it safe — you must carry it with you when you drive, along with your old licence if you still have it.

Your new plastic photocard will arrive separately, usually within four weeks. Check it carefully when it arrives: your name, date of birth, address, and driving categories must all be correct. If anything is wrong, contact the DVLA when ready with proof of the error (such as your birth certificate or a utility bill).

Once your new licence arrives, destroy your old one and the paper counterpart. You do not need to return them to the DVLA. If your new licence does not arrive within six weeks, contact the DVLA to check the status of your process.

If your process is refused or delayed

The DVLA may refuse to issue a licence if you have failed a medical check, have an unspent conviction for a driving offence, or have provided false information. If your process is refused, the DVLA will write to you explaining why and telling you what you can do next. You may be able to appeal or reapply once a certain amount of time has passed.

If your process is taking longer than expected, contact the DVLA using the phone number or online contact form on their website. Have your process reference number ready — this was given to you when you applied. Processing times vary depending on how busy the DVLA is and whether they need to ask your doctor for a medical report, so delays of up to eight weeks are not unusual during peak times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my new licence is being processed?

Yes, if you have a valid paper counterpart licence. You must carry it with you along with your old photocard licence. Once your new photocard arrives, you can destroy the paper counterpart and the old licence.

What if I have changed my name since my last licence?

Bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or deed poll document as proof of your name change. The DVLA will need to see this before they issue your new licence. Include it with your process if you are explore by post.

Do I need to take a driving test to get a new licence?

No, unless you are explore after a disqualification or the DVLA has concerns about your ability to drive safely. A standard renewal or replacement does not require a test.

What if my address has changed?

Provide your new address on the process form and bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or council tax bill dated within the last three months). Your new licence will be sent to this address.

Can someone else collect my licence for me?

No, the DVLA only posts licences to the address you provide on the process. You cannot collect it in person or have someone else pick it up.