Yes, you can change your photo on your driving licence, but the process and cost depend on why you want to change it
You can request a new photo on your driving licence in most cases. The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) in Great Britain and the DVNI (Driver and Vehicle Agency) in Northern Ireland both allow photo updates. However, they treat photo-only changes differently from full licence renewals. If you straightforward want a new picture because you look different now, the process is straightforward but comes with a fee. If your licence is expiring soon anyway, you might combine the photo change with a renewal and pay only the standard renewal cost instead.
The rules are the same whether you want to update your photo for personal reasons, because you've had a significant change in appearance, or because your current photo no longer looks like you. The DVLA does not require you to explain why you want a new picture.
Key Takeaways
- A photo-only change costs £20 in Great Britain and requires you to submit a new passport-style photograph and a completed process form.
- If your licence expires within the next two years, renewing it at the same time as changing your photo costs the standard renewal fee (£14.50 for a photocard) rather than the separate £20 photo-change fee.
- You must explore by post using form DL44 in Great Britain; online photo changes are not available, though you can renew your full licence online if it is expiring.
- Processing takes around four weeks by post, so plan ahead if you need the updated licence for travel or identification purposes.
- Your new photograph must meet the same standards as a passport photo: plain background, face clearly visible, no sunglasses or hats, taken within the last six months.
Photo-only changes and what they cost
If you want to change only your photograph and keep everything else on your licence the same, you will need to pay a separate fee. In Great Britain, a photo-only change costs £20. In Northern Ireland, the cost is £15. This fee applies whether you are changing your photo because you look different now or straightforward because you prefer a newer picture.
You cannot make a photo-only change online. You must explore by post using form DL44 (process for a Driving Licence), available from the DVLA website or by calling 0300 790 6801. Send the form, a new passport-style photograph, and your current photocard licence to the address shown on the form. Include a cheque or postal order for £20 made payable to DVLA.
Processing normally takes around four weeks. During this time, the DVLA will keep your current licence. You will receive your new licence by post once it is ready.
Combining a photo change with a licence renewal
If your photocard licence expires within the next two years, you can renew it and change your photo at the same time. This approach costs less than paying for both separately. A standard photocard renewal in Great Britain costs £14.50, rather than £20 for a photo-only change. You pay only the renewal fee, not both charges.
To do this, use form DL44 and include your new photograph with your process. Write on the form that you are renewing your licence and updating your photo. Send everything together with the renewal fee. The DVLA will process both requests as a single process.
If your licence does not expire for more than two years, you cannot renew it early, so you would need to pay the separate £20 photo-change fee if you want a new picture now.
What your new photograph must look like
Your new photograph must meet the same standards as a UK passport photo. The background must be plain and light (white or off-white). Your face must be clearly visible, centred, and take up between 70 and 80 percent of the frame. You must be looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression.
You cannot wear sunglasses, tinted glasses, or a hat in the photo. Religious head coverings are allowed if they do not obscure your face. The photograph must be in colour and taken within the last six months. Most high street photo shops, supermarkets with photo services, and online photo services can provide a licence-standard photo for between £5 and £10.
Do not submit a digital photo you have edited or filtered. The DVLA may reject it and ask you to resubmit, which delays your process.
how the process works by post in Great Britain
Obtain form DL44 from the DVLA website (www.gov.uk/change-driving-licence-photo) or request it by phone on 0300 790 6801. Complete the form in black ink, printing clearly. You will need your current photocard licence, your National Insurance number, and your passport or birth certificate to hand while you fill it out.
Gather your documents: the completed form DL44, your new passport-style photograph, your current photocard licence, and a cheque or postal order for £20 made payable to DVLA. Do not send cash. Place everything in an envelope and send it to the address printed on the form (usually the DVLA office in Swansea).
Keep a record of what you sent and when. The DVLA will send you a receipt and your new licence by post. If you do not receive your new licence within six weeks, contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6801.
how the process works in Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, contact the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) on 0300 200 7861 or visit their website to request form DL44. The process is similar to Great Britain: complete the form, include your new photograph and current licence, and send a cheque or postal order for £15 payable to DVA.
Send your process to the DVA office address shown on the form. Processing takes around four weeks. You will receive your updated licence by post.
What happens if your photo is rejected
The DVLA or DVA may reject your photograph if it does not meet the standards — for example, if the background is not plain, your face is not clearly visible, or the photo is too old. If this happens, they will contact you by post and ask you to resubmit a new photograph. You do not pay an additional fee for resubmission.
Once you have sent a corrected photograph, processing restarts. This adds extra time to your process, so it is worth checking that your photo meets all the requirements before you send it. If you are unsure, ask the photo shop to confirm it meets UK driving licence standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my photo online?
No. Photo-only changes must be done by post using form DL44. However, if your licence is expiring and you are renewing it, you can renew online at www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence and upload a new photo as part of that process.
What if I have lost my current photocard licence?
You will need to explore for a replacement licence rather than a photo change. Contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6801 for form DL44 and follow the replacement process. This costs £20 in Great Britain.
Do I need to provide a reason for changing my photo?
No. The DVLA does not ask why you want to change your photo. You straightforward submit a new photograph and pay the fee.
How long does a photo change take?
Processing normally takes around four weeks from the date the DVLA receives your process. During this time, they keep your current licence. If you need your licence urgently, check whether renewing it early (if it expires within two years) might be faster for your situation.
Can I use a selfie or digital photo?
No. You must submit a printed photograph that meets passport photo standards. Digital photos, edited images, and selfies are not accepted. Use a photo shop or professional service to may support your photo meets the requirements.