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Guides › Public Services › Renewing Your Driving Licence at 70 and Over

Renewing Your Driving Licence at 70 and Over

Once you reach 70 you must renew your driving licence, and then every 3 years. Renewing online is free. DVLA posts form D46P 90 days before your 70th birthday or before the licence expires, and you can renew online or by post. You must meet the minimum eyesight standard and not be prevented from driving for any reason.

Rules checked against the official sources listed below General information, not legal advice

At A Glance

70renew at this age
Every 3 yearsafter 70
Freeonline

Your Rights

What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.

Renewing At 70

  • When

    You can renew online if you are 70 or over, or will be within 90 days. Once you reach 70 you must renew every 3 years. source

  • How

    Online is free. DVLA posts form D46P 90 days before your 70th birthday or licence expiry. Without D46P, use form D1 from most Post Offices. Lorry and bus entitlements (C1 and D1) must be renewed by post. source

  • Eyesight and Health

    You must meet the minimum eyesight requirement and not be prevented from driving for any reason. You may be able to keep driving while your application is with DVLA if you meet all the conditions, including your doctor's support. source

Time Limits to Know

Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.

  • 90 days
    Before 70DVLA sends the reminder

Steps to Take

Step 1 of 5

Check you can read a number plate at 20 metres.

Step 2 of 5

Renew online for free.

Step 3 of 5

Declare any medical conditions honestly.

Step 4 of 5

Ask a relative to help online if needed.

Step 5 of 5

Renew again every 3 years.

(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)

Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right

Your options, in order, and when each one applies.

DVLA

Use the GOV.UK online services first; they are free and usually quickest.

Good to Know

Small things that make your complaint stronger.

There is no upper age limit for driving, as long as you meet the standards.

Northern Ireland licences and vehicles are dealt with by the DVA, which has its own rules and services.

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Luke Marley

Lead reviewer

Luke Marley

Founder and Lead Reviewer

Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.

Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.

Last checked: 16 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.

Sources and official links

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