Guides › Public Services › Renew Your Photocard Driving Licence: Every 10 Years
Renew Your Photocard Driving Licence: Every 10 Years
You must renew a photocard driving licence every 10 years. It costs £14 online, £17 by post or £21.50 at a Post Office, and is free if you are 70 or over. You get a reminder before it expires. Online applications should arrive within a week; postal and Post Office applications within 3 weeks.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Renewing Your Licence
How Often
You must renew a photocard licence every 10 years. You will get a reminder before your current licence expires. source
Cost
£14 online, £17 by post (cheque or postal order), or £21.50 at a Post Office. Free online or by post if you are 70 or over. source
How Long
Online applications should arrive within a week. Post Office and postal applications should arrive within 3 weeks, and may take longer if medical or personal details need checking. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 10 yearsRenew the photocardCheck the expiry date on the photocard
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Check the expiry date on your photocard.
Step 2 of 5
Renew online on GOV.UK.
Step 3 of 5
Have your passport ready for the photo if you want.
Step 4 of 5
Avoid paid websites that add fees.
Step 5 of 5
Keep your old licence until the new one arrives.
(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.
Only use GOV.UK: some websites charge extra to send the same application.
Northern Ireland licences and vehicles are dealt with by the DVA, which has its own rules and services.
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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
- gov.uk/renew-driving-licence Checked 16 October 2026