Have you checked whether your driving licence is valid? If not, it’s worth a look, as having an out-of-date licence could see you land a £1,000 fine.
Recent figures from the DVLA show that over 900,000 people had out-of-date licences in the 12 months up to 3 September. Staggeringly, this equates to around 2% of drivers on the road.
It’s often one of those things we forget to do, as it sits in your purse or wallet and hardly sees the light of day. But, if you didn’t know, it needs to be renewed every ten years.
Now, having an out-of-date driving licence could land you in hot water if the police pull you over. However, there are other issues to consider – for example, it may invalidate your insurance. Plus, you won’t be able to hire a car if it’s expired.
The renewal of driving licences has been blamed partly on the DVLA’s delays in issuing them. Recent findings show anyone needing a licence with medical additions is waiting over 90 days, some even longer. Moreover, the report showed nearly 100,000 people have waited over a year for their new licences.
While this is evidently an administration issue, it doesn’t stop individuals from applying for the renewal. The DVLA even say if your licence expires while the renewal is processed, you may continue driving as long as you meet specific conditions.
How to check the expiry date on your driving licence
So, your driving licence needs to be renewed every ten years. But what date does it expire?
To find this, look on the front of your licence and in section 4b, and you’ll see the date. Of course, if you can’t find your photocard, you really need to replace it as soon as possible.
It’s also worth noting once you hit 70, you have to renew every three years.
How much does it cost to renew a driving licence?
It doesn’t cost the earth to renew your licence. It’s £14 if you renew online and £17 if you choose to do it by post. This cost is much less than getting hit with a fine.
Any changes you need to make to your licence are free of charge – this includes name, gender or address changes. Again, it’s worth checking these details are correct. If you’ve recently married or moved house, having the incorrect details on your licence could also result in a £1,000 fine.
How do you renew a driving licence?
Renewing your driving licence is pretty straightforward. Going online to gov.uk is one the easiest options. But you’ll need a valid passport to get through the verification checks.
Alternatively, you can fill out a D1 form and send it in the post. The post office can also help you with an updated photo and postage, which costs an extra £4.50 alongside the £17 fee.
How long before the expiry date should a licence be renewed?
Most people will get a reminder about a month or two before the licence expires. So, this gives you plenty of time to sort it out. Renewing online is the quickest way to do it, and you’ll typically get it back in around five working days.
Postal applications take longer, with the DVLA stating up to four weeks. So, if you choose this method, be sure to leave enough time before your current one expires.
Medical driving licence renewals are taking longer, but individuals should get a reminder around 90 days before the licence expires.
Will I get a fine if I renew late?
Don’t worry, submitting your renewal later than your expiry date doesn’t automatically see a fine through the door. But the DVLA does say you shouldn’t drive until they’ve received your renewal, so it’s best to get it in as soon as possible.
Do photos need to be updated on driving licences?
Renewing your driving licence every ten years requires a new photo. You’ll probably notice how much you’ve changed in the past decade, and that’s why it needs updating.
Ultimately, the police and enforcement agencies require the most up-to-date photos for licences and photo IDs, as this helps them identify people quickly and efficiently.
Do paper licences expire?
Surprisingly, paper licences still exist, and if you have one that was issued before 1998, they don’t typically expire until you reach 70. Of course, if your details change them, you’ll be encouraged to switch to a photocard licence.
If you have a paper licence and want to switch, it costs £20, and an additional ID is required to verify your identity.
By 2033, all driving licences must be a photocard. So, if you have an older version, it could be worth switching sooner.
Do I have to return an expired driving licence?
The DVLA asks that people return an expired driving licence to them once they’ve received their new one. If you apply online, there are address details for where to send it. They also ask individuals to cut it in half when returning it.
While you might not feel it’s essential to send it back, it’s requested in the bid to reduce potential fraudulent use or impersonation.
A valid driving licence is required for driving abroad
If you travel overseas in your car, you must have a valid driving licence. The same applies if you’re hiring a vehicle aboard.
An expired licence could see you turned away at the port and potentially receive a fine from the authorities. It may also invalidate your car insurance.
Don’t risk a fine!
Checking your driving licence expiry date takes a few seconds, and ultimately, it could save you from getting a huge fine. While most people will receive a reminder, these could get lost in the post. So, checking makes sure you’re covered.
Want to stay updated with the latest driving laws and industry updates? Check out our blog or sign up for emails for recent news.
