Drivers ‘overpay’ for photocard licence renewals

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) says that drivers have missed out on £2.3 million of savings by not renewing their photocard driving licence online.

DVLA figures show that between April 2020 and March 2021, around 23% of the two million renewal applications it received were sent in either by post or via the post office. This is despite the online service being quicker and cheaper, it says.

Going online is the cheapest way to renew a photocard driving licence. Renewing a photocard driving licence using Gov.uk costs £14 and the driver will receive their new licence in five days. Posting an application to DVLA costs £17 and will take longer.

Customers who apply online can also track the progress of their licence by visiting the track your driving licence application page on the Gov.uk website.

Drivers are legally required to renew their photocard driving licence every 10 years and will receive a reminder from DVLA before their current licence expires.

Julie Lennard, DVLA chief executive, said: “Our online services are the quickest and easiest way to deal with DVLA and customers usually receive their driving and vehicle documents in just five days.

“Remember to always use Gov.uk when using DVLA’s online services.”

To renew online or find out more about renewing a licence visit Gov.uk.