The DVLA has issued a reminder to drivers aged 70 and over who are due to renew their driving licence
13:16, 08 Jun 2026Updated 13:16, 08 Jun 2026
Drivers in a specific age bracket are being urged to complete a simple online process. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has issued a reminder to drivers aged 70 and over who may need to renew their licence.
This is due to the requirement that drivers aged 70 and above must renew their licences every three years - considerably more often than the 10-year renewal period that applies to younger motorists. The service is completely free and should be fairly simple to finish.
In a message shared on social media platform X, the DVLA said: "Are you 70 or over and due to renew your driving licence? Do it for free!
“Grab a cuppa and renew today at http://gov.uk/renewat70. It’s easy, quick and secure on http://GOV.UK.”
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Online renewal process
If you're 70 or over – or will turn 70 within the next 90 days, you can renew your driving licence online with the DVLA at no cost. If you apply online, your licence should arrive within one week.
You can use this service to renew your British driving licence if you're 70 or over, or will be 70 within the next 90 days, and:
- Your British licence has expired – or it's due to expire within 90 days
- You're a resident of Great Britain (a separate service exists in Northern Ireland)
- You meet the minimum eyesight requirement
- You aren't disqualified from driving for any reason
You can update your licence photograph whilst renewing your licence. However, this service cannot be used to renew a C1 (medium-sized vehicles) or D1 (minibus) entitlement - these must be completed by post.
If you're using this service for the first time, you'll need to register with:
- An email address
- Your residential addresses for the past three years
- Your National Insurance number (if known)
- A valid UK passport number (if you wish to update the licence photo)
Once you've submitted your application, the DVLA will send a confirmation email. You may be invited to take part in research via email, but you can opt out if you prefer.
You can carry on driving whilst your licence is being renewed, provided all the following conditions are satisfied:
- You have your doctor's approval to continue driving
- You held a valid licence
- You comply with the conditions of your previous licence
- Your application is less than one year old
- Your last licence wasn't revoked or denied due to medical reasons
- You're not currently disqualified
- You weren't disqualified as a high-risk offender on or after 1 June 2013
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Renewing by post
You can also apply by post using the D46P application form. The DVLA will automatically send this form 90 days before your 70th birthday.
If you don't have the D46P form, you can use the D1 application for a driving licence form, available at most Post Offices. Your driving licence ought to arrive within three weeks.
That said, it could take additional time if your medical or personal information needs to be verified.