Drivers have been urged to visit the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) website or risk a fine of up to £1,000. The DVLA has encouraged people to make sure they renew their driving licence online.
Motorists should examine the expiry date of their licence to make sure it doesn’t run out soon.
This warning comes as data from the DVLA has shown that 2.3 million photocard licences are set to expire in 2025.
On top of this, around 300,000 drivers did not renew their licences last year meaning they could be driving illegally. If you are caught driving with an expired licence you should be fined up to £1,000.
Not only this, but you could also receive points on your licence and have your car seized. In a post made to X, the DVLA said: “Not sure how to renew your licence online?”
“It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3,” it said.
However, you only need to renew your licence if it has expired or is set to expire soon. You can check the expiry date printed on the front of your photocard licence, typically in section 4b.
Licences are valid for 10 years from the date of issue and must be renewed to remain legally valid. Drivers must also keep their licence details up to date - this includes name changes, address changes, and disclosing any medical conditions that could affect your ability to drive.
This can cause significant problems in the event of an accident or insurance claim. If your licence isn’t up-to-date, your insurance could be invalid too.
Not sure how to renew your licence online?
1. Visit https://t.co/8v84eZxCRn
2. Make sure you have what you need, including your valid UK passport
3. Click ‘Start now’
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3! #DVLADigital pic.twitter.com/hPmkLJ4sMj
Renewing your licence can be done online via the official DVLA website, at the Post Office, or by post.
The standard renewal cost is £14 online, and you’ll need a valid UK passport photo.
If stopped by police while driving with an expired or invalid licence:
Depending on the severity, the case could be referred to court, where the maximum fine is £1,000 and additional points could be added to your record.
There are different licence renewal rules if you are aged 70. You can renew your licence for free if you’re 70 or over, or will be 70 in the next 90 days, and:
Once you reach 70, you must renew every three years.
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