Renewing your driving licence - how and when to apply for a new photocard

For British drivers with modern photocard licences, it might seem that the little sliver of pink plastic will last a lifetime.

However, the image on the card has to be updated to make sure it still looks like you as you get older, so every licence has an expiry date on it.

The fine for driving with an expired licence is £1,000 so it is worth checking that yours is up-to-date and valid.

How often do I need to renew my driving licence?

For most motorists with a standard car or motorcycle licence, you must renew your photocard licence every 10 years.

The front part of your photocard will show you when your licence was issued - section 4a - and the date by which it must be renewed - section 4b. You should receive a reminder from the DVLA before your current licence ends.

The rules are different for drivers aged 70 or older and for anyone who needs to renew a short-term medical driving licence.

Drivers over the age of 70 must renew their licence every three years, while short-term licences related to a medical condition have to be renewed every one, two, three or five years, depending on the condition.

The DVLA has given drivers whose licences expire before August 31, 2020 more time to renew their licence in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Anyone with a licence due to expire between February 1, 2020 and August 31, 2020 will have automatically been given a seven-month extension.

How do I renew my driving licence?

In most cases, you can renew your licence online via the DVLA website