Replacing Your License

If your driving licence if it has been lost, stolen, defaced or destroyed then you should apply for a replacement as soon as possible. If your licence has been stolen, you must also inform the police immediately.

1. By Phone

You may apply for a replacement driving licence by phone if both the photocard and paper counterpart of your licence have been lost or stolen, and if none of the details on your licence have changed. You will need a credit or debit card, such as Visa, Eurocard, Mastercard, Maestro, Electron or Solo to pay the £19 fee.

To use this service contact DVLA on 0870 240 0009, Monday to Friday 8.00 am - 8.30 pm or Saturday 8.00 am - 5.30 pm.

Please note that you may not use this service if you have an old style paper licence or if you have only lost one part (the photocard OR the paper counterpart) of your licence.

2. By Application Form

If you do not have a credit/debit card, you have an old style paper licence or only one part of your licence has been lost or stolen, then you can apply for a duplicate photocard driving licence using the D1 application form. The D1 form is available from the DVLA form ordering service or Post Office branches.

If you currently have a photocard licence, you will need to:

• complete the D1 application form
• enter your new address details if you have moved
• include original identity documentation if you have changed your name (e.g. marriage certificate or deed poll)
• enclose one passport-type and size colour photograph if you want to change your photo
• enclose the paper counterpart or photocard you still have in your possession
• enclose the fee of £19.00

If you have an old-style paper licence, you will need to include the following with your D1 form:

• original identity documentation confirming your identity, such as a UK passport
• one passport-type and size colour photograph
• fee of £19.00

You may then either send the forms and documentation to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB, or you may use the premium checking service at selected Post Office branches or local DVLA offices. For a small fee of £4, staff at these offices will check your application while you wait, return your ID to you and then send the application to DVLA.

More details of identity documents, photograph criteria and the premium checking service can be found in Applying for a Driving Licence .

How Long Will it Take?

Although the DVLA aim to deliver your driving licence to you within 15 working days of receiving your application, it may take them longer if they have to check on your health or personal details. However, the law allows you to drive before you receive your licence back as long as:

• you have held a GB or Northern Ireland licence issued since 1 January 1976 or another exchangeable licence
• you are not disqualified from driving
• you have not been, and would not be, refused a licence for medical reasons
• you keep to any special conditions which apply to the licence

Click here to read more from InterCars.co.uk