If you would like to take part in our website visitor survey, please visit the site and then come back and select this link to take part in the survey.

Website of the UK government

Please note that this website has a UK government accesskeys system.

Public services all in one place

Main menu

Apply online to replace your driving licence

You can replace your current British driving licence online if you:

  • have lost your British licence or it has been stolen, defaced or destroyed
  • are a resident of Great Britain
  • can meet the minimum eyesight requirement
  • are currently not prevented from driving for any reason
  • can pay £17.50 by MasterCard, Visa, Maestro, Electron, Delta or Solo debit or credit card
  • have a valid UK passport or another form of identity, if you are replacing a paper licence
  • can provide addresses of where you have lived over the last three years

Important

For your security and protection, during your online application DVLA will carry out identity checks.

If you have a paper licence

DVLA will need a photograph for your new licence and will aim to electronically capture it from the Identity and Passport Service (IPS). If this isn’t possible you’ll need to print, fill in and send a completion form by post enclosing a photograph. In certain circumstances a form of identification is also needed. For specific details please see the 'Items required by post' link on the right.

If you have a photocard licence

If DVLA isn’t able to verify your identity online, you’ll need to print, fill in and send a completion form by post.

You won’t be able to renew your photo online.

What you need to know

While applying, you’ll be issued with a Government Gateway user ID. If you already have a Government Gateway user ID, simply enter it with your password.

DVLA will aim to send your driving licence within 10 working days of receiving your application.

When you're ready

Be sure you have the following to hand:

  • your Government Gateway user ID and password if available
  • a valid debit or credit card
  • your UK passport if necessary
  • your driving licence number if known
  • details of previous addresses

Also make sure your printer is switched on and ready for use.

If, during the transaction, you need to print a completion form but don’t have a working printer, don’t worry, you’ll be able to print your form from a different computer by using the 'View or print your existing application' link on the right.

Provided by the DVLA

Additional links

Access keys