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Replace a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed driving licence

Printable version

1. Apply online

Replace your:

  • full driving licence
  • provisional driving licence

A new licence costs £20. You can pay by MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card.

If you applied for your last provisional licence before 1 March 1973, you’ll need to follow the process to apply for your first provisional licence instead.

This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

You do not need the paper counterpart of your licence.

Sign in to renew online

You’ll need to sign in to use this service. If you do not already have sign in details, you’ll be able to create them.

You’ll be told when you sign in if you need to prove your identity. This is to keep your details safe and usually involves using photo ID like a passport or driving licence.

Start now

Before you start

You should contact the police if your driving licence is stolen.

To replace your licence you must:

  • be a resident of Great Britain (there’s a different service in Northern Ireland)
  • not be disqualified from driving for any reason

After you’ve applied

DVLA will send you a confirmation email once you’ve applied. You might be asked to take part in research by email, but you can opt out.

How long it takes

Your licence should arrive within a week if you apply online.

What to do if you find your old licence later

You must return your old licence to DVLA explaining what’s happened if you find it after applying for or receiving a replacement.

Send your old driving licence to:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1AB

2. Apply by phone or by post

You can also apply to replace your licence by phone or by post.

Applying by phone

You can contact DVLA to apply by phone if:

  • you have a photocard driving licence
  • none of your details have changed

You cannot apply by phone if your licence is damaged, or if it expires in less than 56 days (90 days if it’s expiring for medical reasons).

Applying by post

For a car or motorbike licence, complete D1 ‘Application for a driving licence’.

For a lorry or bus licence, complete form D2 ‘Application for a driving licence’.

D1 and D2 forms are available from most Post Offices.

You’ll then need to send your application to the address on the form along with the correct fee (also shown on the form).

If your name has changed, you’ll also need to send original documents confirming this.

Your driving licence should arrive in 3 weeks. It might take longer if your medical or personal details need to be checked.

If you’ve got a paper driving licence

You’ll also need to: