An urgent warning has been issued by the DVLA for drivers who have had their licence for ten years to renew it soon, or risk facing penalties.
According to law, a licence is valid for ten years after its issue date, reports the Daily Record. However, those who continue to drive with an expired licence are committing a serious offence - as their insurance is no longer valid.
This simple mistake of not checking the expiry date on their licence can land motorists with fines worth up to £1,000 - or the possibility of having their vehicle seized. Thankfully, an expired licence doesn't stop you from driving for good - all that you have to do is renew it.
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There are several different ways to renew a DVLA licence, all of which apply under certain circumstances. And now, the DVLA have issued a reminder to drivers, that they should be completing the process to renew their licence - which applies to those with both full and provisional licences.
Posting on their official Twitter page on Wednesday, they wrote: "You must renew your driving licence every 10 years. Renew online today - it's easy, quick and secure at: http://gov.uk/renewdrivinglicence.
"Your licence should arrive within a week if you apply online."
Different circumstances include those aged over 70, bus or lorry drivers, or those who need to renew on a short term medical licence.
It is important to note that those looking to renew their licence are required to do so in time before it expires - but you can continue to drive with an expired licence if you are awaiting your new one to arrive.
For those looking to renew a licence after ten years, it can be done at a post office, by post or online - all of which have different fees and wait times.
Here's how to apply for a new driving licence via the internet, post or at the post office.
How to apply for a driving licence renewal online
This method is straightforward and the cheapest option, with a fee of £14. All you have to do is complete the online form here.
You will need the following details:
- a valid UK passport
- to be a resident of Great Britain
- to pay £14 by MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card (there’s no fee if you’re over 70 or have a medical short period licence)
- addresses of where you’ve lived over the last 3 years
- your current driving licence (if you do not have your licence you must say why in your application)
- your National Insurance number (if you know it)
- to not be disqualified from driving
You should receive your new licence within seven days of applying online, and you must send your old photocard licence to the DVLA once the new one has arrived.
You’ll be told the address to use when you finish the application. Once completed, you should receive a confirmation email from the DVLA.
How to apply for a driving licence renewal at the post office
For a post office renewal, you will have received a reminder letter in the mail, which must be brought to a location that offers DVLA photocard licence renewal.
You will also need your old licence, and the funds to pay the £21.50 fee.
If you do not receive a reminder letter, you must bring your photocard licence to be able to apply. Those who have changed their name for any reason can't renew their licence this way, but can only do it via post.
How to apply for a driving licence renewal by post
To apply for a new licence via post, you will need to pick up a "D1" pack from a post office that also deals with renewals or vehicle tax. This will cost you £17 to renew via post.
With the completed form, you must include:
- a recent passport photo (do not sign the back of the photo)
- your current photocard licence, if you have it
- a cheque or postal order for £17, payable to DVLA (no fee is needed if you have a medical short period licence or you’re aged 70 or over)
If you've changed your name, you will also need to include your passport. Once completed, you should send the application to the following address:
- DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DH
If you apply this way, your new licence should arrive in three weeks, but it may take longer if your medical or personal details need to be checked.
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