DVLA waiting times are no fun in the best of times.
But the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's backlog during the pandemic has complicated matters.
Application waiting times are being updated weekly by the DVLA and the latest update has been issued today.
The DVLA'S delays range from your first licence application to car sales and motorists are facing waits as long as three months long.
Some backlogs are not just down to Covid, but also due to previous industrial action by members of the Public and Commercial Services union.
One key thing drivers should take note of is the DVLA's recommendation to submit applications online for a faster turnaround.
Wondering where your application is? Read on for the DVLA's latest update on waiting times.
DVLA's most recent processing dates
There is good news - online applications are working 'as normal' and haven't been hit by delays.
In fact, the department says you should receive your driving licence or vehicle registration certificate (V5C) within five days if you've applied online.
Here are the latest processing times for paper applications as of February 21:
- Renew a driving licence with a new photo - December 2, 2021
- Apply for a first provisional driving licence with UK identity - December 13, 2021
- Renew a driving licence if you’re 70 or over or after disqualification or revocation - December 16, 2021
- Apply for a first vocational driving licence - February 15, 2022
- Renew a vocational driving licence - February 15, 2022
- Apply for a driving licence with non-UK identity - December 13, 2021
- Apply for or renew a tachograph card - February 15, 2022
- Apply to change your name or address on your driving licence - January 6, 2022
- Tell DVLA about the sale of a vehicle - February 14, 2022
- Vehicle registration certificate (V5C) changes - February 14, 2022*
- Apply for a replacement V5C log book - February 3, 2022*
- Register a vehicle for the first time (including previously used and imports) - February 16, 2022
- Retain or assign a vehicle registration number - February 14, 2022
* By the way, the DVLA says it is currently receiving a 'high volume of enquiries' about driving while your driving licence application is being processed.
Drivers are actually allowed to keep driving while their licence application is with the DVLA.
As for vehicle documents, applicants should contact the DVLA if you haven't received your documents within six weeks.
The DLVA says people who have submitted driving documents should allow up to 10 weeks to receive your documents.
