Drivers have been urged to pay £14 now in order to avoid a £1,000 fine due to out-of-date driving licences.
More than two million people around the UK are reportedly carrying around out-of-date licences, according to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
If you don't renew your photocard licence, you risk facing a fine of up to £1,000. It's easy to forget, but a quick check now could save you a fine according to advice by Martin Lewis, as MyLondon reports.
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The Money Saving Expert explained that while there are a few dates printed on the photocard, the one you need is the photo expiry date printed on section 4b. The process is similar, whether you're renewing a driving licence or replacing a lost or stolen one.
Your photocard licence needs to be renewed every 10 years, and the expiry date is printed on section 4b on the front of the card. If you can't find your photocard, you can order a new one online. Renewing your photocard costs £14 online or £17 by post. You can apply online at Gov.uk, providing you've got a valid UK passport.
Alternatively, anyone can get forms (known as 'D1') from most post offices, or order them from the DVLA website. You can also do it in person at selected post offices. The Post Office charges an extra £4.50 to take your photo on top of the £17 fee, but the £21.50 total also includes posting off your application.
You'll get a reminder to renew a month or so before your licence expires and the DVLA states you should get your new licence within a week if you renew online. Renewals by post can take up to three weeks, so the DVLA encourages people to renew online.
Though the photocard needs to be renewed every 10 years, driving licences are generally valid until you are 70, after which it needs renewing every three years. If you only need to update your address or name, or are over 70 and renewing it, this is free. There is no limit to the number of times you can update your name and address for free.
My photocard's already expired, will I be fined?
Renewing your photocard late won't result in a fine, but the DVLA advises that you shouldn't drive until you receive your new licence. If your licence has expired and you submit a renewal application late, you won't be fined. However, the DVLA advises that you should not drive until they receive your completed renewal application.
If your licence expires while the DVLA is processing your renewal application, you may continue driving as long as you meet specific requirements, such as only driving vehicles that you were authorized to drive on your previous licence, not being advised by a doctor or optician against driving, and not be disqualified from driving.
If you're waiting for a medical driving licence, which means you have reported a medical condition to the DVLA, you must ensure that you meet the medical fitness to drive criteria before driving.
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