If your driving licence is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, you can easily apply for a replacement online through the DVLA. However, it’s crucial to report the theft to the police first. To be eligible for an online replacement, you must be a resident of Great Britain and not disqualified from driving. The process requires a valid UK passport or other form of ID, your National Insurance number, driving licence number, and addresses for the past three years. The fee for the replacement is £20, payable by debit or credit card. If you have a valid UK passport and your driving licence is due to expire within 2 years, DVLA will use the passport photo for your new licence.
You can also apply for a replacement licence over the phone or by post. If you opt for the postal application, you’ll need to obtain a D1 form from your local Post Office or call the DVLA to have one sent to your address. Postal applications can take up to three weeks to process.
If you find your old licence after receiving a replacement, you must return it to the DVLA with an explanation. For more information, visit the www.gov.uk website or contact DVLA via phone. To keep a digital copy of your licence and ensure its photo is up-to-date, consider using the Pocket Box app.
Don’t worry if you can’t find your driving licence – apply for a replacement as soon as possible through the www.gov.uk website or by post. Always report the loss or theft of your licence to the police to prevent fraudulent use.
