More than 2.2million drivers across Britain are at risk of being caught out for not updating their driving licence photo – leaving their licence invalid and putting them at risk of a £1,000 fine.
Make sure you check the date in the 4b. sectionImage credit
The DVLA does write to UK drivers to inform them that their licence will soon be expiring, but many miss it – meaning they could be hit with a fine up to £1,000.
You can find your driving licence expiry date printed on the front of the photocard section under section 4b. Some driving licences will also have the photo renewal date on the driver’s picture.
Driving licence photos must be replaced every 10 years, making it easy to forget, but a quick check could save you receiving a fine up to £1,000.
If you’re looking to save a few pounds, then renewing your driving licence photo online via the DVLA website will cost you £14. Opting for renewal by post however, will cost you £17. Doing it online is simple and quick, too.
If you’re looking to save a few pounds, then renewing your driving licence photo online via the DVLA website will cost you £14. Opting for renewal by post however, will cost you £17. Doing it online is simple and quick, too.
It’s quick and easy to change the photo on your driving licence, you can choose between applying online or by post.
To renew online, the DVLA states you’ll need to:
– have a valid UK passport
– be a resident of Great Britain – there’s a different process in Northern Ireland
– pay £14 by MasterCard, Visa, Electron, Maestro or Delta debit or credit card (there’s no fee if you’re – over 70 or have a medical short period licence)
– provide addresses of where you’ve lived over the last 3 years
– have your driving licence (if you don’t have your driving licence you must say why as part of your application)
– have your National Insurance number (if you know it)
– not be disqualified from driving
To apply by post, the DVLA states you’ll need:
– a new passport type photo taken within the last month (don’t sign the back of the photo)
– the photocard and paper counterpart of your current licence (if you’ve lost either, tick the relevant box on the D1 form)
– a cheque or postal order for £17, payable to DVLA (there’s no fee if you’re over 70 or have a medical short period licence)
– Send your application and fee (if needed) to DVLA:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1DH
Anything else I need to know?
You can also be fined up to £1,000 for failing to update your address on your driving licence, find out how to change it here.