How to Replace a Lost Driving Licence
Lost, stolen or damaged driving licence? Find out how to get a replacement from the DVLA, how much it costs and how long it takes.
LEARNER DRIVER ADVICE
Lost Your Driving Licence? Here’s What to Do
If your driving licence has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, you can apply to the DVLA for a replacement. This guide explains how to replace your driving licence, how much it costs and what to do if you later find your old licence.
By Gary Nolan · Grade A DVSA-approved driving instructor
Losing your driving licence can be inconvenient, but replacing it is relatively straightforward. The DVLA provides an online service for replacing both full and provisional driving licences issued in Great Britain.
If you are learning to drive and have lost your provisional licence, the same replacement service can be used.
How to Replace a Lost Driving Licence Online
The quickest option for most people is to apply online through the official GOV.UK service. You can use the service if your full or provisional driving licence has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.
To replace your licence, you must be a resident of Great Britain and must not be disqualified from driving. Northern Ireland has a separate driving licence service.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Lost Driving Licence?
A replacement driving licence currently costs £20. This applies when replacing a licence that has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.
Always use the official GOV.UK service when applying. This helps you avoid third-party websites that may charge additional fees for services you can obtain directly from the DVLA.
How Long Does a Replacement Driving Licence Take?
According to the DVLA, your replacement driving licence should normally arrive within one week if you apply online.
Applications made by post normally take longer. DVLA states that a replacement applied for by post should usually arrive within three weeks, although additional checks can increase the processing time.
What Should You Do if Your Driving Licence Was Stolen?
If your driving licence has been stolen rather than simply lost, GOV.UK advises that you should contact the police.
You can then use the DVLA replacement service to apply for a new licence.
Can You Replace a Provisional Driving Licence?
Yes. The DVLA replacement service covers both full and provisional driving licences.
If you have never held a provisional licence, you need to apply for your first provisional licence instead. Read our guide to applying for your provisional driving licence or use the official GOV.UK provisional licence service.
What if You Find Your Old Driving Licence?
If you find your old licence after applying for or receiving a replacement, you should not continue using the old licence.
DVLA says you must return the old licence and explain what happened. The address given by DVLA for returning it is:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1AB
Can You Replace Your Licence by Phone or Post?
There are alternatives if you cannot use the online service.
You may be able to apply by phone if you have a photocard driving licence and none of your details has changed. There are restrictions, including if the licence is damaged or close to its expiry date.
For a car or motorcycle licence, you can also apply by post using form D1, which is available from Post Offices that provide DVLA services.
See the DVLA phone and postal application options on GOV.UK.
Changing the Photo on Your Driving Licence
Photocard driving licences normally need to be renewed every 10 years. If you want to update your photograph, you can renew your licence and change the photo at the same time.
Changing your photo online currently costs £14. Depending on your application, you may be able to use your passport photo or upload a new photograph.
Change your driving licence photo on GOV.UK.
How to Get a Driving Licence Check Code
You can use the GOV.UK driving licence service to view information on your driving record, including the categories of vehicle you can drive and any penalty points or disqualifications.
The service also allows you to create a driving licence check code to share your driving record with another person or organisation, such as a car hire company.
A check code is valid for 21 days. To use the service, you will need your driving licence number, National Insurance number and the postcode shown on your driving licence.
Lost Your Licence After a Driving Ban?
Replacing a physically lost licence is different from getting your entitlement to drive back after being disqualified. If you have been banned from driving, the process depends on the circumstances of your disqualification.
Read our guide to getting your driving licence back after a ban for more information.
Lost Your Provisional Licence While Learning to Drive?
Losing your provisional licence does not mean you need to apply for your first provisional licence again. If you already hold a valid provisional licence, you can use the DVLA replacement service to obtain another photocard.
Once you have the necessary documents and insurance in place, private practice alongside professional driving lessons can help you gain additional experience on the road. You can also read our guide to practising driving in Manchester.
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Build Your Confidence—and Get a Discount on Learner Insurance
Put your driving skills into practice. Extra supervised driving between lessons gives you more time behind the wheel and an opportunity to build your confidence.
Planning to practise in your own car or a family member’s car? Use our link to access a discount on Collingwood learner driver insurance.
Discount and cover are subject to eligibility and terms. Check policy fees and what happens to your cover when you pass your test.
Ready to Start or Continue Your Driving Lessons?
Nolan School of Motoring provides professional manual driving lessons across Stockport and South Manchester, helping learners develop the skills and confidence needed to become safe, independent drivers.