You may not realise that you need to renew your licence more regularly when you reach a certain age.
People of a certain age are reminded to renew their driving licence (Image: Getty)
Drivers in a particular age group are being encouraged to complete a straightforward online procedure. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has reminded drivers aged 70 and above that they may need to renew their licence.
This is due to the requirement for drivers aged 70 and over to renew their licences every three years – more often than the 10-year renewal period for younger motorists.
Fortunately, the service is completely free and should be relatively quick to complete.
In a post shared on social media platform X, the DVLA stated: “Are you 70 or over and due to renew your driving licence? Do it for free!
“Grab a cuppa and renew today at http://gov.uk/renewat70. It’s easy, quick and secure on http://GOV.UK.”
Renewing online
You can renew your driving licence online with DVLA free of charge if you’re 70 or over – or will turn 70 within the next 90 days. Your licence should be delivered within one week if you apply online.
You can utilise this service to renew your British driving licence if you’re 70 or over, or will be 70 within the next 90 days, and:
- Your British licence has expired – or it’s due to expire within 90 days
- You’re a resident of Great Britain (there’s a separate service in Northern Ireland)
- You satisfy the minimum eyesight requirement
- You aren’t disqualified from driving for any reason
You can update the licence photograph at the same time as renewing your licence. However, you cannot utilise this service to renew a C1 (medium-sized vehicles) or D1 (minibus) entitlement – you must complete this by post.
If you’re new to this service, you’ll need to register with:
- An email address
- Your residential addresses for the past three years
- Your National Insurance number (if known)
- A valid UK passport number (if you wish to update the licence photo)
Once your application is submitted, the DVLA will send a confirmation email. You may be invited to participate in research via email, but you have the option to decline.
You can continue driving while your licence is being renewed, provided all the following conditions are met:
- You have your doctor’s approval to keep driving
- You possessed a valid licence
- You adhere to the conditions of your previous licence
- Your application is less than one year old
- Your last licence was not revoked or denied due to medical reasons
- You’re not currently disqualified
- You were not disqualified as a high-risk offender on or after 1 June 2013
- Renewing by post
You can also apply by post using the D46P application form. The DVLA will automatically dispatch this form 90 days prior to your 70th birthday.
If you don’t have the D46P form, you can use the D1 application for a driving licence form, available at most Post Offices.
Your driving licence should arrive within three weeks. However, it may take longer if your medical or personal details require verification.
