Replace a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed driving licence
Replace your:
- full driving licence
- provisional driving licence
A new licence costs £20.
If you applied for your last provisional licence before 1 March 1973, you’ll need to follow the process to apply for your first provisional licence instead.
This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
You will no longer need the paper counterpart of your licence from 8 June 2015.
Before you start
You should contact the police if your driving licence is stolen.
To replace your licence you must:
- be a resident of Great Britain (there’s a different service in Northern Ireland)
- not be disqualified from driving for any reason
You’ll need to provide addresses where you’ve lived for the last 3 years and, if you know them, your:
- driving licence number
- National Insurance number
- passport number
Cost
A new licence costs £20. You can pay by MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card.
Your photo
If your driving licence is due to expire within 2 years DVLA will give you the option to use a new photo on the replacement licence.
You can either:
- keep your current photo
- use your passport photo
You can only use your passport photo if:
- your driving licence is due to expire within 2 years
- you have a valid UK passport - you’ll need to provide your passport number
- you give permission for DVLA to use your photo
DVLA will tell you if they need you to give them a new photo and how to send it to them.
You can make sure the photo on your licence is updated by using the photo driving licence renewal service.
After you’ve applied
DVLA will send you a confirmation email once you’ve applied. You might be asked to take part in research by email, but you can opt out.
What to do if you find your old licence later
You must return your old licence to DVLA explaining what’s happened if you find it after applying for or receiving a replacement.
Send your old driving licence to:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1AB
Other ways to apply
Applying by phone if you’ve got a photocard driving licence
You can contact DVLA to apply by phone if none of your details have changed.
You cannot apply by phone if your licence is damaged, or if it expires in less than 56 days (90 days if it’s expiring for medical reasons).
Applying by post if you’ve got a photocard driving licence
For a car or motorbike licence, complete form D1 ‘Application for a driving licence’, available from most Post Offices.
For a lorry or bus licence, complete form D2 ‘Application for a lorry/bus licence’, available from the DVLA form ordering service.
You’ll then need to send your application to the address on the form along with the correct fee (also shown on the form).
If your name has changed, you’ll also need to send original documents confirming this.
Your driving licence should arrive in 3 weeks. It might take longer if your medical or personal details need to be checked.
Applying by post if you’ve got a paper driving licence
You can apply by post if you’ve got a paper driving licence.
For a car or motorbike licence, complete form D1 ‘Application for a driving licence’, available from most Post Offices.
For a lorry or bus licence, complete from D2 ‘Application for a lorry/bus licence’, available from the DVLA form ordering service.
You’ll then need to:
- enclose original documents confirming your identity
- include a passport-type photo
- include your paper licence if it’s been damaged
- send your application to the address on the form along with the correct fee (also shown on the form)
Your driving licence should arrive in 3 weeks. It might take longer if your medical or personal details need to be checked.