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Losing your driving licence can be an inconvenience, but replacing it doesn’t have to be. The UK government offers a straightforward process to get a new licence, whether you’ve lost it, it’s been stolen, or it’s simply become damaged. Here’s everything you need to know about replacing your driving licence.

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.

Who Can Apply?

To apply for a replacement driving licence in Great Britain, you must meet certain criteria:

  • Residency: You must be a resident of Great Britain. Residents of Northern Ireland must use a different service.
  • Eligibility: You cannot be disqualified from driving for any reason.
  • Address History: You’ll need to provide your addresses for the last three years.

How to Apply

There are several ways to apply for a replacement driving licence:

Online Application:

Fastest and Easiest Method: The online service is the quickest way to replace your licence. You’ll need a few details handy:

      • Your driving licence number (if available)
      • Your National Insurance number
      • Your passport number (if available)

Cost: The fee for replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged driving licence is £20. You can pay using a MasterCard, Visa, Electron, or Delta debit or credit card.

By Phone:

    • Eligibility: You can apply by phone if none of your personal details have changed since your last application, and your licence is not damaged or near expiration.
    • Limitations: You cannot use this method if your licence is set to expire within 56 days (or 90 days for medical reasons).

By Post:

    • For Paper Licences: If you have a paper driving licence, you can apply by post. You’ll need to complete form D1 (for car or motorbike licences) or form D2 (for lorry or bus licences).
    • Additional Requirements: If your name has changed, you’ll need to include original documents that confirm the change. You must also include a passport-style photo and the damaged licence if applicable.

Processing Time

After submitting your application, you should receive your new driving licence within three weeks. However, it may take longer if your medical or personal details require additional checks.

What Happens if You Find Your Old Licence?

If you find your old driving licence after receiving a replacement, you are required to return the old licence to the DVLA with an explanation of the situation. The address to send your old licence is:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1AB

Updating Your Photo

If your driving licence is due to expire within the next two years, you might be given the option to update your photo. You can choose to keep your current photo, use your passport photo, or submit a new one if instructed by the DVLA.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged driving licence in the UK is a relatively simple process, whether you choose to do it online, by phone, or by post. The key is to ensure you have all the necessary information and documents ready to make the process as smooth as possible. For more detailed instructions or to start your application, you can visit the GOV.UK website.

This guide ensures you’re well-prepared to navigate the process and get back on the road without unnecessary delays.

If you’ve recently lost your driving licence and are wondering what steps to take, don’t forget that misplacing other essential documents can happen too. For example, if you’ve misplaced your theory test certificate, here’s how to replace a lost theory test certificate to keep everything up to date.

Great instructors, Hassan got me passed really fast and even managed to move my test to a sooner date! Super patient and great at explaining. Would highly recommend.
100% recommend Shift to anyone looking to learn. Simon is an excellent instructor, so calm and confident, took his time to understand me and how I learn best so that I could become a confident driver. Passed today with only 1 minor fault!
I had a great experience learning to drive with Shift and my instructor, Ciaran. As an anxious driver, I really appreciated his patience, encouragement, and support, which helped me build up my confidence behind the wheel. The booking app was also very convenient and easy to use, and Ciaran was always flexible and accommodating with my availability. Thanks to his help, I passed my driving test on the first try. Big thank you to Shift and especially to Ciaran for all the support!
Highly recommend Shift Driving School. They were an absolute pleasure to deal with from start to finish. Special shout out to my instructor Hassan, who taught me from scratch in just under 6 months. I had no previous driving experience at all and he talked through the steps and skills needed clearly, always supportively pushing me to be my best. Delighted to have passed at first attempt! Couldn’t have done it without the team at Swift and Hassan. Thank you!
My experience using Shift Driving School in Gateshead has been outstanding from start to finish.

My instructor, Simon Houghton, was incredibly patient, personable, and knowledgeable. He explained everything clearly, tailored lessons to my pace, and kept me calm with encouraging, constructive feedback.

His local knowledge and practical tips made a huge difference, and my confidence grew every week.

Thanks to Simon’s guidance, I’ve just passed my driving test and feel ready to drive independently.

I’d highly recommend Shift driving School—especially Simon—to anyone in Gateshead looking for a supportive, professional instructor and great results.
I 10000000% recommend this driving school my instructor has been appsalutly amazing he had so much patience and really helped me through all my lessons then he recommend me a nervous course which really helped me as I really struggled with my nerve on my test but I finally done it and passed my test and I wouldn't have been able to do it if it wasn't for lewis so thank u sooooo much :)
Super organised with their own app which helps you fit your lessons in whenever you like. Lewis is so patient and supportive and very calming when you’re just beginning. He has really developed my confidence and I couldn’t recommend Shift and Lewis enough!
What a great company to not only learn to drive with, but to actually work with too. We would highly recommend Shift without a doubt.
I passed my test today and would like to thank my instructor, Mr. Hassan. He has been incredibly kind, patient, and clear in his explanations, which made the whole learning experience truly positive. Throughout my journey, I had only one instructor and never felt the need to change, thanks to the excellent guidance I received. I’m also grateful to the Shift team for making everything smooth and convenient through the mobile application.
Highly recommend Shift Driving School. They were an absolute pleasure to deal with from start to finish. Special shout out to my instructor Hassan, who taught me from scratch in just under 6 months. I had no previous driving experience at all and he talked through the steps and skills needed clearly, always supportively pushing me. Delighted to have passed at first attempt! Couldn’t have done it without the team at Shift and Hassan. Thank you!