How to Replace a Lost, Stolen or Damaged UK Driving Licence
Have you lost your UK driving licence, had it stolen, or damaged your photocard? You may need to apply for a replacement through the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The process depends on where you live, the type of licence you hold and whether any of your personal details have changed replacement driving licence.
This guide explains how to apply for a replacement driving licence in Great Britain, what it costs, how long it may take and what to do if your original licence turns up later.
For information about other UK driving licence procedures, you can visit our UK driving licence assistance page.
When Do You Need a Replacement Driving Licence?
You should apply for a replacement if your driving licence has been:
- Lost or misplaced.
- Stolen.
- Damaged, defaced or destroyed.
The DVLA replacement service covers both full and provisional driving licences in Great Britain. If your licence was stolen, GOV.UK advises you to contact the police.
You can start with the official GOV.UK replacement driving licence service.
How Much Does a Replacement Driving Licence Cost?
A replacement driving licence in Great Britain currently costs £20 when applying through the official service. The fee applies to licences that have been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.
Fees and application procedures can differ in Northern Ireland, where driving licences are handled by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA), rather than DVLA.
Check the latest information before applying:
Use the official government service to make your payment and avoid unofficial websites that charge additional fees for submitting a standard application.
How to Replace a Lost Driving Licence Online
If you live in England, Scotland or Wales and meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply online.
Step 1: Open the official GOV.UK service
Visit the DVLA replacement driving licence page. Make sure you are using the official government website.
Step 2: Sign in or create your account
Follow the instructions to sign in. If you do not already have the required sign-in details, the service will explain how to create them.
You may need to prove your identity, depending on your circumstances.
Step 3: Check your details
Review the information requested by the application. If your name, address or other personal details have changed, check whether you need to update them rather than simply replacing your old licence.
You should also confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements. For example, the online replacement service requires you to be resident in Great Britain and not disqualified from driving.
Step 4: Pay the replacement fee
The standard replacement fee is £20. Follow the official payment instructions and submit your application.
Step 5: Wait for your new licence
GOV.UK says an online replacement licence should normally arrive within one week. Processing may take longer in some circumstances, so check the official service for the latest guidance.
Can You Replace a Driving Licence by Phone or Post?
Yes. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to apply by phone or by post.
Applying by phone: This option may be available if you hold a photocard licence and none of your details have changed. Restrictions apply, including in some cases where the licence is damaged or close to expiry.
Applying by post: For a car or motorcycle licence, you generally use form D1. For a lorry or bus licence, form D2 may be required. These forms are available from most Post Offices.
Postal applications generally take longer than online applications. Check the latest instructions, required documents and fee before sending your application.
Read the official GOV.UK guidance for applying by phone or post.
What Should You Do If Your Driving Licence Was Stolen?
If you believe your driving licence was stolen, contact the police as advised by GOV.UK. You can then use the official replacement process to apply for a new licence.
Keep any relevant reference information you receive from the police. Never use a third-party service claiming it can create an official DVLA record or provide a replacement outside the authorised process.
What If You Find Your Old Driving Licence After Applying?
If you find your old licence after applying for or receiving a replacement, you must return the old licence to DVLA and explain what happened.
GOV.UK provides the return address and instructions on its replacement licence page. Do not continue using both licences as though both are valid.
Can You Drive While Waiting for Your Replacement Licence?
Whether you can drive while waiting depends on your circumstances and whether you continue to meet the legal requirements to drive.
Losing the physical photocard does not by itself establish that your driving entitlement has been revoked. However, you must have valid driving entitlement for the vehicle you drive and must not be disqualified or subject to a restriction that prevents you from driving.
If you are unsure whether you can legally drive while your application is being processed, check the official guidance or contact DVLA before driving.
Replacement Driving Licence vs Licence Renewal
A replacement and a renewal are different processes.
- Replacement: Used when your current licence has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.
- Renewal: Used when your licence or photocard needs to be renewed, such as when it reaches its expiry date.
If your licence is expiring rather than missing or damaged, read our guide to renewing a UK driving licence online.
Choosing the correct application helps you avoid paying for the wrong service or delaying your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a replacement driving licence in the UK?
The standard replacement fee in Great Britain is £20 for a licence that has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed. Northern Ireland has a separate process and fee structure, so check the relevant official guidance.
How long does a replacement driving licence take to arrive?
GOV.UK says an online replacement licence should normally arrive within one week. Postal applications generally take longer, and checks can affect processing times.
Can I replace a provisional driving licence?
Yes. The DVLA online replacement service covers full and provisional driving licences in Great Britain, subject to its eligibility requirements.
Do I need to take my driving test again if I lose my licence?
Losing the physical licence does not automatically mean you must take your driving test again. Use the official replacement process, provided you still meet the requirements for your driving entitlement.
What if my name or address has changed?
You may need to update your details rather than simply replace the missing licence. Check the official DVLA instructions to determine which application applies to your circumstances.
Final Thoughts
If your UK driving licence has been lost, stolen or damaged, the official replacement process is the appropriate way to obtain a new one. For eligible drivers in Great Britain, the standard fee is £20, and an online application should normally arrive within one week.
Always use GOV.UK for DVLA applications and check the separate DVA process if you live in Northern Ireland.
For more information about legitimate UK driving licence procedures, visit our UK driving licence assistance page.