Is Your UK Photo Card Driving License Still Valid?

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Historically in the UK when you passed your driving test you were issued with a license that was valid until you were 70. You then had to re-apply every 5 years. With the introduction of the new style photo card license in July 1998 this has changed.

The UK Driving License now comes in two parts:

1. Plastic credit card sized license containing your photo which is valid from the date of issue (item 4a on the licence) for 10 years. The expiry date appears as item 4b.

2. A green and pink A4 sized, 'Counterpart', which is valid from the date of issue until the day before your 70th birthday. This lists the categories of vehicles the holder is entitled to drive and any Endorsements.

RENEWING A PHOTO DRIVING LICENSE

With a renewal application

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will send the driver a renewal application pack two months before the photo is due to expire. The driver will need to:

• complete the enclosed form
• include a new passport type photo that's been taken within the last month (the driver does not need the back of the photo signed)
• return both parts of the licence (photocard and counterpart document)
• enclose a cheque or postal order for £ 20.00 (no fee is needed if the driver has a medical short period licence or is aged 70 or over)
• send the completed application and fee to DVLA, Swansea SA99 1DH
• If the driver has changed his / her name, he'll also need to provide identity documents as proof.

Without a renewal application

If, for any reason, the driver does not receive the renewal application forms then he can use the D1 form Application for a Driving License. This is available from the DVLA form ordering service, and Post Office ® ​​branches.

When to expect your license

The DVLA aims to deliver a new license within three weeks of receiving the application. It'll take longer if they have to check health or personal details. Allow at least three weeks for a new license to arrive before contacting DVLA.

Advice For Car Hire Customers

Make sure that you check the expiry date on the Photocard License and apply for it at least three weeks before you go on holiday or plan to hire a car. Most car hire companies will not hire out a car if the driver is unable to produce a valid driving license.

Advice For Car Hire Companies

Make sure that you check the expiry date on the PhotoCard as well as on the Counterpart. Through experience of running a car hire company, we have found that many people that do not think of changing informing the DVLA when they change address. In this case they will not receive the renewal notice, so as well as the address being incorrect, the license could well have expired.

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Source by Tony Merrygold