Change the photo on your driving licence

You need to renew your full or provisional driving licence if you want to update your photo. You’ll get a new licence.

To apply online you need either:

If you do not have either of these, you’ll need to apply at a Post Office or by post.

You’ll be able to use your passport photo or upload a new one.

It costs £14 when you apply online.

This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

You cannot apply online if your name or title has changed or if you have a 5-year bus or lorry licence.

Renew online

DVLA will use your email address to check if you have a driver and vehicles account.

Start now

Before you start

To renew online you must:

You’ll need:

  • your UK passport (either current or expired within the past 12 months) or the document you used to set up your online immigration status
  • your current driving licence (if you have it)
  • your National Insurance number (if you know it)
  • addresses of where you’ve lived over the last 3 years

Documents used to set up online immigration status

If you are not a UK citizen you can prove your identity using the reference number from the document you used to set up your online immigration status. The document will be one of the following:

  • a non-UK passport
  • a biometric residency permit
  • a biometric residency card
  • a national identity card

Cost

A new licence costs £14. You can pay by MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card (there’s no fee if you’re over 70 or have a medical short period licence).

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.

If you have a photocard driving licence, you must renew it every 10 years - you’ll receive a reminder before your current licence ends.

Applying by post

Get a ‘D1 pack’ of forms from a Post Office that deals with DVLA photocard renewal.

Include these things with your completed forms:

  • a recent printed passport type photo
  • the photocard and paper counterpart of your current licence (if you’ve lost either, tick the relevant box on the D1 form)
  • a cheque or postal order for £17, payable to DVLA (there’s no fee if you’re over 70 or have a medical short period licence)

Send your application and fee (if needed) to DVLA.

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1DH

If you’ve changed your name, you’ll also need to include identity documents.

After you apply by post

Your driving licence should arrive within 3 weeks. It might take longer if your medical or personal details need to be checked.

You can continue driving while you wait for your new licence to arrive.

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