DVLA letter that can result in £1,000 fine if ignored

Motorists could face a hefty fine if they ignore a crucial letter from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The DVLA routinely sends out reminders to drivers whose licences are nearing expiration and require renewal.

It’s important to remember that all photocard driving licences must be renewed every 10 years, otherwise they become invalid. This rule applies not only to full driving licences but also to provisional ones across England, Scotland and Wales.

While the majority of people can renew their licence online for a mere £14, some individuals may not qualify for this service. Those residing in Northern Ireland, for instance, must use a different service to renew their licence, as do those who have been disqualified from driving.

Different rules apply for those over 70 wishing to renew their licence.

How to renew your licence

The government provides its own online service that allows you to renew your licence. Once the application has been completed and the fee paid, the new licence becomes valid from the date the application was approved.

However, if your name or title has changed since your current licence was issued, you’ll need to apply for a new one either through your local Post Office or by post. When you receive your renewal reminder, simply take it to the Post Office along with your photocard licence and pay a £21.50 fee.

If you’ve had a name change, the only way to update this is by post, using a D1 pack of forms available from the Post Office. Simply fill out the form and send it off to the DVLA office in Swansea.

For those aged 70 or over

If you’re over 70 and need to renew your licence, there’s a separate online government service available. To use this service, your licence must be due to expire within the next 90 days, you must meet the minimum eyesight requirements, and not be disqualified from driving for any reason.

Once you hit 70, it’s mandatory to renew your licence every three years.

Penalty for an expired licence

Letting your licence lapse without renewing it could land you in hot water. If caught driving with an expired licence, you could face up to six penalty points and a fine of up to £1,000.

Bear in mind, if you’re also found to be driving without insurance, you could receive an unlimited fine and, in more serious cases, a driving ban.