DVLA is urging drivers aged 70 and over to keep their money in
their pocket this Christmas, after the agency revealed that more
than 800 drivers had notified them about third-party websites
charging hefty premiums for their services.
Many of these sites appear high up in the results on a Google
search, resulting in scores of drivers inadvertently using a
third-party website, when they believe they are dealing with
DVLA. The agency is reminding drivers to always use GOV.UK, the official
government website, to prevent being charged additional fees.
New figures released today show that in the last 12 months, DVLA
received notifications from 803 drivers who unnecessarily parted
with money to renew their driving licence at 70 years old through
a third party website. Some of these sites charge up to £81
handling fee, which is £20 more than the cost of a typical weekly
family shop.
Third party websites charge a fee to pass a driver’s application
to DVLA, but these sites are not affiliated with DVLA, and
applications made through third party websites will not be
processed any quicker than those made through GOV.UK. This is the only
place to access DVLA’s online services where you can be
guaranteed not to be charged additional fees on top of any
statutory fees that may apply.
Julie Lennard, DVLA Chief Executive said:
Drivers looking to renew their licence at 70 and over should use
our online service which is secure, free of charge, and also the
quickest and easiest way to transact with DVLA. Customers usually
receive their driving licence in just 5 days.
Always remember to always use GOV.UK when using any of DVLA’s
many online services.
When a driver reaches their 70th birthday, they must renew their
entitlement to drive every 3 years. DVLA reminds drivers 90 days
before their licence is due to expire, and the quickest and
easiest way to renew a licence is to go to GOV.UK where the
service is quick, easy to use, available 24 hours a day, 365 days
a year and is free of charge.
Notes to editors:
- Figures referenced are by the Office of
National Statistics.
- To renew a driving licence at 70 online or find out more
about renewing a licence visit Renew your driving licence if
you’re 70 or over.
- When we become aware of sites misleading motorists, we work
closely with other government agencies and Netcraft to raise the
issue. If we believe a website is operating outside the
advertising guidelines we’ll inform the relevant enforcement and
controlling bodies. This includes OFCOM or Phone Paid Service
Authority (PSA), as well as eBay and Google directly in some
instances, to have content removed. Our reporting has seen
numerous sites taken down in recent years.
- To renew online, drivers will need to have a valid UK
passport and provide addresses of where they’ve lived over the
last 3 years. For DVLA to retrieve the photograph from HM
Passport Office the customer will need to provide their passport
number. If DVLA can retrieve the photograph this can be used to
renew the licence. There’s no need to send in original documents.
- Drivers who apply online can expect their licence to be
issued within 5 working days, although more complex transactions,
including those where medical investigations need to take place,
may take longer. Customers can also track the progress of
their licence application online.
