Drivers with a photocard driving licence due to expire between 1
February and 31 August 2020 will be granted a 7 month extension
from the date of expiry the DVLA has announced today (4 June
2020). This will help drivers to make necessary journeys without
having to obtain a new photograph to renew their licence.
Normally drivers are required to renew their photocard licence
every 10 years, and bus and lorry drivers every 5 years. A new EU
regulation has now been introduced which means photocards that
expire between 1 February and 31 August 2020 will be
automatically extended for a further 7 months from the date of
expiry.
Drivers will be sent a reminder to renew before their 7 month
extension ends.
This extension applies to the photocard. If a driver’s
entitlement to drive is due to expire and they wish to continue
to hold a valid licence, they will need to renew this entitlement
in the normal way.
DVLA Chief Executive Julie Lennard said
This extension will make it easier for drivers who need to
update their photocard licence with a new photograph. This
means as long as they have a valid licence, drivers will be
able to continue to make essential journeys.
The extension is automatic so drivers do not need to do
anything and will be sent a reminder to renew their photocard
before the extension ends.
This change will be introduced from 4 June 2020.
Notes to editors:
A car (Group 1) licence generally remains in force until the
driver reaches 70, unless revoked or surrendered. At aged 70 the
driver must renew their entitlement to drive every 3 years if
they wish to continue to hold a valid licence. Bus and lorry
(Group 2) licence holders aged 45 and over are required to renew
their entitlement to drive every 5 years. Holders of short- term
medical licences will also need to renew their entitlement to
drive. The 7 month extension does not apply to renewal of
entitlement to drive.
The DVLA’s online services to renew your driving
licence and replace a driving
licence are available for those drivers who need to
renew their entitlement to drive or replace a lost or stolen
licence.
