Exchange your paper driving licence for a photocard licence

    Exchange your old paper driving licence for a photocard driving licence online with DVLA. Apply using your Government Gateway ID. You’ll get an ID as part of your application if you don’t have one, or need to re-register.

    DVLA will aim to send your driving licence within 3 weeks. It may take longer if your medical or personal details need to be checked.

    To exchange your current British paper licence for a British photocard licence online you need to:

    • have your driving licence in your possession
    • be a resident of Great Britain
    • meet the minimum eyesight requirement
    • not be prevented from driving for any reason
    • pay £20 by MasterCard, Visa, Electron, Maestro or Delta debit or credit card
    • have a valid UK passport or another form of identity
    • have your National Insurance number if known
    • provide addresses of where you have lived for the last 3 years

    You will not be able to apply online if your name has changed. Apply by post using form D1 for cars and motorbikes, or form D2 for lorries and buses. Both are available from the DVLA form ordering service. Most Post Offices also have D1 forms.

    Driving licences issued from 14 October 2012 look different, but existing licences are still valid.

    Applying online means you agree that DVLA can check your personal data, including your National Insurance number. You’ll be told what to do if DVLA can’t verify your identity.

    The photo for your licence

    DVLA will use the photo on your UK digital passport if you’ve had one issued since 5 October 1998.

    You’ll need to send a photo by post if DVLA can’t use your digital passport photo, or if you don’t want them to use it. At the end of your online application a form will be posted to you so you can return it with your photo.

    Driving before you get your new licence

    You can drive while you wait for your new licence as long as you:

    • had a Great Britain or Northern Ireland licence issued after 1 January 1976 or another exchangeable licence
    • aren’t disqualified from driving
    • haven’t been refused a licence because of a medical condition
    • follow any special conditions of your licence