Get a replacement driving licence online with DVLA if yours gets lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed. Apply using your Government Gateway ID. If you don’t have one or need to re-register, you’ll get an ID as part of your application.

You should report the theft of your driving licence to the police.

Your replacement licence should arrive within 1 week if you apply online.

To replace your licence you’ll need to:

• be a resident of Great Britain (there’s a different service in Northern Ireland)
• not be disqualified from driving for any reason
• pay £20 by MasterCard, Visa, Electron, Maestro or Delta debit or credit card
• have a valid UK passport or other form of identity
• have your National Insurance number if known
• provide addresses where you’ve lived for the last 3 years

You’ll need your driving licence number if you know it.

Your photo

DVLA will use an electronic copy of your passport photo for your photocard driving licence if:

• your photocard licence is due to expire within 2 years
• you have a UK passport issued in the last 5 years

DVLA will tell you if a suitable electronic photo isn’t available. You’ll then need to print a form and send it to them with a new photograph.

You can make sure the photo on your licence is updated by using the photo driving licence renewal service. You need a UK passport issued in the last 5 years to do this online.

What to do if you find your old licence later

You must return your old licence to DVLA explaining what’s happened if you find your old licence after applying for or receiving a replacement.

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