UK DVLA Driving Licence Application & Renewal Guide 2026

Comprehensive 2026 DVLA administrative guide to driving licences in Great Britain: applying for a provisional licence (£34 online / £43 postal), 10-year photocard renewal (£14 online / £17 postal), mandatory address updates, online medical condition reporting, and age 70+ renewals.

1. Licence Types, Fees & 10-Year Photocard Renewal

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) regulates all UK driving licences. Photocard driving licences are valid for **10 years** (Section 4b expiry date) and must be renewed to ensure photo accuracy and legal validity.

Licence Application Service	Online Application Fee	Postal Application Fee
First Provisional Driving Licence	£34 online	£43 postal
10-Year Photocard Renewal	£14 online	£17 postal
Change Address / Name on Licence	FREE online	FREE postal (with D1 form & evidence)
Replace Lost / Stolen / Damaged Licence	£20 online	£20 postal
Renewal at Age 70+ (Every 3 years)	FREE online	FREE postal

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Key Takeaways

Photocard licences must be renewed every 10 years (online renewal costs £14).
Updating your address on your driving licence is free and required by law.
Failing to update your address on a DVLA licence can incur a fine up to £1,000.
First provisional driving licence costs £34 online (£43 postal).
Drivers reaching age 70 must renew their licence every 3 years for free.

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Frequently Asked Questions (6 Verified Answers)

Photocard licences must be renewed every 10 years up to age 70.

Failing to renew an expired photocard or failing to update your address can result in a fine up to £1,000.

Changing your address on your UK driving licence is completely free online at GOV.UK.

You can apply for a provisional licence when you are 15 years and 9 months old, and drive a car from age 17.

You must inform the DVLA of any medical condition or disability that could affect your driving safety. Many medical conditions can be reported online through the GOV.UK medical condition checker.

Drivers aged 70 and over must self-certify their fitness to drive and renew their licence every 3 years free of charge.