Lost your UK driving licence? In most cases, getting a replacement licence is quick and easy - especially if you can apply online and have all relevant information to hand. Here’s all you need to know about making an application for a lost driving licence.

 

If your driving licence has been lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, getting a replacement can be done quickly and easily online, by phone, or by post.

Most drivers choose to replace their lost driving licence using the Gov.uk’s online service - it’s the quickest and easiest method.

A replacement full or provisional licence costs £20, and you can pay online using your MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card.

 

Do I need my paper counterpart to get a replacement licence?

No, the paper counterpart was abolished in 2015, so you won't need it to get a new licence.

 

What do I need to get a replacement driving licence?

To apply for a replacement for a lost driving licence online, all you need is:

  • your personal details, including addresses where you’ve lived for the last three years
  • your driving licence number
  • your National Insurance number
  • your passport number (if you have one)
  • a way to pay the lost driving licence cost (£20) (credit/debit card).

 

NOTE: Having your passport number to hand is not essential, but it could help in some situations. A key benefit of having access to this number is that the passport photo can be used for your replacement driving licence, potentially streamlining the process. Your passport photo may be used if you give the DVLA permission to use it, and if your licence was due to expire within 2 years.

Providing the passport number is also useful for proving your identity. If you don’t have a passport, you will need to use another form of ID.

Another big benefit of using your UK passport when replacing a lost driving licence is that you don’t have to send the physical document in the post. Indeed, if you have a UK passport, you likely won’t need to sand anything by post - making the process very swift.

 

Renew lost driving licence: How long does it take?

If renewing a lost driving licence online, the DVLA aims to send out your replacement licence within 5 working days.

If applying by post, it will likely take about 4 weeks, so applying online is much quicker.

You’ll get a confirmation email once you’ve applied.

 

A cartoon style image of a UK driving licence

How do I apply for a lost driving licence if I don’t have a UK passport?

You can still apply for a replacement driving licence if you don’t have a UK passport, it just involves some extra steps and will take a bit longer.

If you have a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, you can request a ‘share code’ to prove your identity.

Otherwise, in order to replace a lost driving licence you will need to send one of the following by post to the DVLA:

  • a foreign passport (current and valid) that wasn’t issued by an EU or EEA country, with a visa sticker or stamp (‘vignette’) showing you have the right to reside in the UK
  • Irish passport (current and valid) - this doesn’t need to have a visa sticker/stamp
  • a travel document
  • a UK birth, adoption or naturalisation certificate - however, you’ll need to send additional proof of identity along with this (see below)
  • Proof that you receive a UK state pension

 

Additional proof when applying with UK birth, adoption and naturalisation certificates

  • National Insurance card, or a letter from DWP showing that number
  • Photocopy of benefits claim book, or benefit claims letter
  • P45, P60 or pay slip
  • marriage or civil partnership certificate
  • divorce/end of civil partnership document (decree nisi, decree absolute, conditional order, final order)
  • education certificate or PASS proof of age card (issued after June 2014), college/university union card
  • a gender recognition certificate

 

Your photo

If your current licence is due to expire within the next 2 years, the DVLA will give you the option of uploading a new photo on the replacement. However, you can choose to keep the old one.

As mentioned, you can use your passport photo for your replacement licence, but only if your licence is due to expire within the next 2 years, you have a valid and current passport, and you give the DVLA permission to use it.

 

Lost your UK driving licence, but found it later?

It’s not uncommon to find a lost licence. If you come across your old licence (having applied for a replacement), you’ll need to send it to the DVLA (DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB). You’ll also need to explain what happened.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • If your licence has been stolen, you must report it to the police.
  • You may be given a crime reference number, which the DVLA may ask for.
  • You must be a UK resident to apply for a replacement licence.
  • You can’t apply if you live outside the UK (even temporarily)
  • No, the DVLA does not allow you to change your address at the same time as replacing a lost licence - it must be done separately.
  • You can still legally drive while waiting for a replacement if you’re not disqualified and the DVLA has your correct details.
  • DVLA may ask for extra documents or ask you to attend an identity check in certain cases.
  • This can increase processing time.
  • You can only apply by phone if none of your details have changed.
  • Phone applications require a credit/debit card.
  • If damaged, you must send the damaged licence to the DVLA.
  • The DVLA may decide to delay a replacement if you have a medical issue that is under review.
  • You can check licence details using the "View Driving Licence" service.
  • Useful if you lose the licence but need licence number details.

When making an application for a lost driving licence, some people make the following mistakes:

  • Using an expired passport
  • Sending photocopies rather than originals
  • Sending incorrect supporting documents for birth certificates
  • The DVLA will not post to non-UK addresses.
  • You must wait until physically back in the UK to make your application.