Your step-by-step guide to replacing a lost, misplaced, or stolen driving licence in the UK

When you face the headache of a lost driving licence or need to replace a lost provisional licence, it’s important to move quickly, both to maintain your legal ability to drive and to protect yourself from potential identity theft. In this article, we’ll guide you through the full process of how to apply for a new driving licence, covering full and provisional licences, the cost, the correct route for online, phone, or post, and what to do if yours is stolen.

Why you need to act if your licence is lost, stolen, or damaged

Losing your licence or discovering it has been stolen isn’t just inconvenient; it can leave you vulnerable. You remain legally entitled to drive while waiting for a replacement if you meet the conditions, but first, you should ensure you’ve done everything you must. For example:

• If you believe your licence was stolen, you must report it to the police.
• Even if it’s simply a misplaced driving licence, you should check thoroughly before ordering a replacement; you don’t want to pay the fee only to find it days later.
• Drivers are responsible for replacing a licence that’s damaged, destroyed or no longer readable for whatever reason.

By acting promptly, you minimise any risk of the old licence being misused and you get yourself back on the road, or back to the stage of driving if you only held a provisional licence.

Who issues the replacement and what the criteria are

In Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales), the licensing authority is the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

To apply for a replacement driving licence, you must be:

• A resident of Great Britain (there’s a separate process for Northern Ireland).
• Not disqualified from driving for any reason.

The same process applies whether you hold a full driving licence or only a provisional driving licence; if either is lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to apply for a replacement. The official guidance covers the replacement of “full or provisional driving licence”.

What you’ll need and how much it costs

Required information

When you apply, you will normally need to provide:

• Your addresses for the last 3 years (to help verify identity).
• If you know them: your driving licence number, your National Insurance number, your passport number.
• If your photograph needs updating (see next section) and you are applying online, you may need your passport photo number.

Cost

The replacement fee in Great Britain is £ 20 for a lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed driving licence.

Photo update

If your driving licence is due to expire within the next two years, you are offered the option to use your valid UK passport photo for the replacement.

If the photo on your licence is significantly out of date or you wish to change it, you may need to submit a new photograph.

How to apply for a replacement driving licence

You have three main routes: online, by phone, or by post. The quickest route is online.

1. Online (recommended)

• Use the official “Replace a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed driving licence” service on GOV.UK.
• You’ll need the information listed above (addresses, licence number if available, etc).
• You pay the £20 fee by debit or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, etc).
• Once done correctly, the replacement usually arrives in around 1 week, though the UK-wide guidance indicates 3 to 4 weeks in some cases.

2. By phone

• You may call 0300 790 6801 if you have a photocard driving licence and none of your personal details have changed.
• Note: you cannot apply by phone if your licence is damaged, or if it expires within 56 days (or 90 days for medical reasons) under certain conditions.

3. By post

• Obtain form D1: Application for a driving licence (for cars/motorbikes) or D2 (for lorry/bus) from a Post Office or via DVLA.
• If your name has changed, you’ll need to supply original documents confirming this.
• Send your form, fee, and any required attachments to the DVLA address on the form. Processing may take up to 3 weeks.

What to do if you find the old licence after applying

If your old licence turns up after you’ve already filed for a replacement, you must send it back to the DVLA with an explanatory note. The address:

DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB.

Failing to do so can lead to complications, particularly if the licence was lost or stolen and a replacement has already been issued.

Special situations: Provisional licence / Change of address / International rules

• If you only held a provisional driving licence and have lost it (or it was stolen), the same replacement process applies; you can apply for a replacement provisional licence. (The DVLA guidance covers full or provisional licences.
• If your address or name has changed, you may need additional documentation and to fill out specific sections. For example, for the older NI-based process, it is an offense not to notify a name/address change, and you’ll need original evidence (such as a marriage certificate or passport).
• If you are in Northern Ireland, the process is handled by the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) rather than the DVLA.

After you’ve submitted your application

• You should receive a confirmation email (if applied online).
• The new licence usually arrives within a week or so, but it may take longer if more checks are needed (medical conditions, address verification, etc).
• While you wait for the physical card, you may drive (provided you meet the normal rules and are not disqualified).
• Once you receive your replacement, ensure that your details are correct and keep the card in a secure location. Monitor your personal details for signs of misuse if the licence was stolen.

Top tips and common pitfalls

• Check thoroughly for your licence before applying; it can save you the fee.
• Report theft when necessary: if you suspect your licence was stolen, contact the police and obtain a crime reference number.
• Use the official GOV.UK service: beware of third-party websites or scam services.
• Keep your personal details up to date, especially in the event of address or name changes, to avoid complications.
• Store your licence securely and consider what to do if it goes missing. Identity theft is a risk.

Summary

If you need to replace a lost driving licence, the process is straightforward, but you must act promptly. Using the online service offered by the DVLA is the fastest and most efficient method. Ensure you meet the basic eligibility requirements (being a resident of Great Britain and not being disqualified), gather the required information and fee, and submit your application. While waiting for the replacement licence, you can continue to drive, provided you are legally entitled to do so. Once the new card arrives, keep it safe and secure.

For users of the insurance-comparison website who are also managing other insurance products, it’s worth noting that your driving licence number and entitlements can affect your insurance premiums. Therefore, ensuring you have the correct licence documentation is always advisable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I replace a lost driving licence?

To replace a lost driving licence in Great Britain, you should use the online service provided by the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if you meet the eligibility criteria. The process involves paying a fee, providing your personal and address history, and submitting your application. You must be resident in Great Britain and not disqualified from driving.

2. What should I do if my provisional driving licence is lost or stolen?

The same replacement process applies whether you hold a full driving licence or a provisional one. If your provisional licence is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, you apply through the DVLA’s “replace a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed driving licence” service.

3. Can I renew my driving licence online if it’s lost or damaged?

Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements, you may use the online service to replace your licence, which effectively renews it by issuing a new card. The cost and process are the same for a replacement of a lost/damaged licence.

4. How much does it cost to replace a lost or stolen driving licence?

The cost is £20 in Great Britain for a replacement of a lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed driving licence.

5. What information do I need to apply for a new driver’s licence?

You’ll need to provide several pieces of personal information, including:

• the addresses where you’ve lived in the last 3 years;
• if known, your driving licence number;
• your National Insurance number (if known);
• your passport number (if you are using the option to update the photo and have a valid UK passport) for an online replacement.

6. Can I drive while I wait for my replacement licence to arrive?

Yes, if you have submitted a valid application and are otherwise entitled to drive (i.e., you are a resident in Great Britain, not disqualified, etc.), you may continue to drive even without the physical card in hand.

7. What happens if I find my old driving licence after applying for a replacement?

If you find your old licence after applying for or receiving a replacement, you must return it to the DVLA with an explanatory note. The address is:

DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB.

8. How do I report a stolen driving licence and apply for a replacement?

If your licence is stolen, you should contact the police and obtain a crime reference number (helpful in case of identity fraud). Then you proceed to apply for a replacement via the DVLA service.

9. How long does it take for the DVLA to send a replacement driving licence once applied for?

Once your application is accepted, a replacement licence typically takes 3 to 4 weeks to arrive in Great Britain, although online applications may arrive more quickly.

10. What photo requirements apply when ordering a replacement driving licence?

If your licence is due to expire within two years, the DVLA may allow you to use your valid UK passport photo for the updated licence. Otherwise, you might need to supply a new photo.

Sources

1. UK – Replace a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed driving licence (Great Britain)
   https://www.gov.uk/replace-a-driving-licence
2. UK – Apply by phone or by post for a replacement driving licence
   https://www.gov.uk/replace-a-driving-licence/apply-by-phone-or-by-post
3. RAC – Lost driving licence – how to get a replacement
   https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/know-how/lost-driving-licence-how-to-get-a-replacement/
4. The Guardian – What to do if your driving licence is either lost or stolen
   https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/jul/16/what-to-do-driving-licence-lost-stolen-protect-personal-details
5. nidirect (Northern Ireland) – Replacing your driving licence
   https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/replacing-your-driving-licence
6. GOVexplained – Replace a Lost Driving Licence (UK Guide)
   https://govexplained.co.uk/work-and-id/driving-licence/replace-lost-driving-licence/

Last reviewed: November 3rd, 2025

Important Disclaimer

This information is intended for editorial purposes only and not intended as a recommendation or financial advice.
The content is provided by insuro.co.uk for informational purposes. Always compare quotes from multiple providers
and consider your individual circumstances before making any insurance decisions. Savings figures are based on
representative data and individual results may vary.

Regulatory Information: This content is provided in partnership with Quotezone.co.uk.
Seopa Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Register number: 313860. Permitted business: insurance mediation.