Question about updating a paper license to full photocard license

Gaberdeen

Hi Everyone.

Big fan of the boards - always some nice money saving tips to be gleaned on here!

This time I'm posting because I need help!

As much as a fan of government agencies lax attitudes towards customer satisfaction I am - I'm of the opinion that one of our learned moneysavers will be better placed to advise me... that, coupled with the fact that I've spent 2 hours trying to get hold of the DVLA in Swansea to clarify what I need to do! (with no luck)

I recently passed my driving tests (yesterday!) and it cost me an arm and a leg. I originally got my provisional license in 1998 when they only issued paper licenses. I now need to know what to do with regards to getting a full photo card license.

I understand that I have to fill in a D1 form and that I can use the post office premium checking service to verify my proof of identity documents. What I want to know is wether i have to pay any additional money for them to issue a photocard license. It seems to me the photocard thing was just a method of making people pay to update the DVLA's shoddy license system.

I'm wondering if I can get away without paying anymore money to the DVLA - seeing as I'm upgrading to a full license from a provisional and not just swapping a full paper license for a full photo license.

I hope someone can give a nudge in the right direction!

Many thanks

G

olly300

You don't pay you just get your photo verified by someone on the list of people they give you who can do it, then everything off.

Mattjimf

By the looks of things you will need to pay £20 for going from paper to photo http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/NeedANewOrUpdatedLicence/DG_4022084
If you ask at the post office they might be able to tell you better, or your local DVLA office http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/UsefulContactsByCategory/MotoringContacts/DG_10012974

cajef

Mattjimf wrote: »

By the looks of things you will need to pay £20

Confusing as this site says Provisional to Full licence is free and as far as I can remember from when I was an ADI that includes old paper to photo after a test pass.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/NeedANewOrUpdatedLicence/DG_4022089

kmeast

If you do it online the DVLA can use the photo from your passport to create your new licence. Just need to input your passport number (if you have one).

Have you moved house since getting the paper one? If so I think it is free to get a new licence.

Mattjimf

cajef wrote: »

Confusing as this site says Provisional to Full licence is free and as far as I can remember from when I was an ADI that includes old paper to photo after a test pass.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/NeedANewOrUpdatedLicence/DG_4022089

That's why i edited to add the asking the post office or contacting the local DVLA office.
They really don't make things easy do they.

karen24_2

If you have a digital passport (this is the type where your signature appears on the same page as your photo) then you only need to put your passport number on the D1, give your permission for DVLA to contact IPS and attach your photo. This therefore renders the post office service a waste of money, so I recommend you just post it to DVLA. It is free to change your provisional licence to a full licence so you need not enclose any fee. The fee for changing from paper to photocard only applies if you are doing it for no reason or to remove endorsements etc. P.S congratulations on passing your test.

Gaberdeen

kmeast wrote: »

If you do it online the DVLA can use the photo from your passport to create your new licence. Just need to input your passport number (if you have one).

Have you moved house since getting the paper one? If so I think it is free to get a new licence.

Yes, I have also moved house since getting the paper one

Gaberdeen

karen24 wrote: »

If you have a digital passport (this is the type where your signature appears on the same page as your photo) then you only need to put your passport number on the D1, give your permission for DVLA to contact IPS and attach your photo. This therefore renders the post office service a waste of money, so I recommend you just post it to DVLA. It is free to change your provisional licence to a full licence so you need not enclose any fee. The fee for changing from paper to photocard only applies if you are doing it for no reason or to remove endorsements etc. P.S congratulations on passing your test.

I do indeed have a digital passport (I have two passports that are valid, but thats a different story for another time!)

You've all be very helpful, many thanks!

G

DaveF327

kmeast wrote: »

If you do it online the DVLA can use the photo from your passport to create your new licence.

Unfortunately, that online service is only for applying for your first provisional photocard. To claim full entitlement, you still need to apply by post and send a D1 as you will also need to send in the pass certificate as proof of the pass.

Gaberdeen wrote: »

Yes, I have also moved house since getting the paper one

In that case, don't forget to enter your new address on the rear of your old paper licence otherwise DVLA will query the change.

Gaberdeen

DaveF327 wrote: »

Unfortunately, that online service is only for applying for your first provisional photocard. To claim full entitlement, you still need to apply by post and send a D1 as you will also need to send in the pass certificate as proof of the pass.

In that case, don't forget to enter your new address on the rear of your old paper licence otherwise DVLA will query the change.

Thank you Dave

It also says on the D1 that I should provide a photograph anyway if I'm applying for my first photo license.

I'm sure all this is going to conspire to hit me with a charge... nothings ever simple in a bureaucracy...

Thanks again everyone

G