driving licence - is this correct?

caris

Hi

My sister said today that she has to get a new photo and pay £20 for her driving licence, I asked why and she informed me that on the photocard driving licence you have to get a new photo every 10 years? Is this correct? I have never heard of this before.

Thanks
caris

DaveF327

Yes, it's correct.

The photo on a photocard licence is only valid for 10 years as everybody will age and it would be unreasonable for a 70 year old to eventually hold a licence showing them as sweet sixteen.

Although your entitlement to drive will last until your 70th birthday (this date will be shown on the rear of the photocard on the same line as the vehicle category concerned), the expiry date of the photo is shown on the front at section 4b. Before this date, DVLA should write to people to remind them, but if for whatever reason that doesn't happen, it is still the holder's responsibility to monitor this date and renew before exiry. Failure to surrender a licence for renewal when requested is an offence.

darich

Sad but true.

Not sure about the £20 but I don't doubt there will be some charge for it. Photo licences do require to be renewed with a new photo every 10 years.

shelly

Yes it's correct.

Google is your friend

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/motoring/driverlicensing/needaneworupdatedlicence/dg_078070

molerat

Yes, it is yet another tax on the driving public. I still have the old paper one and have no intention of changing it.

GEEGEE8

I got the forms for this a year ago, couldn't afford the £20 (sad I know) and so I didn't send it back... not heard from them again.. altho I believe it is an offence not to get it done.

DaveF327

molerat wrote: »

I still have the old paper one and have no intention of changing it.

Until you change address or turn 70, that is

caris

Thanks for all the replies, I do hold a photo licence myself after having to report a change of address, but didnt realise you had to update it. I better check when its due.

Many thanks
caris

caris

Just checked my licence - its ok till 2015

caris

1jim

It is correct, as I understand it a couple of months before it expires they contact you and tell you how to do it

iamana1ias

GEEGEE8 wrote: »

I got the forms for this a year ago, couldn't afford the £20 (sad I know) and so I didn't send it back... not heard from them again.. altho I believe it is an offence not to get it done.

Hope you've got a spare £1k handy for when they catch and fine you