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Paper vs photocard licence

MrChips
MrChips Posts: 1,056 Forumite
Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Combo Breaker
I still have a paper licence as I haven’t changed address for several years. I am trying to understand if I need to change it for a card licence or not. Martin’s article (quoted below) suggests I am alright until 2033, but the final sentence implies I will need to update it in 2015. What is the actual situation??

"Though no new all-paper licences are now issued, if you have one these generally don't expire until you're 70, so you don't need to do anything until then unless your address or personal details change. But by 2033 all licences must be in the photocard format.
Once you reach 70 there's no fee to renew, and you'll then get a photocard. If you want to upgrade before then, you can apply to change your paper licence for a photocard, though it'll cost £20 and you'll need to show extra ID (see Gov.uk). The DVLA intends to abolish the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence by 2015."
If I had a pound for every time I didn't play the lottery...

Comments

  • MrChips wrote: »
    but the final sentence implies I will need to update it in 2015. What is the actual situation??

    This relates to the paper part of the photo card, not the licence you currently have. When you apply for the photo licence you get the plastic card licence and also a paper form of the licence. This paper form is being done away with in 2015 so you would just have the plastic card.
  • MrChips
    MrChips Posts: 1,056 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Combo Breaker
    Ah, so if I never got a photocard licence, I am ok to continue with my old style paper one until the earlier of:
    - my 70th birthday
    - 2033
    - my circumstances change (e.g. change of address)

    Is that right?
    If I had a pound for every time I didn't play the lottery...
  • As it stands, yes :)
  • You have to renew the photo card every 10 years and if you don't you can get a fine so if i was you i would keep hold of your paper licence for as long as possible. Sadly i had to change mine when i moved.
  • MrChips
    MrChips Posts: 1,056 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Combo Breaker
    Thanks - that's precisely my intention. Much prefer my paper licence as fewer restrictions such as this.
    If I had a pound for every time I didn't play the lottery...
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