Renewed driving licence using passport photo...but when that expires?

DragonQ

So I just renewed my driving licence online since it expires soon. However, there was no way of using a new photo apart from my current passport photo. That's fine but my passport expires next year, so what happens then? Am I stuck with an old photo for the next 10 years on my driving licence, or will I get a new driving licence sent out with my new passport photo once I renew my passport?

peachyprice

No, you won't get a new licence when you renew your passport.

DragonQ

peachyprice wrote: »

No, you won't get a new licence when you renew your passport.

So when I'm 36 I'll have a photo of me at 17 on my driving licence? I thought the whole point of licence renewals was to have fairly recent photos?

roddydogs

Did you not have the option to send in a new photo? I though the passport had to be less than 5 yrs old.

AdrianC

DragonQ wrote: »

However, there was no way of using a new photo apart from my current passport photo.

Yes, there was. Via post.
https://www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence#other-ways-to-apply

It's kinda difficult to send a hard-copy photo online.

DragonQ

roddydogs wrote: »

Did you not have the option to send in a new photo? I though the passport had to be less than 5 yrs old.

Nope. It never mentioned a 5 year limit and it let me complete the process no problem.

AdrianC wrote: »

Yes, there was. Via post.
https://www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence#other-ways-to-apply

It's kinda difficult to send a hard-copy photo online.

Hmm I don't remember seeing that presented as an option when I went through the online process. I have no cheque book though so not sure I could even do that.

Why do they need a hard-copy photo though? They can use your passport photo without a hard-copy, after all.

bod1467

Don't worry about it ... my passport photo was 8 years old at the time I got my photocard license, so when it comes to renew the photocard I'll be 18 years older than the photo.

If they are strict about not using a photo more than 5 years old then they shouldn't allow the online process to select a passport photo older than 5 years.

bod1467

DragonQ wrote: »

Why do they need a hard-copy photo though? They can use your passport photo without a hard-copy, after all.

Because the passport photo is authenticated. If they let you simply upload a photo then it could be of anyone at all - ergo open to serious abuse and fraud.

DragonQ

bod1467 wrote: »

Because the passport photo is authenticated. If they let you simply upload a photo then it could be of anyone at all - ergo open to serious abuse and fraud.

Yeah, makes sense. If they're gonna try to be efficient and use the same photo for both though, they should at least let you update both and keep them in sync.

Not really surprised though since government websites are just awful in terms of usability and clarity.

AdrianC

DragonQ wrote: »

Hmm I don't remember seeing that presented as an option when I went through the online process.

Then you either didn't use the .gov.uk site, so probably got tucked up by scammers, or you didn't notice the "Other Ways To Apply" tab.

I have no cheque book though so not sure I could even do that.

"A cheque or postal order". Or pay by card in the PO. Or find where you hid your cheque book, because I'll bet your bank did issue you with one...

AdrianC

DragonQ wrote: »

Yeah, makes sense. If they're gonna try to be efficient and use the same photo for both though, they should at least let you update both and keep them in sync.

Coming next: Why don't I get a new passport with the new photo I used for my driving licence?

Not really surprised though since government websites are just awful in terms of usability and clarity.

So do it offline, and stop moaning about the government having the temerity to offer you an easier way to do something...