Returning license before new one arrives

DocQuincy

I just renewed my license online and used my passport details so it seems I do not need a photo.

It says I will get a new license in the post within 2 weeks subject to checks and that I should cut my old one in half and send it back to them. 

Will they wait to get my old one before sending the new one out? If not, should I wait to send this one back until the new one arrives in the unlikely event I get stopped and have to produce it to the police?

Also, my local PO seems to be closed most of the time due to Covid. If I put my license in an envelope with nothing else in it do you think a first class stamp will be enough?

Thanks.

strawb_shortcake

When I renewed mine aybe 6/8 weeks ago I had it back within two days so it is or was a very quick service. I waited until I received mine before sending it off though I probably wouldn't have waited two weeks. 
Normal envelope and stamp is sufficient, I did hand mine over at the local post office rather than putting it in a post box

Car_54

DocQuincy said:

Also, my local PO seems to be closed most of the time due to Covid. If I put my license in an envelope with nothing else in it do you think a first class stamp will be enough?

Thanks.

A second-class stamp will be enough!

DocQuincy

Thanks, that's great.

Ectophile

Before you cut the licence one up and return it, check carefully that the DVLA haven't made any mistakes on the new one.  It's a lot harder to prove the mistake after you have destroyed the evidence.

DocQuincy

Thanks, will do.

marlot

I didn't bother to send the old one back.  I waited for the new one, and then put the old one through the shredder.

AdrianC

Ectophile said:

Before you cut the licence one up and return it, check carefully that the DVLA haven't made any mistakes on the new one.  It's a lot harder to prove the mistake after you have destroyed the evidence.

If it's photocard-to-photocard, it'll be straightforward. Just check the record if you're worried.
https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence

When categories went AWOL it was transferring old records onto the modern system - and that's LOOOOOOONG completed.

MX5huggy

Never sent the old ones back, why do they want them? 

nick74

I've never returned my old licences either and it's never caused a problem.

Marmaduke123

We've never sent ours back either. I don't  know why they ask for them, I'm sure they must just go straight in the bin. If you're worried, take a photo of your cut up old licence.