Cannot contact DVLA - It is keeping my old and new license

Skag

I sent my papers to exchange my EU license to DVLA. The letter was next day registered, and I can see the signature that it was delievered the next day (3rd June).

I have tried to contact them, but the phone line always appears busy, the webchat closes automatically, and the email doesn't work because Due to the reduced number of staff on site, we are not able to offer an email service.

I don't get it. Now I don't have my EU nor my GB license and I don't know when I'll have it back. To make things worse, my insurance is due for renewal the next few days and without the GB license, I will have to pay double or triple the amount that I would if I had my license. Any suggestions?

georgelmitchell

Hi, I applied for a new car licence to DVLA. It took just over 3 months to have a new licence issued. 

Skag

georgelmitchell said:

Hi, I applied for a new car licence to DVLA. It took just over 3 months to have a new licence issued. 

Wow... And to think that it states that it typically takes 3 weeks (which I believe btw). When did you apply and when did you receive it back ?

AdrianC

Skag said:

I sent my papers to exchange my EU license to DVLA. The letter was next day registered, and I can see the signature that it was delievered the next day (3rd June).

I have tried to contact them, but the phone line always appears busy, the webchat closes automatically, and the email doesn't work because Due to the reduced number of staff on site, we are not able to offer an email service.

I don't get it. Now I don't have my EU nor my GB license and I don't know when I'll have it back. To make things worse, my insurance is due for renewal the next few days and without the GB license, I will have to pay double or triple the amount that I would if I had my license. Any suggestions?

On 2nd June, the day you say you posted it, DVLA's website said very clearly "DO NOT POST US ANYTHING, WE AREN'T DEALING WITH POST CURRENTLY."
https://web.archive.org/web/20200608041802/https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-coronavirus-covid-19-update

It had said that since 23rd March. I am sure you can guess the reasons why...

Since then, they have changed the status update to merely "Look, it's going to take ages, please don't chase us, it won't get it done any quicker".
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-coronavirus-covid-19-update

Skag

AdrianC said:

Skag said:

I sent my papers to exchange my EU license to DVLA. The letter was next day registered, and I can see the signature that it was delievered the next day (3rd June).

I have tried to contact them, but the phone line always appears busy, the webchat closes automatically, and the email doesn't work because Due to the reduced number of staff on site, we are not able to offer an email service.

I don't get it. Now I don't have my EU nor my GB license and I don't know when I'll have it back. To make things worse, my insurance is due for renewal the next few days and without the GB license, I will have to pay double or triple the amount that I would if I had my license. Any suggestions?

On 2nd June, the day you say you posted it, DVLA's website said very clearly "DO NOT POST US ANYTHING, WE AREN'T DEALING WITH POST CURRENTLY."
https://web.archive.org/web/20200608041802/https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-coronavirus-covid-19-update

It had said that since 23rd March. I am sure you can guess the reasons why...

Since then, they have changed the status update to merely "Look, it's going to take ages, please don't chase us, it won't get it done any quicker".
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-coronavirus-covid-19-update

I missed both. And the second one doesn't appear as you've quoted it, but I believe you.

In my case, I had the application prepared months ago, and I sent it following the instructions on the paper form...

I believe this sector is some office where they process the applications, so I am not sure why they have limited service... but that's just me.

Car_54

Skag said:

AdrianC said:

Skag said:

I sent my papers to exchange my EU license to DVLA. The letter was next day registered, and I can see the signature that it was delievered the next day (3rd June).

I have tried to contact them, but the phone line always appears busy, the webchat closes automatically, and the email doesn't work because Due to the reduced number of staff on site, we are not able to offer an email service.

I don't get it. Now I don't have my EU nor my GB license and I don't know when I'll have it back. To make things worse, my insurance is due for renewal the next few days and without the GB license, I will have to pay double or triple the amount that I would if I had my license. Any suggestions?

On 2nd June, the day you say you posted it, DVLA's website said very clearly "DO NOT POST US ANYTHING, WE AREN'T DEALING WITH POST CURRENTLY."
https://web.archive.org/web/20200608041802/https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-coronavirus-covid-19-update

It had said that since 23rd March. I am sure you can guess the reasons why...

Since then, they have changed the status update to merely "Look, it's going to take ages, please don't chase us, it won't get it done any quicker".
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-coronavirus-covid-19-update

I believe this sector is some office where they process the applications, so I am not sure why they have limited service... but that's just me.

I'm not sure either, but I think it may be something to do with Covid-19.

shaun_from_Africa

Skag said:

I missed both. And the second one doesn't appear as you've quoted it, but I believe you.

In my case, I had the application prepared months ago, and I sent it following the instructions on the paper form...

I believe this sector is some office where they process the applications, so I am not sure why they have limited service... but that's just me.

I'm not trying to be funny here but are you honestly saying that you haven't read about or seen anything on any news channels about the effects of Covid-19 and how distancing measures had been put into place with regards to work and social environments?
People working in close proximity to one another in offices were one of the first types of workplaces to be impacted.

AdrianC

Skag said:

I missed both.

Obviously, but that doesn't move you up the queue.

And the second one doesn't appear as you've quoted it, but I believe you.

In case of doubt, I was paraphrasing...

In my case, I had the application prepared months ago, and I sent it following the instructions on the paper form...

I'm not sure if you've been following the news lately...

I believe this sector is some office where they process the applications, so I am not sure why they have limited service... but that's just me.

Apart from anything else, DVLA is in Swansea, which is in Wales. And the Welsh devolved government locked down harder, for longer, than other parts of the country.

Hasbeen

Skag said:

I sent my papers to exchange my EU license to DVLA. The letter was next day registered, and I can see the signature that it was delievered the next day (3rd June).

I have tried to contact them, but the phone line always appears busy, the webchat closes automatically, and the email doesn't work because Due to the reduced number of staff on site, we are not able to offer an email service.

I don't get it. Now I don't have my EU nor my GB license and I don't know when I'll have it back. To make things worse, my insurance is due for renewal the next few days and without the GB license, I will have to pay double or triple the amount that I would if I had my license. Any suggestions?

Yes pay more attention, in future. You have heard of Corona virus /  Covid 19?   It has been on the news recently?

Guidance

DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update

Please use our online services, which are all currently available. Please do not send in any paper applications until further notice.

Published 25 March 2020
Last updated 4 June 2020 — see all updates

From:

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency

Skag

Apart from anything else, DVLA is in Swansea, which is in Wales. And the Welsh devolved government locked down harder, for longer, than other parts of the country.

This sheds more light, thanks.