Lost driving licence

brianposter

Is there any problem obtaining a second driving licence if the first one is lost ?

400ixl

Not as long as you apply for a replacement giving the reason as a lost driving license.

You can apply at https://www.gov.uk/apply-online-to-replace-a-driving-licence

If you are trying to get a second copy of your license by claiming the original was lost but you do still have it could land you in issues if you ever try to use it and it is found to be cancelled as it will be when you apply for the replacement.

Bigphil1474

If it is lost, get a replacement as above (cost is £14). If the old one turns up, cut it in half and dispose of to avoid any issues.

brianposter

The reason that I am asking is not that I have lost my licence, but because of the excuse that the DVLA gave when I enquired about retaining my licence (which I need) whilst applying for renewal. The reason given was that "nobody can have two licences".

However I assume that anyone who wants a second licence for nefarious purposes simply says that they have lost the first, meaning that anyone who is happy to tell fibs can get two licences.

I dont think that one can avoid the conclusion that the DVLA is run by a bunch of complete idiots.

[Deleted User]

Every 10 years when my photo card licence expires I always jot down that my old licence is lost instead of sending it back. Does no harm.

shiraz99

brianposter said:

The reason that I am asking is not that I have lost my licence, but because of the excuse that the DVLA gave when I enquired about retaining my licence (which I need) whilst applying for renewal. The reason given was that "nobody can have two licences".

However I assume that anyone who wants a second licence for nefarious purposes simply says that they have lost the first, meaning that anyone who is happy to tell fibs can get two licences.

I dont think that one can avoid the conclusion that the DVLA is run by a bunch of complete idiots.

What "nefarious purposes" are these?

Rodders53

Bigphil1474 said:

If it is lost, get a replacement as above (cost is £14). If the old one turns up, cut it in half and dispose of to avoid any issues.

Wrong
https://www.gov.uk/apply-online-to-replace-a-driving-licence

It's £20 (£30 in Northern Ireland) and the re-discovered licence must be sent back to DVLA (they say).

Replacement licence is not a second licence but a 'copy/replacement' of the original...  not sure how you can "need" a licence that is lost (as photo ID a lost licence is useless)... So you haven't got it to "retain" - which is probably why you confused the agent at DVLA you asked.

AIUI one can still drive while waiting for a replacement licence from the DVLA (I did that when I moved home, first got a photo ID licence etc.,).   Naturally one needs to not be disqualified or have a medical condition that precludes driving to do so.  Records are electronic for Law Enforcement purposes, of course.

Grey_Critic

Just renewed my licence and it states in the documentation that you should cut your old licence in two and return it.

The documentation does say you may continue to drive whilst awaiting the new licence so there should be no problem. It also states that should you find the old/lost licence it should be returned. Perfectly straight forward as others have said it is against the law to be in possesion of two.

brianposter

Grey_Critic said:

The documentation does say you may continue to drive whilst awaiting the new licence so there should be no problem.

There is an obvious problem if you expect to drive abroad or hire a car.

user1977

shiraz99 said:

brianposter said:

The reason that I am asking is not that I have lost my licence, but because of the excuse that the DVLA gave when I enquired about retaining my licence (which I need) whilst applying for renewal. The reason given was that "nobody can have two licences".

However I assume that anyone who wants a second licence for nefarious purposes simply says that they have lost the first, meaning that anyone who is happy to tell fibs can get two licences.

I dont think that one can avoid the conclusion that the DVLA is run by a bunch of complete idiots.

What "nefarious purposes" are these?

In ye olden days certainly, it was often deemed to be useful to be able to wave a "clean" licence at the cops (or anybody else who was interested). But now that it's trivially easy to check the actual status of your licence, I'm not sure it really matters.

And despite the DVLA's request that you return the old licence to you, they don't in fact check whether you do.

DanDare999

Grey_Critic said:

Just renewed my licence and it states in the documentation that you should cut your old licence in two and return it.

The documentation does say you may continue to drive whilst awaiting the new licence so there should be no problem. It also states that should you find the old/lost licence it should be returned. Perfectly straight forward as others have said it is against the law to be in possesion of two.

If that were the case why do the DVLA put you in the position of breaking the law?