DVLA licence renewal refuse to accept my passport photo

Pansy_Potter_12

I am required to renew over 70 licence.  They promote doing this online, but after going through the whole process including giving passport number etc it states its not possible to use online photo as DVLA are unable to confirm my identity online.  It gives no reason on why this is the case.

I then called their chat line and was informed only photos from old EU passport are acceptable and as I now have the new black UK one I must complete form, attach new photo and post.  In this digital age and especially when I am proficient with computers and technology I find this totally unacceptable.

It doesn't stop there.......I then sent the exact same photo as is shown on my passport (even sent a photocopy of it as evidence) and they rejected it for 4 reasons:

It wasn't a plain background  -  it was totally plain. (printed by professional company who are aware  of government guidelines on passport size and requirements etc).

Background should be white, cream or grey - it was pale grey

My Body is too far away - Passport Office immediately accepted and approved exact same photo.

*Head Covering not allowed - I was not wearing a head covering!!
* ( when I complained the reply said sorry about that, it was a clerk error).

There is nothing at start of online process stating only fill in the application if you have an older EU passport, not possible with the current UK one.

I have to go and get another photo taken, at additional expense, and as I originally sent the application in June my license has now lapsed.  So this is just a heads up for anyone else who think they can renew online with your brand new UK passport.

Frozen_up_north

Same problem here, my OH had her passport picture rejected (new British passport), my old EU passport photo was fine.
She is going to have to send a photo by snail mail, thank you for the issue over needing to be careful over the photo

Pansy_Potter_12

Thanks for replying.  
I'm going to write and complain to the CEO of the DVLA.  What a way to treat customers, promoting the online service, but being kept in the dark about these applications only being available if you have an old type EU passport.  Why can't they state that upfront at the start of the process.  Although its totally crazy this agency is allowed to get away with it. 

Isthisforreal99

Nonsense, renewed my licence couple of months ago with new type paasport.

Not over 70 mind you, was just it's 10 year expiry.

EssexExile

Isthisforreal99 said:

Nonsense, renewed my licence couple of months ago with new type paasport.

Not over 70 mind you, was just it's 10 year expiry.

Renewed mine ok and I am over 70.

singhini

I'm confused by this thread.

I need to renew my passport next year i.e. 2026 (its currently the burgundy EU passport).

Then in 2028 i will need to renew my driving licence

Are people suggesting i need to use the exact same picture for both?   

Grey_Critic

They issue the Licences - They set the rules. If you want to renew then just do as they say. 

Pansy_Potter_12

Isthisforreal99:  Its not nonsense, others are experiencing the exact same situation as I have found out.  See FrozenUpNorth's comment above.  I've done other research elsewhere and many complaining about this too.
Perhaps you had no problems because you are not over 70 and paid a fee for an new license {I've no idea}. The license has to be renewed every 3 years after the age of 70 at no cost.  

It was the online chat with their representative who gave the explanation.

Singhini:  You wont need to use exact same photo for both passport and license.  I was just wanted to use the same for both for easiness. Therefore you will be able to use different photos if you prefer.
 

Pansy_Potter_12

Update:  Just googled and states as follows:

The DVLA is rejecting photos from the new blue UK passport for over 70s driving license renewals, requiring applicants to submit a separate recent photo. This is because the new passport format doesn't match the DVLAs digital verification system, The DVLAs online system cannot verify digital signature, requiring a physical photo submission.

singhini

@Pansy_Potter_12
Thankyou 

photome

Pansy_Potter_12 said:

Update:  Just googled and states as follows:

The DVLA is rejecting photos from the new blue UK passport for over 70s driving license renewals, requiring applicants to submit a separate recent photo. This is because the new passport format doesn't match the DVLAs digital verification system, The DVLAs online system cannot verify digital signature, requiring a physical photo submission.

That makes no sense , how can it recognise someone under 70 with the new passport ?