Driving licence photo's 10 year renewal

ryanbrickell

I found this thread really useful and had to post because I have literally just experienced first hand what having an expired photocard part of my licence means.
Mine expired last year and I have not yet renewed it.
I was involved in an accident last night and had to go through all the insurance bits today. When they said we're just going to connect to a conference call with the DVLA I did panic for a second.
The lady verified my licence as VALID but kindly informed me that my photocard had expired and that I should renew it either online if you have a digital passport or by filling in and sending off a D1 / D798 form.
My insurance IS VALID but needless to say after that moment of panic I'll be renewing it now the cost of which is £20 (plus the passport photo I need to get)
So it is the paper portion of your licence that determines it's validity not the photo.

thenudeone

ryanbrickell wrote: »

So it is the paper portion of your licence that determines it's validity not the photo.

No it isn't. The Counterpart does not contain the expiry dates for the main groups (only provisional entitlements).

This issue of entitlement to drive has been discussed at length here http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=42196812&postcount=7
amongst other places

rsccford

Hi,

Can anybody tell me, from recent experience, how long it takes to receive the new liscense following a postal application? I was meant to be picking up a car tomorrow and I was told I needed my license for approval for the car finance co. I haven't got it because its with the *%*$%^* DVLA for photo renewal. Thanks all...

fuzzgun19

If I send my licence off due to an address change (no charge), can I renew the photo too at the same time for free?

jogu

fuzzgun19 wrote: »

If I send my licence off due to an address change (no charge), can I renew the photo too at the same time for free?

Nope.

Your options are:

1. change your address for free, photocard expiry date will remain the same
2. pay £20 to change address & renew photocard at same time, which will extend the expiry date

I just had to do this, those were the exact options the online service gives you.

(Yes, it's all a big scam.)

Tharweb

Has anyone attempted to renew their photo on-line? I've been trying since yesterday afternoon and the application just hangs??? I've emailed DirectGov but don't expect a reply.

Tharweb

Further to the above post, I finally managed to renew my photo via DirectGov on-line this afternoon after 4 more attempts!!!

[Deleted User]

How long after the expiry date do you get fined? Just that I know someone who's photo card expired 2 months ago and they haven't sent if off to be renewed yet (they forgot). They are still driving.

AnythingButChardonnay

Deleted_User wrote: »

How long after the expiry date do you get fined? Just that I know someone who's photo card expired 2 months ago and they haven't sent if off to be renewed yet (they forgot). They are still driving.

I've yet to hear of anyone having been fined.

Having an expired photocard licence doesn't affect your entitlement to drive, which (usually) lasts 'til the eve of your 70th birthday for car, motorbike and grandfather entitlements (if applicable).

Could cause problems abroad though, where such a subtle distinction may be lost in translation.

sarahg1969

Deleted_User wrote: »

How long after the expiry date do you get fined? Just that I know someone who's photo card expired 2 months ago and they haven't sent if off to be renewed yet (they forgot). They are still driving.

Mine expired last August and my husband's in September. We've not been penalised. My husband did have to ring the DVLA about something, and they reminded him that this photo was out of date, and he might want to think about renewing it. No pressure though!