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Renewal reminder

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will send you a D27P ‘driving licence application for renewal after disqualification’ 56 days before your disqualification ends.

Non-Great Britain (GB) licence holder

DVLA will send your non-GB driving licence to you on the date your disqualification expires, to the address DVLA holds on record. If you want to exchange your licence for a GB licence you will need to submit a D1 application form.

• Exchanging your foreign driving licence

Photocard driving licence holder

You’ll need to:

• complete your D27P form
• enclose the payment as shown on the reminder
• send your completed application to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB

If your name has changed you’ll also need to send (along with the above):

• a completed D1 form available from the DVLA form ordering service or Post Office® branches
• original documentation confirming your new name

A message on your D27P form will also tell you if your photo is due for renewal, and whether you’ll need to include a new passport style photo.

Paper driving licence holder

You’ll need to:

• complete your D27P form
• provide original documentation confirming your identity
• enclose a passport type photo, the payment as shown on the reminder
• send all your documents to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB or you can use the premium checking service at selected Post Office® branches or DVLA local offices

• DVLA form ordering service Opens new window

• Identity documents and photograph criteria

• Premium checking service

Renewing without a D27P ‘driving licence application for renewal after disqualification’

If, for any reason, you don’t receive the reminder application form, you can complete a D1 ‘application for a driving licence’. This is available from the DVLA form ordering service or Post Office® branches. Also enclose the appropriate fee to renew after disqualification.

If you need to renew your lorry or bus entitlement you will only need to complete a D2 'application for Lorry, Bus or Minibus driving licence'. This is available from the DVLA form ordering service or from DVLA local offices.

If you want to change your photo on your licence, simply enclose one with your application.

• Download the information leaflet ‘Driving licence photo renewal INS197' (PDF, 161K)

• Help with PDF files

When to expect your new driving licence

DVLA aims to deliver your driving licence to you within three weeks of receiving your application. It’ll take longer if your health or personal details have to be checked. Allow at least three weeks for your driving licence to arrive before contacting DVLA.

If you’re disqualified for some alcohol related offences, DVLA will make medical enquiries before your driving licence can be renewed.

These offences are:

• disqualified with an alcohol level of over: 200mg in 100ml of blood; or 87.5mg in 100ml of breath; or 267.5mg in 100ml of urine
• disqualified twice in 10 years for certain alcohol related offences
• disqualified for failing or refusing to give a specimen (blood, breath or urine) for testing

For further information please read the information leaflet below.

• Download 'How to apply for your driving licence after disqualification for a drink/drive offence INF212/1' (PDF, 248K)

• Help with PDF files

When your licence is issued it’ll have a number of added security features. One of the main differences is a laser engraved black and white photograph.

• The photocard and counterpart driving licence explained

Driving before your licence is returned

Once DVLA has received your valid application you can drive before you receive your licence as long as you:

• have held a GB or Northern Ireland licence issued since 1 January 2024 or another exchangeable licence
• aren’t disqualified from driving (there are different rules for medium or large vehicles, minibus or bus drivers - the traffic commissioner for your area will decide whether to grant your entitlement to drive these vehicles)
• haven’t been refused a licence for medical reasons or for failing to comply with medical enquiries
• wouldn’t be refused a licence for medical reasons (if in doubt, check with your doctor)
• keep to any special conditions which apply to the licence