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Photocard driving licence holder

Applying at the test centre

If your photocard driving licence was issued after 1 March 2004, you’ll be given the option to have your full licence issued electronically. The examiner will take your licence off you, scan the details and send them electronically to DVLA.

You’ll be given a pass certificate, as proof of passing, and DVLA will send your full licence to you within four weeks of you passing your practical test.

Applying by post

You'll need to:

• complete the declaration on your test pass certificate
• send it, together with both parts of your driving licence (photocard and counterpart), document to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BJ

If your name has changed since your last licence you'll also need to:

• complete a D1 ‘application for a driving licence’, which is available from DVLA's form ordering service or Post Office® branches
• provide original documentation confirming your new name

• DVLA form ordering service Opens new window

• Identity documents

Renewing the photo on your licence

You'll also need to check the expiry date of your photo on your driving licence. If your photo is due to expire very soon, it'll need to be renewed before the date of expiry. The expiry date of your photo is shown in section 4b on the front of your driving licence.

Beware of the time limit!

If you don't claim your test pass within two years of the date of your test, the driving entitlement in which you gained the test pass will be lost. You'll have to take and pass both parts of the driving test again for that category of vehicle if you wish to have it included on your driving licence.

Paper driving licence holder

You'll need to:

• complete the declaration on your test pass certificate
• complete a D1 ‘application for a driving licence’, available from DVLA's form ordering service or from any Post Office® branch
• provide original documentation confirming your identity
• enclose a passport type photograph and your driving licence

Send all your documents to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BJ or use the premium checking service at selected Post Office® branches or DVLA local offices.

• Identity documents and photograph criteria

• Premium checking service

When to expect your licence

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

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

You can drive before you receive your licence as long as you:

• have held a Great Britain or Northern Ireland licence issued since 1 January 2024 or another exchangeable licence
• aren't disqualified from driving (the traffic commissioner for your area will decide whether to grant your entitlement to drive lorries and buses)
• 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