The extension applies to drivers with a photocard driving licence due to expire between 1 February and 31 August 2020
Drivers with a photocard driving licence due to expire between 1 February and 31 August 2020 will be granted a 7-month extension from the date of expiry the DVLA has announced today (4 June 2020). This will help drivers to make necessary journeys without having to obtain a new photograph to renew their licence.
Normally drivers are required to renew their photocard licence every 10 years, and bus and lorry drivers every 5 years. A new EU regulation has now been introduced which means photocards that expire between 1 February and 31 August 2020 will be automatically extended for a further 7 months from the date of expiry.
Drivers will be sent a reminder to renew before their 7-month extension ends.
This extension applies to the photocard. If a driver’s entitlement to drive is due to expire and they wish to continue to hold a valid licence, they will need to renew this entitlement in the normal way.
DVLA Chief Executive Julie Lennard said
This change will be introduced from 4 June 2020.
Notes to Editors:
A car (Group 1) licence generally remains in force until the driver reaches 70, unless revoked or surrendered. At aged 70 the driver must renew their entitlement to drive every 3 years if they wish to continue to hold a valid licence. Bus and lorry (Group 2) licence holders aged 45 and over are required to renew their entitlement to drive every 5 years. Holders of short- term medical licences will also need to renew their entitlement to drive. The 7-month extension does not apply to renewal of entitlement to drive.
The DVLA’s online services to renew your driving licence and replace a driving licence are available for those drivers who need to renew their entitlement to drive or replace a lost or stolen licence.