Losing your driving licence is frustrating, but it is not the end of the world. In the UK, you can replace a lost driving licence quickly and simply through the DVLA — either online in a matter of minutes or by post. This guide covers everything you need to know about how to apply for a replacement licence, what it costs, how long it takes, and how to protect yourself from identity fraud in the meantime.
Table of Contents
- Can You Drive Without Your Driving Licence?
- How to Replace a Lost Driving Licence Online
- How to Replace by Post
- What to Do If Your Licence Was Stolen
- Replacing a Damaged Driving Licence
- How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Driving Licence?
- How Long Does a Replacement Licence Take?
- Protecting Yourself from Identity Fraud
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Can You Drive Without Your Driving Licence?
One of the first questions people ask when they realise their driving licence is missing is whether they are still allowed to drive. The answer, in Great Britain, is yes — provided you hold a valid entitlement to drive.
In England, Scotland, and Wales, you are not legally required to carry your physical driving licence card at all times. However, you must be able to produce it at a police station within 7 days if a police officer requests it. This is known as a HORT/1 notice, or a “producer”.
So whilst you can legally drive while waiting for your replacement driving licence, it is strongly advisable to apply for a replacement as soon as possible to avoid complications — particularly when hiring a car, where rental companies almost always require a current physical licence.
How to Replace a Lost Driving Licence Online
The fastest way to apply for a replacement driving licence is online through the DVLA’s digital service on GOV.UK. The whole process takes only a few minutes and your new licence typically arrives within one to two weeks.
What You Need to Apply Online
- Your current UK driving licence number (if you can remember it — it may also be on your vehicle insurance documents)
- Your National Insurance number
- A valid UK passport (the DVLA will use your passport photo digitally — you do not need to send printed photographs)
- A UK debit or credit card to pay the £20 replacement fee
Step-by-Step Online Replacement Process
- Visit the GOV.UK replacement driving licence page.
- Sign in with your Government Gateway account, or create one if you do not have one.
- Confirm your personal details — name, date of birth, address.
- Enter your driving licence number if known, or explain that it has been lost.
- Allow the DVLA to use your current UK passport photo (recommended).
- Pay the £20 fee online.
- Submit your application and note your reference number.
That is all there is to it. Most applicants receive their replacement licence within 5–14 days when applying online.
How to Replace by Post
If you prefer to apply by post — or if you are unable to apply online for any reason — you can use the D1 application form, available from any Post Office branch in the UK.
For a postal replacement, you will need:
- A completed D1 form (available from the Post Office)
- Two recent passport-style photographs
- Proof of identity (passport or acceptable alternative)
- Payment of £20 by cheque or postal order made payable to DVLA
Post your completed application to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BH. Always use tracked or recorded delivery so you have proof that your application was received.
Postal replacement applications typically take three to six weeks to process. If you need your replacement quickly, applying online is the better option by a considerable margin.
What to Do If Your Licence Was Stolen
If your driving licence has been stolen, there are additional steps you should take beyond simply applying for a replacement.
Report It to the Police
Report the theft to the police and obtain a crime reference number. Whilst the police may not actively investigate a stolen driving licence on its own, having a crime reference number is useful if the licence is later used fraudulently and provides evidence that you reported it promptly.
Be Alert to Identity Fraud
A driving licence contains your name, address, date of birth, and photograph — valuable data for identity fraudsters. If your licence has been stolen, monitor your credit file and be vigilant for any unusual activity on your financial accounts. Consider placing a notice of correction on your credit file with one or more of the major credit reference agencies (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion).
Apply for a Replacement Licence Promptly
Apply for your replacement licence as soon as possible after a theft. You can include the crime reference number on your D1 form or mention it when applying online to support your application.
Replacing a Damaged Driving Licence
If your driving licence has been damaged — torn, water damaged, or otherwise rendered illegible — you should apply for a replacement. Although you may technically still hold the entitlement to drive, a damaged licence may not be accepted by police, car hire companies, or employers who require evidence of your driving entitlement.
The process for replacing a damaged licence is the same as for a lost one. You can apply online or by post using the D1 form. The fee is the same — £20 — and the same processing timescales apply.
When you receive your replacement, destroy the damaged version safely.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Driving Licence?
The DVLA charges a standard fee of £20 to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driving licence in 2026. This fee applies whether you apply online or by post.
There is no priority or express service available for replacement applications. If you need your licence quickly, applying online is the fastest route — not paying more. The £20 fee is non-refundable even if your original licence turns up after you have applied for a replacement.
Bear in mind that if you find your original licence after receiving a replacement, you should destroy the old one. Holding two valid driving licences is not permitted.
How Long Does a Replacement Licence Take?
As with other types of DVLA application, the time it takes to receive your replacement driving licence depends on how you apply.
- Online application — typically 5–14 days
- Postal application — typically 3–6 weeks
In 2026, some applicants are experiencing slightly extended waits due to DVLA processing pressures. If your replacement has not arrived after four weeks (online) or eight weeks (postal), contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6801. For more on this topic, see our article on DVLA delays in 2026.
Protecting Yourself from Identity Fraud
Your driving licence is a key piece of personal identity documentation. Whether it has been lost or stolen, taking proactive steps to protect yourself against identity fraud is wise.
- Check your credit report — review your credit file with Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion for any unusual applications
- Use CIFAS protective registration — this fraud prevention service adds an extra layer of checks when anyone applies for credit or services in your name
- Monitor your email and post — watch for correspondence about accounts or applications you did not make
- Notify your bank — alert your bank that your licence has been lost or stolen, particularly if it was part of a wallet or bag theft that also involved bank cards
Acting quickly reduces the risk of your personal details being misused before your replacement arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a replacement driving licence online?
Yes. The fastest way to replace a lost driving licence in the UK is to apply online through the DVLA’s service on GOV.UK. You will need your National Insurance number, driving licence number (if known), a valid UK passport, and a debit or credit card to pay the £20 fee.
How much does it cost to replace a lost driving licence?
The DVLA charges £20 to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driving licence. This fee is the same whether you apply online or by post.
Can I drive while waiting for my replacement driving licence?
Yes, in most cases. In Great Britain, you are not required to carry your physical driving licence at all times. You can legally drive while waiting for your replacement, as long as your entitlement to drive has not expired or been revoked. However, you may face difficulties hiring a car without a physical licence.
How long does a replacement driving licence take?
Online replacement applications typically result in the new licence arriving within one to two weeks. Postal applications take three to six weeks. Apply online for the fastest turnaround.
What do I do if I find my old driving licence after getting a replacement?
If you find your old licence after a replacement has been issued, you should destroy the old licence. You are not permitted to hold two valid UK driving licences simultaneously.
What is the D1 form for a replacement driving licence?
The D1 form is the standard DVLA postal application form for driving licence services, including replacements. You can pick one up at any Post Office branch in the UK or download and print it from the DVLA website on GOV.UK.
Conclusion
Replacing a lost driving licence in the UK is a quick and straightforward process — especially if you apply online. The £20 DVLA fee, a few minutes on GOV.UK, and your new licence will typically be with you within a fortnight. If your licence was stolen, take the additional step of reporting it to the police and monitoring your credit file to protect against identity fraud.
Do not delay once you realise your licence is missing. Apply for a replacement as soon as possible to ensure you have a valid document to hand whenever you need it.
For expert help with all UK driving licence services — including provisional applications, renewals, and replacements — visit Fast Driving Licence. We make the DVLA process as fast and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on getting behind the wheel.