Working out the right driving licence fees should be simple, but DVLA charges different amounts depending on what you are doing and how you apply. A first provisional licence costs one price, a replacement another, and some services such as changing your address are completely free. Paying by post is almost always more expensive than applying online, and a few people, including drivers aged 70 and over, pay nothing at all to renew.
This guide sets out the current UK driving licence fees in one place, shows you where you can save money, and explains the mistakes that lead people to pay more than they need to. Fast Driving Licence is an independent information site and is not part of DVLA. All figures were checked on the official GOV.UK driving licence fees page in October 2026, and you should always confirm the price on that page before you pay.
Driving licence fees at a glance
Here is the quick reference table. Fees apply to Great Britain only, as Northern Ireland has its own prices.
| Service | Online | By post |
|---|---|---|
| First provisional licence (car, motorcycle, moped) | £34 | £43 |
| First full licence after passing your test | Free | Free |
| Replace a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed licence | £20 | £20 |
| Change address | Free | Free |
| Change name | Not available online | Free |
| Change photo | £14 | £17 |
| Renew a 10-year photocard licence | £14 | £17 |
| Renew because you are 70 or over | Free | Free |
| Renew a short-term medical licence | Free | Free |
| Add, renew or remove a bus or lorry entitlement | Not available online | Free |
The rest of this article explains each line so you can see which one applies to you.
First provisional and full licence fees
Everyone starts with a provisional licence, and the fee depends on how you apply. It costs £34 online and £43 by post, so applying online saves £9. You can apply from 15 years and 9 months old, and you need to be able to read a number plate from 20 metres. Our step-by-step guide to applying for a provisional licence covers the documents you need and how long it takes.
When you pass your practical test, the examiner passes your details to DVLA and your full licence is issued automatically at no charge. The only exception is if you want a different photo from the one on your provisional licence, in which case there is a £17 fee. Other costs that come before this stage, such as the theory test and practical test, are paid to DVSA rather than DVLA and are separate from licence fees.
Test fees are not driving licence fees
A common source of confusion is the cost of learning to drive. The theory test (£23) and the practical driving test (£62 on weekdays, rising to £75 for evenings, weekends and bank holidays) are paid to DVSA, not DVLA. They are separate from driving licence fees, and neither is refundable simply because you change your mind later. Budget for lessons, tests and licence fees together so nothing catches you out. Our guide to fast-track driving test tips shows how to avoid paying for a retake.
Replacement licence fees
If your licence is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, you must replace it, and the fee is a flat £20. Do not wait: driving without a valid licence document can cause problems with hire firms and insurers even if your entitlement is still on the record. If you only need to replace a damaged card, you can do it online. Our guide to replacing a lost driving licence explains the process and what to do if you find the original afterwards.
Changing your name, address or photo
These are three of the most common reasons to contact DVLA, and the fees are very different:
- Address: free, online or by post. You are legally required to keep your address up to date. See our guide to changing your address on your driving licence.
- Name: free, but you must apply by post using form D1 (or D2 for lorry and bus licences) and send your current licence plus evidence such as a marriage certificate or deed poll.
- Photo: £14 online or £17 by post. Photocard licences must be renewed every 10 years, and you will receive a reminder.
If you change your photo and address together, the photo fee still applies, but you do not pay twice. Changing your photo and name at the same time costs £17 by post.
Renewal fees for your driving licence
A standard photocard licence lasts 10 years, and renewing it costs £14 online or £17 by post. You can also renew an expired licence at a Post Office for £21.50, which can be useful if you cannot use the online service, but it is the most expensive route. For a full walkthrough, read our guide to renewing your UK driving licence.
Drivers aged 70 and over renew for free, and so do drivers with a short-term medical licence. After 70, you must renew every three years, but each renewal costs nothing. Our dedicated guide to renewing your driving licence at 70 covers the rules in detail.
Adding or renewing bus and lorry entitlements
If you drive for a living, the paperwork is free, but you pay for the medical and training that go with it. Adding, renewing or giving up a bus or lorry entitlement carries no DVLA fee when you apply by post. The related costs include the medical examination with your doctor, the Driver CPC training and the vocational tests. See our article on Driver CPC and our HGV licence categories guide for what to expect.
Exchanging a licence
Exchanging a paper licence for a photocard is free if you are changing your name or address and still hold the paper version, and £20 if the licence was lost, stolen, defaced or destroyed. Exchanging a full European Community or EEA licence for a GB licence by post costs £43. Our new resident guide shows when you must make the switch.
How to avoid overpaying for driving licence fees
- Always start at GOV.UK. The official services never charge more than the fees above. Third-party websites that add a “service fee” are not DVLA, even if their pages look similar.
- Apply online where you can. It is cheaper and usually quicker than the postal route.
- Do not pay for free services. Address changes, name changes and renewals over 70 cost nothing.
- Check the address bar. Official pages end in gov.uk.
- Watch out for fines. Failing to update your address or notify DVLA of changes can lead to a fine of up to £1,000, so keep your record current.
If you are unsure what a site is charging you for, read our checklist of common driving licence application mistakes before you pay.
Driving licence fees FAQs
How much is a UK provisional driving licence?
A first provisional licence costs £34 when you apply online and £43 when you apply by post, according to GOV.UK.
How much does it cost to replace a driving licence?
Replacing a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed licence costs £20.
Is it free to renew my driving licence?
Only if you are 70 or over or hold a short-term medical licence. Everyone else pays £14 online or £17 by post for a standard renewal.
Do I have to pay to change my address?
No. Changing the address on your driving licence is free online or by post.
Why are driving licence fees higher by post?
Postal applications need to be processed manually, so DVLA charges more. Applying online saves £3 to £9 depending on the service.
Summary of driving licence fees
The core driving licence fees to remember are £34 for a first provisional licence online, £20 for a replacement, £14 to renew or change your photo online, and free for address changes, name changes and renewals at 70 or over. Always apply through the official GOV.UK driving licence fees page, choose online over post where possible, and be wary of any site that adds extra charges. For quick answers to other licence questions, visit our UK driving licence FAQ.
Fast Driving Licence is an independent information service and is not affiliated with DVLA or GOV.UK. Prices were checked in October 2026 and can change without notice.