If you still carry the old green paper licence, you have probably wondered whether you must exchange paper driving licence documents for a modern photocard. The short answer is no, not automatically. A paper licence that is still valid stays legal to use. But there are four situations where you do have to switch, and in those cases the process is quick and often free.
This guide explains when you must exchange, when you simply might want to, what it costs, which forms to use and what to do while you wait. We are an independent information site and not DVLA. The rules below follow the official GOV.UK page, and applying through that route is the only way to be sure you pay the correct fee.
Do you have to exchange a paper driving licence?
You do not have to swap a valid paper licence just because it is old. DVLA says that if your paper licence is still valid and none of the following applies, you can keep using it. You must get a photocard licence if:
- You change your address.
- You change your name.
- You want to do Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training.
- Your licence has been defaced, lost, stolen or destroyed.
If you hold a paper licence and move house, that is the trigger most people hit. A new photocard is issued automatically when you update your address, so there is no separate application. Our guide to changing your address on your driving licence covers the basic steps.
What does it cost to exchange a paper driving licence?
The fee depends on why you are swapping:
| Reason | Cost |
|---|---|
| Name change, with your paper licence | Free |
| Address change, with your paper licence | Free |
| Licence defaced, lost, stolen or destroyed | £20 |
| Any other reason | £20 |
The fee for other photo changes is different, and our driving licence fees guide lists every price. You can pay by debit or credit card online, and by cheque or postal order made payable to DVLA if you apply by post.
How to exchange paper driving licence documents online
You can apply online through the official service if you meet these conditions: you are resident in Great Britain, you are not disqualified or prevented from driving, you meet the minimum eyesight standard and you have not changed your name. You will sign in with GOV.UK One Login, prove your identity and provide a digital photo and signature. DVLA sends a confirmation email when the application goes through.
If you cannot use the online route, or if you have changed your name, you must use the postal route.
How to exchange paper driving licence documents by post
- Pick up form D1 (for cars and motorbikes) or D2 (for lorries and buses) from most Post Offices.
- Fill it in using black ink and capital letters.
- Collect your original identity documents, such as a passport or birth certificate. Do not send photocopies.
- Take a recent colour passport-style photo that meets the official requirements.
- Include a cheque or postal order for £20 if one is due.
- Send everything to the address shown on the form, using the correct postage. For cars and motorbikes, that is DVLA in Swansea.
Keep a record of when you posted it. A Post Office can also check and send your application for a small fee.
What documents do you need to swap a paper licence?
You will need your paper licence (and counterpart if you still have it), proof of your identity and, for name changes, evidence such as a marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate or deed poll. If your current licence has been lost, say what happened on the form. For help avoiding errors, read our list of common driving licence application mistakes before you post anything.
Common mistakes when you exchange paper driving licence documents
Most delays come from avoidable errors. People send photocopies instead of original documents, forget to sign the form, enclose the wrong fee, or use a photo that does not meet the rules, for example one with glasses glare or a patterned background. Others send the application to an old address or fail to include an explanation for a lost licence. Read the form twice before you post it, tick every box that applies, and keep a copy of everything. Using a tracked postal service gives you proof of delivery, which is helpful if the application goes astray. If you are applying online, double-check your National Insurance number and the postcode before you submit.
Can you drive while DVLA has your paper licence?
Usually, yes. GOV.UK says you can keep driving while your application is processed if you have your doctor’s support to continue driving, you held a valid licence, you only drive under the conditions of that licence, your application is less than a year old, your previous licence was not revoked or refused for medical reasons, you are not currently disqualified, and you were not disqualified as a high-risk offender on or after 1 June 2013. If you cannot meet all of those, wait for the new licence before driving.
How long does it take to get a photocard after you exchange a paper driving licence?
Online applications are often completed within a week, while postal applications take longer, particularly if your documents or medical details need checking. If more than three weeks pass, contact DVLA. Our explainer on how long a driving licence takes shows typical timeframes, and our update on DVLA delays in 2026 explains what to do when an application is held up.
Reasons to exchange paper driving licence documents voluntarily
Even when you are not obliged, a photocard licence has practical advantages. Photo ID is easier to use at airports, banks and car hire desks. A photocard shows your entitlements and codes more clearly. It also links directly to the online check code system, which many employers and hire firms use. Our article on the driving licence check code explains how that works. The downside is a ten-year renewal cycle, so you will have to renew the photo in future. The paper version, by contrast, is valid until you reach 70, and then you renew it every three years.
Special cases when you exchange paper driving licence documents
If you are applying for CPC training, plan ahead: the training provider needs to see a photocard. If your paper licence has an old address and you no longer know your driver number, you can find it on an old counterpart or through DVLA. If you are a new resident or hold a foreign licence, a different process applies, and our guide for new UK residents sets it out. If you are approaching 70, our guide to renewing your driving licence at 70 explains the separate renewal rules.
Exchange paper driving licence FAQs
Is my paper driving licence still valid?
Yes, if it has not expired and none of the reasons that require a new licence applies. You can carry on using it.
How much does it cost to exchange a paper driving licence?
It is free if you are changing your name or address and still have the paper licence. It costs £20 if the licence was lost, stolen, defaced, destroyed or for any other reason.
Can I exchange my paper driving licence online?
Yes, if you have not changed your name, live in Great Britain and meet the eyesight standard. Otherwise apply by post with form D1 or D2.
Do I need a new photo when I swap?
Yes. You will provide a photo for the photocard, either digitally online or as a printed passport-style photo by post.
Can I drive while my application is being processed?
Often yes, provided you meet the conditions listed by GOV.UK, including having your doctor’s support if relevant.
Quick summary
To exchange paper driving licence documents for a photocard, apply through the official GOV.UK service online, or by post using form D1 or D2. The swap is compulsory when you change your name or address, begin CPC training, or lose or damage the licence, and it is otherwise optional. Keep your documents ready, pay only the official fee and never use a site that adds extra charges. For other everyday questions, visit our UK driving licence FAQ.
Fast Driving Licence is an independent information service and is not affiliated with DVLA or GOV.UK. Details were checked in October 2026; confirm on GOV.UK before you apply.