More than 926,000 drivers in Britain had expired driving licences as of September 3, 2022, according to data obtained by the Press Association. This represents over two percent of all motorists, though it includes some who have stopped driving without notifying the DVLA.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, failing to return an expired licence is an offence punishable by a fine of up to £1,000. However, the RAC reports that drivers who renew after the expiry date will not face a fine. The DVLA contacts motorists 56 days before their licence is due to expire.
Alex Kindred, car insurance expert at Confused.com, warned: “Letting your licence expire could result in you facing a fine of £1,000. And with the current cost of living, this is an additional motoring cost that could easily be avoided by keeping it up-to-date.”
Driving licence photocards must be renewed every ten years until age 70, after which renewal is required every three years. The DVLA recommends using the online service, which is the “quickest, easiest and often cheapest way”. Online applications are processed within five days, while paper applications take three to four weeks.
If a motorist continues to drive without renewing, they could be prosecuted by the police, leading to a further £5,000 fine. A DVLA spokesperson said: “If you stop driving altogether, you should inform DVLA and return your licence rather than keeping it as a form of out-of-date photo ID.”
