How to Replace a Lost or Stolen UK Driving Licence
A lost photocard costs £20 to replace online. It takes about a week to arrive. If it was stolen, report it to the police first. You will get a crime reference number. You can keep driving while you wait for the new card. You must be entitled to drive. You must also be able to prove you applied. If the original turns up after you reported it lost, do not drive on it. Send it back to the DVLA instead.
At a glance
- Cost:
- £20
- Total time:
- About 1 week
- Steps:
- 4 steps
- Where to apply:
- gov.uk
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked annually · next review due October 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UK sources(October 2026).
0 of 4 steps
- Before You Go 20 min
Retrace and report theft to police
Check carefully first. A replacement makes the old card invalid. So if a 'lost' licence turns up, you must send it back to the DVLA. If it was stolen, report it by calling 101 or go online. Keep the crime reference number. It helps if you later need to dispute identity fraud.
Click to mark as done
- Fill / Prepare 10 min
Apply for the replacement online (£20)
Go to GOV.UK. Confirm who you are. A passport helps with this. Give your addresses for the last 3 years and your NI numberNational Insurance number — Your UK tax and social security number. You need it to work, pay tax, and claim benefits.Click for official info ↗. Then pay £20. This service is for GB licences. Northern Ireland uses the DVA instead.
Click to mark as done
- Wait ~1 week
Keep driving legally while you wait
You are still entitled to drive while the DVLA processes your replacement. If you are stopped, carry proof of your application and another photo ID. The new card usually arrives within a week. Contact the DVLA if it does not arrive in good time.
Click to mark as done
- Receive 2 min
Return the old card to DVLA if it reappears
The replacement cancels the old licence number. If the original turns up, you must send it back to the DVLA. Send it to DVLA, Swansea SA99 1AB. Add a note that explains what happened. Send the old licence back. Do not destroy it. Using or lending a cancelled licence is an offence. Its details in someone else's hands are also a risk for identity theft.
Click to mark as done
Be Careful
Don't make these mistakes
Driving on the old licence if it turns up. A replacement makes the old card invalid. If the original turns up, do not drive on it. Send it back to the DVLA at DVLA, Swansea SA99 1AB, with a note that explains what happened. Using or lending a cancelled licence is an offence.
Expecting a free replacement if it was stolen. The 20 pound fee applies whether your licence was lost or stolen. The police report is free and it is worth getting for the crime reference number, but the DVLA still charges for the new card.
Expecting a temporary paper licence. The DVLA does not issue temporary licences. Your right to drive is on their system and the police can check it at the roadside. While you wait, your proof is the confirmation email from your online application, plus photo ID.
Using the GB service for a Northern Ireland licence. This service is for GB licences. Northern Ireland uses the DVA instead, so a Northern Ireland licence holder should not apply through the GB route.
Assuming the DVLA will post abroad. The DVLA only posts to UK addresses. If you lose your licence abroad, apply online as normal only if you have a UK address for delivery.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it free if my licence was stolen?
No. The £20 fee applies whether your licence was lost or stolen. The police report is free. It is worth getting for the crime reference number. But the DVLA still charges for the new card.
What if I lose my licence abroad?
Apply online as normal, if you have a UK address for delivery. The DVLA only posts to UK addresses. Do you need to drive abroad urgently? Ask the hire company if they will accept your passport plus proof of your right to drive. Some accept this with a DVLA share codeUK immigration share code — A 9-character code that proves your UK immigration status to an employer or landlord. Generated online, valid 90 days.Click for official info ↗.
Can I get a temporary paper licence?
The DVLA does not issue temporary licences. Your right to drive is on their system. The police can check it at the roadside. While you wait, your proof is the confirmation email from your online application, plus photo ID.
I've lost my driving licence. What do I do?
If you have lost your driving licence, apply for a replacement online at GOV.UK. You need your National Insurance numberNINO — Your UK tax and social security number. You need it to work, pay tax, and claim benefits.Click for official info ↗, your addresses for the last 3 years, and a UK passport for the identity check. Then pay £20. Your new card usually arrives within a week, and you can keep driving while you wait.
How much does it cost to replace a lost driving licence?
It costs £20 to replace a lost driving licence online. That is how much it costs to replace a driving licence whether it was lost or stolen. The police report is free if it was stolen, but the DVLA still charges £20 for the new card.
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