Drivers with a photocard driving licence due to expire between 1 February and 31 August 2020 will be granted a 7 month extension from the date of expiry the DVLA has announced today (4 June 2020). This will help drivers to make necessary journeys without having to obtain a new photograph to renew their licence.
Normally drivers are required to renew their photocard licence every 10 years, and bus and lorry drivers every 5 years. A new EU regulation has now been introduced which means photocards that expire between 1 February and 31 August 2020 will be automatically extended for a further 7 months from the date of expiry.
Drivers will be sent a reminder to renew before their 7 month extension ends.
This extension applies to the photocard. If a driver’s entitlement to drive is due to expire and they wish to continue to hold a valid licence, they will need to renew this entitlement in the normal way.
DVLA Chief Executive Julie Lennard said:
"This extension will make it easier for drivers who need to update their photocard licence with a new photograph. This means as long as they have a valid licence, drivers will be able to continue to make essential journeys.
"The extension is automatic so drivers do not need to do anything and will be sent a reminder to renew their photocard before the extension ends."
This change will be introduced from 4 June 2020.
