DVLA issues message to everyone with a driving licence

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) says drivers failing to renew their driving licence every 10 years could lead to a fine of up to £1,000. The DVLA reminds drivers that renewing your licence online is "easy, quick and secure," with most new licences arriving within a week of application.

If you choose to apply by post or at the Post Office, you can expect your licence within three weeks. However, the DVLA advises that it may take longer if your personal or medical information needs to be checked. In the meantime, you are still allowed to drive while waiting for your new licence to arrive.

Failure to take notice of these rules and act in a timely manner could land you in hot water. As reported by RAC Drive: "UK drivers could receive a £1,000 fine because they have not renewed their expired photocard licences."

How to renew your driving licence

You can renew your full or provisional driving licence through the official GOV.UK website. The online application costs £14, and payment can be made using a MasterCard, Visa, Electron, or Delta debit or credit card. If you're over 70 or hold a short-term medical licence, the renewal is free of charge. They further warn online: "You must renew a photocard licence every 10 years - you'll receive a reminder before your current licence ends."

To renew your licence, you must:

• be a resident of Great Britain (there's a different service in Northern Ireland
• not be disqualified from driving

You'll need to apply for your first provisional licence if:

• you've never applied for a provisional licence before
• you applied for a provisional licence before 1 March 1973

Have you changed your name?

If your name or title has changed since you got your current driving licence, you won't be able to renew it online. Instead, you'll need to apply either in person at a Post Office or by sending your application through the mail.

How to apply at a Post Office

You'll get a reminder letter in the post. Take it to a Post Office that deals with DVLA photocard licence renewal.

You also need to take:

• your photocard licence if you have it
• the £21.50 fee

How can I apply by post?

Get a 'D1 pack' of forms from a Post Office that deals with DVLA photocard renewal or vehicle tax. You need to include these things with your completed forms:

• a recent printed passport type photo (do not sign the back of the photo)
• your current photocard licence, if you have it
• a cheque or postal order for £17, payable to DVLA (no fee is needed if you have a medical short period licence or you're aged 70 or over)

You also need to include identity documents if you've changed your name. Once finished, send the application to:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1DH