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Renew your licence at 70 or a medical licence

From 70 you must renew your licence every 3 years. Short term licences issued because of a medical condition also need renewing before they expire.

Mandatory Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland

Official links

Show links for:

Official source	Applies to
GOV.UK: renew your licence at 70 or over www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence-at-70	England, Wales, Scotland
GOV.UK: renew a short term medical licence www.gov.uk/renew-medical-driving-licence	England, Wales, Scotland
nidirect: renew your licence at 70 plus www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/renew-your-driving-licence-70-plus	Northern Ireland
nidirect: medical driving licence renewals www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/medical-driving-licence-renewals	Northern Ireland

Licenses and tests drivers and vehicles in Northern Ireland, including driving tests and MOTs. Vehicle tax is still handled by DVLA.

☎ 0300 200 7862 nidirect.gov.uk View details »

Holds driver and vehicle records in Great Britain: driving licences, vehicle tax, SORN and the V5C log book.

Watch for the reminder: DVLA sends it 90 days before your 70th birthday or before the licence expires. DVA in Northern Ireland sends one about 2 months before.
At 70: in Great Britain you can renew online if you are 70 or will be within 90 days, and you meet the eyesight standard. In Northern Ireland, renew through nidirect.
Medical short term licence (1, 2, 3 or 5 years): renew online or by post and fill in the medical forms for your condition.
If your application is referred to a doctor it takes longer. Read DVLA's guidance on whether you can keep driving while you wait.

Letting the licence expire and carrying on driving.
Using the 70 plus service for C1 or D1 (minibus and medium lorry) entitlements, which must be renewed by post.
Using unofficial websites that charge for a renewal DVLA does for free at 70.