Website of the UK government

You can exchange your current British paper licence for a British photocard online if you:

• have your driving licence in your possession
• are a resident of Great Britain
• can meet the minimum eyesight requirement
• are currently not prevented from driving for any reason
• can pay £17.50 by Mastercard, Visa, Maestro, Electron, Delta or Solo debit or credit card
• have a valid UK passport or another form of identity
• can provide addresses of where you have lived over the last three years

Important

For your security and protection, during your online application DVLA will carry out identity checks.

DVLA will need a photograph for your new licence and will aim to electronically capture it from the Identity and Passport Service (IPS). If this isn’t possible you’ll need to print, fill in and send a completion form by post enclosing a photograph. In certain circumstances a form of identification is also needed. For specific details please see the 'Items required by post' link on the right.

What you need to know

While applying, you’ll be issued with a Government Gateway user ID. If you already have a Government Gateway user ID, simply enter it with your password.

DVLA will aim to send your driving licence within 10 working days of receipt of your application.

When you're ready

Be sure you have the following to hand:

• your Government Gateway user ID and password if available
• your driving licence
• a valid debit or credit card
• your UK passport if you have one
• details of previous addresses

Also make sure that your printer is switched on and ready for use.

If, during the transaction, you need to print a completion form but don’t have a working printer, don’t worry, you’ll be able to print your form from a different computer by using the 'View or print your existing application' link on the right.

Apply online here

• Apply here to exchange your paper driving licence for a photocard driving licence (opens new window)