Motorists with a driving licence due to expire will be granted a seven-month extension, the DVLA has announced today.
This will help drivers to make necessary journeys without having to obtain a new photograph to renew their licence.
The rule applies to drivers with a photocard driving licence due to expire between February 1 and August 31, 2020, who will be given the seven-month extension.
Drivers are usually required to renew their photocard licence every 10 years, and bus and lorry drivers every five years.
A new EU regulation has now been introduced which means photocards that expire during this period will be automatically extended for a further seven months from the date of expiry.
Drivers will be sent a reminder to renew before their seven-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.
The DVLA’s online services to renew your driving licence and replace a driving licence are available for those drivers who need to renew their entitlement to drive or replace a lost or stolen licence.
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 June 4.
