The DVLA has warned of continued long waiting times due to a high volume of enquiries.
Issuing an update over paper driving licenses and logbook process time, motorists are being urged to use the DVLA's online service.
Updated on January 5, 2022, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency confirmed its online services are "working as normal and without delay".
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This remains the quickest, easiest and "often cheapest way" and if applied online, motorists should receive their driving licence or vehicle registration certificate within five days.
The DVLA confirmed that if you have applied online, applications are already being processed, however, as a result of ongoing Covid safety measures and the impact of previous industrial action by members of the Public and Commercial Services union, there are ongoing delays with processing paper applications.
They said: "We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and our staff are working hard to reduce waiting times.
"There may be additional delays in processing more complex cases, for example, if medical investigations are needed as part of your driving licence application."
Some applications currently being processed date back to October 2021.
Those who submitted an application to renew a driving licence with a new photo back on or around October 13, 2021, will see their applications only being processed now.
The full list of applications and the date the DVLA is currently working on will be updated weekly and can be seen as:
- Apply for a first provisional driving licence with UK identity - 25 October 2021
- Renew a driving licence if you’re 70 or over or after disqualification or revocation - 13 October 2021
- Apply for a driving licence with non-UK identity - 12 October 2021
- Apply to change your name or address on your driving licence - 13 October 2021
- Apply for a first vocational driving licence - 22 December 2021
- Renew a vocational driving licence - 17 December 2021
- Tell DVLA about the sale of a vehicle - 17 December 2021
- Vehicle registration certificate (V5C) changes - 15 December 2021
- Apply for a replacement V5C log book - 7 December 2021
The DVLA is urging motorists to allow up to 10-weeks from when an application is sent to receiving your documents before you contact them.
Driving while an application is being processed
The DVLA said: "We are receiving a high volume of enquiries about driving while your driving licence application is with DVLA.
"If your application has been sent to DVLA you may be able to continue to drive while we are processing your application, subject to meeting certain criteria."
More information can be found online by clicking here.
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