Once you hit 70, there’s one more thing to add to your to-do list – renewing your driving licence. You’ll need to do this every 3 years to keep driving legally. In this guide, we'll take you through the process step by step.
Do I have to renew my licence at 70?
Yes. Once you turn 70, your licence will expire, and you’ll need to renew it every 3 years. Without a valid licence, you’re not legally allowed to drive.
The DVLA will usually send you a reminder form (called a D46P) about three months before your licence is due to run out. If they don’t, you can pick up a D1 form from your local Post Office to get started. It’s best to sort this early so you don’t risk driving without a valid licence.
How do I renew my driving licence?
You’ve got a few ways to renew your licence:
Online
Renewing online is quick, easy, and usually the fastest option. Just head to the DVLA's website, follow the instructions, and fill in your details.
You’ll need:
- Your driving licence number
- Your National Insurance number (if you know it)
- The addresses you’ve lived at over the past three years
- If you’ve got a valid UK passport, you can also use it to update your photo.
By post
Prefer doing things the old-fashioned way? Fill in the D46P form that the DVLA sends you (or get a D1 form from the Post Office if you didn’t get one). Send it back to the DVLA along with a recent passport photo.
Just bear in mind, it can take up to 3 weeks for your new licence to arrive.
At the post office
If you’d rather get some help with the process or need a new photo, some post offices offer an in-person renewal service. They’ll guide you through the application and take a photo for your licence while you’re there.
Check with your local branch to see if they offer this service.
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How much does it cost to renew my licence?
Nothing – it’s completely free to renew your driving licence when you turn 70. Whether you do it online, by post, or at the post office, you won’t pay a penny.
Be wary of unofficial websites that might try to charge you – always use the official DVLA site if you’re applying online.
What if I have medical conditions?
If you’ve got a medical condition that could affect your driving, you’ll need to let the DVLA know when you renew your licence.
Common conditions include:
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes (if it requires insulin)
- Vision problems
- Heart conditions
It’s important to be honest about your health when applying. Not declaring a condition could lead to a fine of up to £1,000, and your insurance might not cover you if you’re involved in an accident.
If you’re a disabled driver, don’t worry – you can still find suitable cover with disability car insurance options.
Will my car insurance go up after I renew my licence?
Car insurance for over 70s isn't usually any more expensive that car insurance for younger age groups. In fact, renewing your licence at 70 might not change your insurance premium at all. In some cases, it might actually reduce how much you pay.
On average, drivers aged 70+ pay around £532* for car insurance - far lower than the all-ages price of £834**.
However, once you hit 80, prices can start to creep up again: over 80s car insurance costs £659* on average. This is because insurers may see older drivers as higher risk.
Renewing your licence at 70 is relatively quick, free, and essential if you want to keep driving. Whether you’re renewing online, by post, or at the post office, it’s worth getting it sorted early to avoid any last-minute stress.
*Confused.com data Q4 2024.
Confused.com price index data Q4 2024.
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