June 4th, 2020.


The Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) has confirmed that drivers with a pink plastic photocard driving licence, that's due to expire between the 1st of February and 31st of August 2020, will be granted a seven-month renewal extension from the date of expiry.

The move comes as the government agency has been struggling to process requests during the pandemic, stating on its website: “It's taking longer than usual to process driving licence applications because of coronavirus.” The DVLA says the extension will help drivers to make necessary journeys without having to obtain a new photograph to renew their licence.

Normally drivers are  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 between the 1st of February and the 31st of August 2020 will be automatically extended. Drivers will be sent a reminder to renew before their 7 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.

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 the 4th of June 2020.

Visit www.gov.uk for further information.