What is a photocard license?
Photocard licences were introduced as a result of an EU directive requiring all member states to issue driving licences in a card format which contains the licence holder’s image and signature. minimising the chances of a person holding more than one licence, either by accident or design.
Can I drive with expired photocard?
What if your photocard licence has already expired? Renewing late won’t automatically result in a fine. However, if your licence has expired, you shouldn’t drive until the DVLA has received your renewal application.
Where is the photocard number on a driving licence?
Your driving licence number is point 5 on the front of your photocard licence and is 16 characters long.
Is it compulsory to have a photo driving licence?
It’s never been mandatory for drivers to replace their traditional style paper driving licence with the photocard licence, and this will remain unchanged. However, there are some things paper licence holders will need to know about, including the way their licence information will be viewed in the future.
How long does a photo driving licence last?
10 years
Photocard licences replaced paper licences in 1998, and must be renewed every 10 years.
How long does a photo licence last?
What are the personal details on a photocard driving licence?
Your licence personal details (1, 2 and 3): Fields 1, 2 and 3 of your photocard driving licence display your surname, first names, date and place of birth.
When does a photocard driving licence expire?
Photocard driving licences have been issued since 1 April 1999. All licence types stay valid until their date of expiry shown at section 4b.
Do I need to exchange my paper licence for a photocard?
Exchange your paper driving licence for a photocard licence. You must get a new licence if: If none of these apply and your paper licence is still valid, you do not need to exchange it for a photocard version. This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
Why does the new photocard licence have a black and white photo?
The new photocard licence has a black and white photo. This is because the laser technology used to burn the image onto the card producing a black and white photo is more secure.