DVLA urges all drivers to check photo card licence now or risk £1,000 fine

Motorists are being reminded by the to watch out for the expiry date on their driving licence and if it's due, go online for a renewal. The agency has taken to a social media platform , broadcasting: "Due to renew your driving licence? Do it online. It's easy, quick and secure to renew on gov.uk."

who first got their full licence back in 2015 or before should double-check to see if it's time for a refresh, following regulations that demand a photocard driving licence refresh every ten years. The DVLA kindly sends out a reminder letter as the expiry date approaches.

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To get up-to-date, one should visit gov.uk, where the renewal process will set you back about £14, which can be paid with MasterCard, Visa, Electron, or Delta cards. Getting caught behind the wheel with an out-of-date licence can hit you with penalties of up to £1,000, points on your driving record, or could even invalidate your car insurance.

It's important to remember that your new licence kicks in from the date your application gets approved, not when the old one expired. So, if your licence is already overdue, better park up until you're officially renewed, reports .

If your licence expires while you're waiting for the renewal to be processed, you can continue driving as long as you meet certain criteria, such as not being disqualified from driving. Typically, those who apply online receive their new licences within a week.

You'll need to send back your current photocard to the DVLA, with the specific address details provided at the end of your application. Alternatively, some might opt to renew in person at the Post Office, which will set you back £21.50.

For this method, you'll need to bring along your reminder letter and current licence, or if you've misplaced your reminder letter, just the photocard will do for servicing at the Post Office.

You can also apply by post using a 'D1 pack' of forms available at any Post Office that deals with DVLA photocard renewals or vehicle tax.

When completing the forms, you must include a recent printed passport-style photo, your current photocard licence if you have one, and a cheque or postal order for £17, made payable to the DVLA. If you apply at the Post Office or by post, you should receive your driving licence within three weeks.

However, this could take longer if your medical or personal details need to be verified. You can carry on driving while you wait for your new licence to arrive.