Drivers with a photocard driving licence due to expire between 1 February and 31 August 2020 will be granted a seven-month extension from the date of expiry.
The DVLA says this 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 been introduced which means photocards that expire between 1 February and 31 August 2020 will be automatically extended for a further seven months from the date of expiry.
Drivers will be sent a reminder to renew before their seven-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 was introduced today (4 June 2020).
