Renewing your driving licence
Unless your driving licence has been medically restricted, your ordinary driving licence entitlement will expire every 10 years, however if you drive a lorry or bus your entitlement to these categories will now be valid for a maximum of five years, up to age 65.
Applying to DVA
DVA will send you, approximately two months before your licence expires, a form entitled DL1R ‘application for renewal of a driving licence'. This will be sent to the address held in their records, so it is important that you tell them if you change address.
Please note: this is a courtesy service on the Agency's behalf and DVA are not obliged to issue reminders.
You will need to:
- complete the DL1R form and enclose the appropriate fee
- send it to DVA, Driver Licensing, County Hall, Coleraine, BT51 3TB
- return your photocard driving licence and counterpart
- include a new passport type certified photograph
Your photograph must be signed and dated on the back by one of the following:
- MP
- MLA
- Justice of the Peace
- minister of religion
- professionally qualified person - for example an engineer, lawyer, teacher
- librarian
- local business person or shopkeeper
- local councillor
- bank official or building society officer
- established civil servant
- police officer
- someone of similar standing to the above who has known you for at least two years, and must not be related to you in any way, and must hold a Northern Ireland driving licence
You will also need to enclose original identity documentation if your name has changed since your last licence was issued.
Renewing without a DL1R ‘application for renewal’
If, for any reason, you don’t receive the reminder application form you can use the DL1 ‘application for a driving licence’ form. This form is available from Post Office® branches or Local Vehicle Licensing Offices. You’ll also need to include a new passport type certified photograph.
Renewing your lorry or bus entitlement
The rules for lorry and bus driving licences (Categories C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 or D1E) have changed. If you drive a lorry or bus your licence will now be valid for a maximum of five years, up to age 65.
Existing drivers under age 45
If you are under age 45 and have a full licence to drive a lorry or bus, you will come under the new validity rules the next time you upgrade or renew your driving licence on or after 19 January 2013. This means your new licence will be valid for five years.
If you have a current 10-year licence and apply to update it because it is lost or stolen, or because your personal details have changed, we will give you a licence which runs to the end of your original period.
However, if you choose to renew it at the same time or at any time during the 10-year period, you will come under the new rules and will receive a licence that runs for five years.
Existing drivers aged 45 and over
There is no change for existing drivers aged 45 and over, you will continue to renew your entitlement every five years.
New drivers from 19 January 2013
When you apply for provisional entitlement for one of these categories, you will need to provide a medical examination report. Your licence will be issued for a five-year period.
Medical conditions
The next time you update or renew your driving licence you will still need to comply with the current medical standards in the following way:
- if you are still under age 45 at the end of each five-year period, you will have to sign a declaration to confirm you still meet the medical standards for driving these vehicles
- if you are over age 45 at the end of each five-year period, you will be renewing your driving entitlement and will need to provide a medical examination report (DLM1)
Please see the link below for further information:
- Renewing your driving licence entitlement for larger vehicles, minibuses or buses at age 45 or 65
- Renewing your driving licence at 70 plus
Return of supporting documents
The driving licence fee includes return of your supporting documents (where applicable) by second class post. If you would like your supporting documents returned by secure delivery, please supply an appropriate pre-paid special delivery envelope.
Please Note – DVA will not provide compensation for any loss or delay resulting from the use of second class post.
When to expect your licence
DVA aims to deliver your licence within three weeks of receiving a completed application, but this turnaround time may be longer during the busy summer period or if your health or personal details have to be checked.
Driver Licensing will accept applications for renewal licences up to two months before they are due to expire, giving you time to plan ahead and ensure that your licence is ready in good time for your holiday.
If your licence has been lost, stolen, defaced, or damaged, applications for a replacement licence will be accepted at any time.
What if you do not receive your licence
If your driving licence has not been delivered within four weeks you should contact DVA Enquiries Section.
If you do not inform DVA within eight weeks that your licence has not arrived, you must apply for a duplicate licence and pay the relevant fee.
Driving before your licence is returned
Once DVA has received your valid application, you can drive before you receive your licence as long as you:
- have held a Northern Ireland or Great Britain licence issued since 1 January 1976 or another exchangeable licence
- have made a qualifying application for a licence
- aren't disqualified from driving
- haven't been refused a licence for medical reasons or for failing to comply with medical enquiries
- wouldn't be refused a licence for medical reasons (if in doubt, check with your doctor)
- keep to any special conditions which apply to the licence
Medical condition
You must tell the DVA if you’ve ever had, or currently suffer from a medical condition that may affect your driving.
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