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Renewing your driving licence at 70 plus

Your driving licence entitlement will expire when you reach the age of 70 and if you want to continue to drive, the entitlement will need to be renewed by Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA).

Approximately 2 months before your 70th birthday - and every three years thereafter - DVA will send you a DL1R: ‘application for renewal of a driving licence'. You’ll need to:

  • complete the DL1R form
  • send it to Driver Licensing, County Hall, Coleraine, BT51 3TB
  • return your photocard driving licence and counterpart

You’ll also need to include a new passport type certified photograph.

Your photograph must be signed and dated on the back by either an M.P (member of parliament), Justice of the Peace, minister of religion or a professionally qualified person (eg: engineer, lawyer, teacher, shop-keeper, librarian, local business person, local councillor, bank official, established civil servant, police officer or someone of similar standing) who has known you for at least two years and must not be related to you in any way.

You’ll also need to enclose original identity documentation if your name has changed since your last licence was issued. No fee is needed with this application.

Please note: this is a courtesy on the Agency's behalf, issue reminders aren't obliged to be issued.

Renewing without a DL1R: 'application for renewal'

If, for any reason, you don’t receive the reminder application forms, you can use the DL1: ‘application for a driving licence’. 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 (see note above).

Renewing your C1 or D1 entitlement

If you wish to renew your C1 or D1 entitlement, you must enclose the 'medical examination report' DLM1 completed by a doctor, in support of your application. This applies whether you previously held full, restricted or voluntary entitlement.

DLM1’s are available from local vehicle licensing offices, MOT centre’s or directly from the DVA by calling 0845 4024 000.

Please note: Your doctor may charge you a fee for the completion of the DLM1 medical report

When to expect your licence

DVA aims to deliver your new driving licence to you within three weeks of receiving your application. It'll take longer if they have to check your health or personal details. Allow at least three weeks for your driving licence to arrive before contacting DVA.

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

You must tell DVA if you’ve ever had, or currently suffer from, a medical condition that may affect your driving.

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