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Renewing your Driving Licence

Unless your driving licence has been medically restricted, your ordinary driving licence entitlement will expire every 10 years.  However, where you are aged 60 years or over at the time of your application, your licence will be issued for a period ending on your seventieth birthday, or for no less than 3 years. If you want to continue to drive, your entitlement will need to be renewed by the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA).

Applying to DVA

DVA will send you, approximately two months before your licence expires, a 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

You will also need to include a new passport type certified photograph*.

*Your photograph MUST be signed and dated on the back by either an MP, MLA, Justice of the Peace, minister of religion or a professionally qualified person (eg engineer, lawyer, teacher) librarian, local business person or shopkeeper, local councillor, bank official or building society officer, 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, 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’. 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 Lorry or Bus entitlement

To renew your previously held Lorry or Bus entitlement, whether full or restricted, or if you intend to drive minibuses on a voluntary basis, you must enclose a DLM1 ‘medical examination report’ completed by a doctor in support of your application. Please see the link below for further information

When to expect your licence

DVA aims to deliver your new driving licence to you within three weeks of receiving your application. It may 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

More useful links

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