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Replacing your driving licence if lost, stolen, defaced or destroyed

Your driving licence consists of a photographic plastic card and a paper counterpart – if you lose, deface, or destroy one or both parts you must apply for a replacement. You can apply for a replacement licence by submitting a DL1 form via the post or one of your local vehicle licensing offices.

You’ll need to:

  • Complete a DL1 form: 'application for a driving licence', available from local vehicle licensing offices, MOT centres, or main Post Office® branches, (DL1 forms are not downloadable)
  • include any remaining part of your licence
  • send your completed application and £20 fee to DVA, Driver Licensing, County Hall, Coleraine, BT51 3TB

If you have changed your name since your last licence was issued you will also need to complete sections five and six of the DL1 form and provide original documents to confirm your new name.  

If your appearance has changed since your existing photo was taken, or you are applying for a new full period licence (for example, an Optional Renewal) rather than a duplicate, you must provide a new photograph which you may need to have certified. For more information on this and identity documents please see the link directly below:

Driving before your licence is returned

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

Found your old licence?

If you find your driving licence after requesting or receiving your new replacement licence, return the old licence to DVA with a brief explanatory note as it is no longer valid.

When to expect your licence

The 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 the DVA.

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