Replace your driving licence online

You can use this service to replace your driving licence. Your driving licence is made up of two parts: a plastic photo card and a paper part which is known as the paper counterpart. If any part has been lost, stolen or destroyed, you must apply for a replacement licence.

Before you start

To apply online for a replacement licence you'll need:

a credit or debit card
a valid email address
(if known) your Northern Ireland driving licence number and expiry date (date it ran out on) - both can be found on the plastic card part of your driving licence – ‘5’ is the driving licence number and ‘4b’ the expiry date

If your licence has either expired or is within two months of expiring you cannot apply to replace your driving licence. You must apply to renew your licence.

If your driving licence is due to expire in the next 12 months you can consider applying to renew it now instead of replacing it. Either way costs the same.

You can’t change your name online

If your name has changed from that on your existing licence you must fill in and return a driving licence application form (DL1 or DL2 if you have a lorry or bus driving licence) along with the right identity documents. You can get DL1 and DL2 forms from Post Offices.

Remember once you submit your replacement application online it can’t be cancelled.

Replace your driving licence online

Additional information

Linking your driving licence

You do not need to create a nidirect account to replace your driving licence online but it can save you time when you’re filling out your application.

When you create your account and you’ve had your identity verified you can link your licence so the information from your driving record shows on screen. DVA will also send you updates on your application, such as when it has been processed.

You can view your driving record to check the details DVA hold for you, including any penalty points or driving convictions you may have.

You can also create a code to allow a third party, for example a car hire company or your employer, to view your driving rights.

Instructions on how to link your driving licence

To find out more about identity assurance and the documents you need to verify your identity see:

Identity assurance

If you already have an account, or need to create an account, you can log in to the service using the green button above.

You can find out how any personal information you send to the Department for Infrastructure (Driver and Vehicle Agency) when using this service will be handled by viewing their privacy notice.

For queries

For queries about replacing your driving licence online, email: dva@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.

For queries about your identity check, email nida@nidirect.gov.uk.

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Comments or queries about angling can be emailed to anglingcorrespondence@daera-ni.gov.uk

If you have a comment or query about benefits, you will need to contact the government department or agency which handles that benefit. Contacts for common benefits are listed below.

Employment and Support Allowance

Call 0800 587 1377

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Contact your local Jobs & Benefits office

Personal Independence Payment

Call 0800 587 0932

If your query is about another benefit, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

Comments or queries about the Blue Badge scheme can be emailed to bluebadges@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk or you can also call 0300 200 7818.

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If your query is about another topic, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

For queries about your identity check, email nida@nidirect.gov.uk and for queries about your certificate, email covidcertni@hscni.net.

For queries or advice about criminal record checks, email ani@accessni.gov.uk

Application and payment queries can be emailed to ema_ni@slc.co.uk

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For queries about the High Street Spend Local Scheme, email HSSS.mail@economy-ni.gov.uk.

For queries about:

Car tax, vehicle registration and SORN
contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Swansea
Driver licensing and tests, MOT and vehicle testing
contact the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA), Northern Ireland

If your query is about another topic, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

For queries about your identity check, email nida@nidirect.gov.uk.

For queries or advice about passports, contact HM Passport Office.

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Extra comments (optional)

Replace your driving licence online

Before you start

You can’t change your name online

Additional information

Linking your driving licence

For queries

Translation help

Help improve this page - send your feedback

Messages

What to do next

Carer's Allowance

Discretionary support / Short-term benefit advance

Disability Living Allowance

Employment and Support Allowance

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Personal Independence Payment