First licence
| Application | Online | By post |
|---|---|---|
| First provisional licence (car, moped or motorbike) | £34 | £43 |
| First full licence after passing your test | Free | Free |
| Exchanging a foreign licence (no previous GB licence) | – | £43 |
Keeping your licence up to date
| Change | Online | By post |
|---|---|---|
| Renew your photocard (every 10 years) | £14 | £17 |
| Renew at a Post Office | – | £21.50 |
| Renew aged 70 or over | Free | Free |
| Change of address | Free | Free |
| Change of name | – | Free |
| New photo only | £14 | £17 |
| Replace a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed licence | £20 | £20 |
| Exchange an old paper licence for a photocard | £20 | £20 |
| Short-term medical licence renewal | Free | Free |
Northern Ireland (DVA)
Licences in Northern Ireland are issued by the DVA, which charges different fees.
| Application | Fee |
|---|---|
| First provisional licence | £62.50 |
| Renew a provisional licence | £30 |
| Renew a full car or motorcycle licence | £30 |
| Replace a lost or stolen licence | £30 |
| Renewal from age 70 | Free |
More in our Northern Ireland guide.
Budgeting for the whole journey
Your licence is the cheapest part of learning to drive. The car theory test costs £23 — book it only at gov.uk. After that come driving lessons, your practical test fee and insurance. Lesson prices vary by area, so it pays to compare local instructors.
Fees change from time to time. We check them against GOV.UK and nidirect — last on September 2026. The official fee is always the one shown on gov.uk when you pay.
Questions
Why do some websites charge more than £34?
Unofficial "checking" or "processing" websites add their own fee on top of DVLA's. They can't get you a licence any faster. Apply at gov.uk and pay £34.
Is the full licence free after I pass?
Yes. Swapping your provisional licence for a full one after passing your practical test is free.
How can I pay?
Online by Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card. By post with a cheque or postal order payable to DVLA, Swansea.