The DVLA has confirmed that drivers with a photocard driving licence due to expire between February 1 and August 31, 2020 will be granted a seven-month extension from the date of expiry.

The announcement, made today (June 4, 2020), aims to help drivers to make necessary journeys without having to get a new photograph to renew their licence.

Normally, drivers are required to renew their photocard licence every ten years, and bus and lorry drivers every five years.

A new EU regulation has now been introduced which means photocards that expire between February 1 and August 31, 2020 will be automatically extended for a further seven months from the date of expiry.

Drivers will be sent a reminder to renew before their seven-month extension ends.

This extension applies to the photocard. If a driver’s entitlement to drive is due to expire and they wish to continue to hold a valid licence, they will need to renew this entitlement in the normal way.

What have the DVLA said?

DVLA Chief Executive Julie Lennard said: “This extension will make it easier for drivers who need to update their photocard licence with a new photograph. 

"This means as long as they have a valid licence, drivers will be able to continue to make essential journeys. 

“The extension is automatic so drivers do not need to do anything and will be sent a reminder to renew their photocard before the extension ends.”

The DVLA’s online services to renew your driving licence and replace a driving licence are available for those drivers who need to renew their entitlement to drive or replace a lost or stolen licence.