From January 2015, DVLA will no longer issue the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence.
The traditional paper driving licence is to be phased out from January 2015 as part of a Department for Transport review into how to make the DVLA “deliver better services and save money for the taxpayer.”
But what does this mean for the 46 million motorists who only have the paper part of the licence?
The DVLA has reassured drivers that they do not need to take any action. The paper licence will continue to be valid until it needs to be renewed i.e. if it needs updating because of a change of address or name etc.
Lee Griffin, of comparison site Gocompare.com, said: “Your old paper licence only needs to be updated if you change your name, address or if you reach 70 years of age. If any of these circumstances arise before January 2015 you will be issued with a photocard licence and paper counterpart, but from January 2015 onwards you will only receive a photocard licence. If you wanted to, you could upgrade even if your address hasn’t changed, but then you would need to pay a £20 fee and provide a valid form of identification.”
The DVLA have confirmed that there will be no charge for changing an old style paper licence to a photocard licence with a change of details. Photocard licences need renewing every 10 years and will incur a £20 renewal fee. Drivers could face a £1,000 fine if they are caught with an invalid licence.
Anyone over the age of 70 will need to renew their licence every three years, updating it with any medical conditions. This is free of charge.
