DVLA issues urgent warning to elderly drivers renewing their licence

The DVLA has warned elderly drivers not to use third party websites to renew their driving licence online.

New figures show that over the last 12 months the DVLA received notifications from over 800 drivers, who were charged up to £81 in handling fees.

Anyone over 70 should not pay to renew their licence.

How is this happening?

Many of the sites appear high up in the results on Google search, leaving a number of drivers to believe they are dealing directly with the DVLA.

The sites then charge a fee to process the driver’s application.

How do I avoid getting caught out?

The DVLA will notify you 90 days before your licence is due to expire.

To renew, go to GOV.UK, the official government website. You won’t be charged any additional fees and applications made through third party websites are not processed any quicker.

Julie Lennard, DVLA Chief Executive said: “Drivers looking to renew their licence at 70 and over should use our online service which is secure, free of charge, and also the quickest and easiest way to transact with DVLA. Customers usually receive their driving licence in just 5 days.

“Always remember to always use GOV.UK when using any of DVLA’s many online services.

“When a driver reaches their 70th birthday, they must renew their entitlement to drive every three years.

"DVLA reminds drivers 90 days before their licence is due to expire, and the quickest and easiest way to renew a licence is to go to GOV.UK where the service is quick, easy to use, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is free of charge.”