Driving Licence Renewal

[dgr1941]

My licence expired 3 Jan. I sent in my application 1 Nov. I have tried phoning DVLA by no-one ever answers. Any ideas on what I should do about it?

[mjwman]

Did you do it on line? If not its worth a try.

[Mamyalynne]

These are the dates they are currently working on with paper applications.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-coronavirus-covid-19-update#processing-dates-for-paper-applications

[RandyMarsh]

they are taking ages at the moment, upto 6 weeks

[barry1010]

If you applied online you should have got it within two weeks. If you applied by post these are the latest times
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-coronavirus-covid-19-update#processing-dates-for-paper-applications

They are currently processing applications received on the 1st November

[Ringlet]

I'm in the same situation. I sent my application in at end of November and can't age a sensible answer from DVA about what is happening to it.

I don't have a passport so not having my driving licence licence has prevented me from getting a covid passport.

It's very annoying.

[bookbinder]

If you log in to Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency, and then click on a document known as INF188/6, you will see that you can still drive whilst the DVLA processes your licence application. The relevant section of the law is Section 88 of the RTA 1988 (Road Traffic Act 1988).

[Maydup]

The postal renewals are held up by long delays due to either industrial action or Covid related staff shortages at DVLA. Its been going on for ages now. Here's the news form last summer and nothing's improved. Its taking 3/4 months for postal applications to be processed where as the online renewals are unaffected.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-58266532

[Ringlet]

Thanks bookbinder. that information is very useful. I had actually been worrying about what would happen if if I was stopped by cops while driving. Good to know it's legal.

[bookbinder]

Ringlet, I'm glad to help. I had to wait for 9 weeks last year for my own licence to be renewed, so I did a bit of digging and found that legal information. And a word for dgr1941: you won't be able to hurry the DVLA, as they are overwhelmed with work and staff shortages. Have patience, and sit and wait!