Renew Driving Licence When Over 70

If you’re approaching your 70th birthday, you’ll soon need to renew your driving licence, and it’s important to know how and when to do it. Renewal is free, quick, and designed to help keep everyone safe on the roads, but here’s how it works in 2025, whether you choose to renew online or by post.

Why do I need to renew my driving licence when over 70?

Unfortunately, it’s not just wisdom you gain as you get older. It’s a statistical fact that as you age, you’re more likely to suffer from ill-health in some way, mainly on the mobility front.

Things like eyesight, reaction times, concentration levels, and hearing are also likely to deteriorate once you get past the age of 70, all of which affect driving significantly.

This isn’t the case across the board, and we know there are lots of fit and healthy pension-age folk in the UK. However, as a precaution, the DVLA have made it a requirement for you to renew your driving licence when you hit the big 7-0.

So, how do you do it?

How to renew your driving licence when over 70 online

As with most DVLA processes, renewing your driving licence when over 70 is best done online.

It’s quicker than doing it via post and doesn’t involve lots of paperwork or paying for stamps. There can also be postal delays with the DVLA, and you’re likely to be waiting weeks for your application to be processed if you send it off physically.

It's also free to do it online, so not only will you save time and get your application processed more quickly, but it won’t cost you any money. Which is always nice.

However, it is important to note that there are some dodgy sites out there claiming to offer this service but charging you for the pleasure. The DVLA do not charge for renewing your driving licence, so you need to make sure the web address starts with www.gov.uk as soon as anybody asks you for money.

What you need to renew your driving licence when over 70 online

There are a few documents you need if you’re looking to renew your driving licence when over 70 using the online DVLA service.

These include the following and specifically apply if you’re registering with the DVLA for the first time:

• An email address

• Addresses of where you’ve lived for the last 3 years

• Your National Insurance number (if you know it)

• A valid UK passport number (if you want to change the licence photo).

The process is simple, and you’ll receive an email confirmation once you’ve applied.

How to renew by post

If you prefer not to use a computer, you can renew your licence by post. The DVLA will send you a D46P form about 90 days before your 70th birthday. If you haven’t received one, you can request a D1 application form at most Post Offices.

Fill it in carefully and post it back to the address on the form. You may also need to send a recent passport-style photo. Postal renewals can take several weeks to process, so if time is tight, it’s worth asking a family member or friend to help you complete the online form instead.

Conditions for renewing your driving licence

You can use the DVLA’s driving licence renewal service if your British driving licence has expired or it’s going to expire in the next 90 days, but for any kind of renewal, you need to meet the following conditions:

• First, you must meet the minimum eyesight requirement

• You also must be a resident of Great Britain

• Finally, you cannot be prevented from driving for any reason.

You’ll need to renew your licence every three years once you turn 70, so it’s worth setting a reminder for next time. You can also update your photo during the renewal process if you wish.

Can I drive while I renew my driving licence?

Yes, you can drive while the DVLA has your licence for its renewal, as long as you:

• Have the support of your doctor to continue driving

• Had a valid licence

• Only drive under the conditions of the previous licence

• Weren’t disqualified as a high-risk offender on or after 1 June 2013.

This also applies if:

• Your application is less than a year old

• Your last licence wasn’t revoked or refused for medical reasons

• You’re not currently disqualified.

How long does the new license last?

Your renewed driving licence will be valid for three years. The DVLA will send you a reminder before it expires so you can renew again in plenty of time. Keeping this up to date is essential because driving with an expired licence can lead to fines of up to £1,000 and may invalidate your insurance.

Common renewal mistakes

1. Using unofficial websites: Only renew through GOV.UK to avoid unnecessary fees.

2. Forgetting to update your address: Your licence must always show your current address.

3. Ignoring eyesight checks: Make sure you can read a car number plate from 20 metres away, for example. If you can’t, see your optician before applying.

Stay on the road and make it personal

Staying safe and legal behind the wheel doesn’t have to be complicated. Renewing your licence every three years is a small but important step in keeping your independence and your confidence on the road. And if you’re already updating your documents, why not refresh your registration?

Browse 72 million+ private registrations and find your perfect personalised plate today. We also have 0% finance plans across the board and are here to make the process as simple as possible. If you'd prefer to speak to somebody, you can call our friendly team on 01642 363738.