In July 1998, the first UK photocard driving licences were introduced. What some people (including myself) weren’t aware of is that the photograph element of the card only lasts for 10 years. The first photographs on these licences began to expire in July 2008 and all holders need to renew their photocard at the ten year point. If you’re unsure if you are affected, the expiry date of the photograph is at point 4b of the licence. The paper part of the licence however does not contain an expiry until the holders 70th Birthday.

The DVLA have been sending out reminders from May 2008 to all relevant drivers. Currently, there is a fee of £17.50 to update your licence and failure to comply MAY result in a fine of up to £1000 for the driver. Details of how to renew your photograph can be found on the direct.gov website.

When hiring with Avis, we will still rent to you if your photograph is out of date (yet still resembles the holder) but your licence remains valid. However, we would urge you to update your photograph when you receive your renewal notice. You may have changed over the last ten years and it’s great for our rental agents to recognise who we are renting to!