What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Mad World

Why is the DVLA so difficult to deal with? My driving licence is registered to one of two addresses I live at. I thought for simplicity I would get the licence changed to the address where my insurance is registered, so I sent off the old style licence with a request that the address be changed. Back came the licence with a letter saying if I renewed my passport they would give me a new licence with photo etc., registered to the address I wanted. What nonsense. What’s the passport got to do with it? They also told me I was not breaking the law at all. So I checked with my insurers and they were cool. They said as long as the licence is valid that was ok. Is this bureaucrats going mad? GG, Barnhurst, Kent.

Asked on 19 September 2010 by GG, Barnhurst, Kent

Answered by Honest John
They were actually being helpful. The only kind of new driving licence that can now be issued is a photocard. If you have a recent passport with a biometric photo, the DVLA can obtain your image for your photocard from the Passport Agency. The reason for that is the biometric photo on your passport is already verified. Saves a lot of hassle in getting a qualified person to verify that a photo you send them is you.
Similar questions
My son holds a current UK driving licence but he has lived in Australia for 15 Years, is now a citizen of Australia, driving on an Australian driving licence. He is moving to Japan but is visiting the...
My driving licence is due for renewal this June. I cannot apply for a renewal online because I do not have a passport. My questions are: Do the DVLA send a timely reminder out about this? Can I renew before...
I’ve lost my driver’s licence which I renewed in April and, as I’m now 73, will need to be renewed again in 2026. As all my details are on the DVLA website, is it a legal requirement to apply for a replacement...
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer