How to get a new UK Driver's licence while travelling?

How to get a new UK Driver's licence while travelling? - Landscape Photography of White Lighthouse during Cloudy Daytime

So hypothetically my driver's licence is lost (quite likely). I'm not in the UK. Is there any way I can get a replacement one from overseas and get it sent to either me, or a friend in the UK who can forward it on?



Best Answer

If you are a UK tourist in Europe, the EU site also has some information - e.g. lost/stolen licence: contact the local police and then talk to the embassy/consulate (for the UK, they'll just refer you to the DVLA). http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/vehicles/driving-licence/driving-licence-loss-theft-replacement/index_en.htm

If your licence was stolen, you'll need a Police report (reference/copy) regardless of where it occurred (UK or abroad).

Please note the DVLA stopped issuing paper counterpart licences on 8th June 2015. If you've got your licence number, postcode and national insurance number to hand/noted down somewhere (you need all 3), you can use this to retrieve your licence information as a digital or a paper copy using the "View or share licence details" online tool on the .gov.uk site.

Follow the links at https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving/driving-licences

You can usually use the online process on the .gov.uk site to apply for a new/replacement licence (use the interactive tool in the answer above, the link redirects to the new site) or by phone.

The number below can be called from abroad by substituting the first 0 with +44, e.g. 0044 300 790 6801

You can contact DVLA to apply by phone if none of your details have changed.
DVLA driver licensing enquiries
Telephone: 0300 790 6801
Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm
Saturday, 8am to 2pm

also, from the .gov.uk Driving abroad page - just to emphasise there are no immediate changes to the processes involved when travelling in the EU:

There has been no change to the rights and status of EU nationals in the UK, and UK nationals in the EU, as a result of the referendum.




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Can I hold a UK driving licence while living abroad?

You may need to get a local driving licence if you move abroad. Check with the driving licence authorities there to find out how to apply. In some countries you can exchange your UK licence without taking another driving test. If you move to an EU country, check the rules for exchanging your licence in the EU .

Will I need a UK driving licence after Brexit?

For the United Kingdom it is now 'UK', and no longer 'GB'. Since 28 September 2021, motorists need a UK sticker instead of a GB sticker when driving either in the EU or anywhere abroad (except Ireland).

Can you drive while waiting for a replacement license UK?

No. You must wait for the DVLA to reissue you with a new driving licence before you can start driving again. My last licence entitled me to drive lorries/ buses.



UK driving licence EXPLAINED




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Ray Bilcliff, Pixabay, Deeana Arts, Mike Clegg