Renewing Your License After Disqualification
Once your period of disqualification is over, you can apply to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) for the return of your driving licence. They will also remove any expired endorsements that are on your licence. You will need to pay a fee of £50 for this service; however, if you were disqualified for certain drink driving offences you will need to pay a total of £75 to cover the cost of the medical enquiries that the DVLA will need to make (see below).
If You Have a Photocard Licence ...
The DVLA will send you a D27 application form 56 days before your period of disqualification ends. Complete the form, and return it to DVLA, Swansea SA99 1AB, along with the appropriate fee. Alternatively, you may use the premium checking service available at various Post Office branches or local DVLA offices. There is no need to enclose any identification.
If you have changed your name, you must fill in form D1 in addition to D27, enclosing original documentation confirming the change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, change of name deed or a legal declaration). There is no need to supply a new photograph unless you wish to do so.
More details on completing a D1 form and the premium checking service may be found here.
If You Have a Paper Licence ...
The DVLA will send you a D27 form 56 days before your period of disqualification ends. As the DVLA no longer issues paper driving licences, they will also send you a D750 form (Application for a photocard licence). Complete both these forms, ensuring that all the relevant questions are answered and return them to DVLA either by post or by using the premium checking service. You will also need to enclose original documentation to confirm your identity and a passport-style colour photograph. Details of how to do this can be found in Applying for a Driving Licence.
Medical Enquiries
The DVLA may need to make medical enquiries if you were disqualified for certain drink driving offences. These include:
- If you were disqualified for driving, or being in charge of a vehicle, when the level of alcohol in the body equalled or exceeded:
- 87.5 micrograms per 100 ml of breath, or
- 200 mg per 100 ml of blood, or
- 267.5 mg per 100 ml of urine
- If you were disqualified for refusing or failing to supply a specimen for analysis.
- If you have been disqualified twice within 10 years for drinking and driving, or being in charge of a vehicle whilst unfit through drink.
You will need to pay an additional fee to cover the costs of these enquiries; an extra £25 on top of the £50 payable to renew your licence.
How Long Will it Take?
Although the DVLA aim to deliver your driving licence to you within 15 working days of receiving your application, it may take them longer if they have to check on your health or personal details. You must NOT drive until your new licence has been issued.
