Description
Money-saving expert advises the public to do an 'annual health check' of their finances Related: What are DVLA "Show Me, Tell Me" Questions? Consumer credit expert Martin Lewis has urged motorists to check their driver's license to make sure it hasn't expired, putting them at risk of a hefty fine.
As part of an 'annual check' recommended in Mr Lewis's latest money-saving expert newsletter, the expert warned drivers with photo licenses they could be fined up to £1,000 by the Licensing Agency of Driver and Vehicles (DVLA) if they are found driving. with a license that has passed its 10-year expiration date.
Lewis warned that as many as two million people may have forgotten to update their licenses and advised drivers to check the '4b' date on the front of their photo card to determine whether or not it is time to renew.
“The cards and products stored in your bag or wallet (even if digital via your phone and watch) are a living window into your finances,” the savings guru wrote in her newsletter.
"So every year I like to do an annual wear check to see if there's an easy cash increase."
Photo card driving licences, first introduced in 1998, are only valid for a decade after issue.
However, paper licenses issued before 1998 remain valid until the holder turns 70, although this format was phased out in June 2015 and they are no longer issued with the photo card.
Therefore, these do not require renewal if your personal details have not changed, although all driving licenses must be in photo card format by 2033; you can read more about upgrading to the new version here.
Anyone wishing to renew their photo card can do so via the official UK government website, by post or at the Post Office.
You'll need to have a valid UK passport, be a resident of Great Britain (Northern Ireland has their own system), not be prohibited from driving and be able to show your current license or explain why if you don't, along with your National Insurance number and their last three addresses.
You will also be required to pay a processing fee of £14 with debit or credit card online or £17 if sending by post. Those over 70 years of age or holders of a short-term medical driving license are exempt from payment.
Once your application is received, you should get your new license within a week, the DVLA reports.
The renewal process is slightly different for drivers age 70 and older, truck and bus drivers, and short-term medical license holders.
You can read more about what is required in these three scenarios in the links provided.
Driving license
Alamy/AP
Access
