In this article we will look at the steps to take in order to get a new provisional licence to replace a lost provisional licence.
If you already hold a full driving licence and need to get a replacement driving licence, you can find out more about how to order a new driving licence here.
What if I think I’ve lost my provisional driving licence?
Your provisional licence is an important document, so if it's gone missing you'll need to replace your lost licence as soon as possible.
Firstly, spend some time hunting for your lost provisional licence: if it does turn up you'll be saving yourself time and hassle.
I’ve lost my provisional licence, what do I do?
If you find you have lost your provisional licence, you will need to apply for a new one from the DVLA.
My provisional licence was stolen, what do I do?
If you think there’s a possibility your provisional licence has been stolen - perhaps because it was in a wallet that also went missing - you should inform the police. This is because there is s small chance your provisional licence, and the details on it, could be used for identity theft.
How can I keep my driving licence safe?
It is not a legal requirement to carry your provisional licence with you for your driving lessons. Once your driving instructor has seen and verified that you have a provisional licence, you should be fine not to take it with you on further lessons with your instructor.
As such, it is best to leave it at home in a safe place, to minimise the chance of losing it or from having it stolen.
You should store your licence with other vital documents in a safe place, preferably somewhere secure such as a safe or lockable box.
Tips to keep your driving licence safe from damage or theft
- Don’t keep your licence in your wallet, purse or bag
- Don’t leave it in your vehicle
- Never share photos of your driving licence
- Store it somewhere safe and secure at home
Getting a new provisional licence: How do I apply for a new provisional licence?
It’s not uncommon to lose a provisional licence, so there's an established process for getting a replacement provisional driving licence.
The DVLA gives you three ways to apply for a new provisional licence.
Replacement provisional licence online
You can visit the DVLA website to apply for a new provisional licence if the original has been lost, damaged or destroyed.
The process to order a provisional licence online is straightforward and is the quickest way to apply
How to apply for a replacement provisional licence online
Firstly, you'll need your Government Gateway ID to access the system (this would have been set up when you got your provisional in the first place).
You'll then need to enter various pieces of information.
What information do I need to apply for a replacement provisional licence online?
- Driving licence number
- Passport number
- National insurance number
- Addresses for the last three years
You'll then need to pay £20 for the new provisional.
Most major debit and credit cards are accepted.
How long will my new licence take to arrive?
Your replacement provisional driving licence should arrive in about a week.
Replacement provisional licence by phone
If you prefer to do your business over the phone, or aren't too internet-savvy, you can apply for a new provisional to replace your lost provisional licence, by calling the DVLA on 0300 790 6801.
Note: the phone method can only be used if none of your details have changed since you had your last provisional licence.
Additionally, you can't use the phone service if your provisional licence is damaged, or if it expires within 56 days (or 90 days if it's expiring for medical reasons).
Replacement provisional licence by post
If you're not in a rush, you can apply for a replacement provisional by post.
How long does it take to process a postal application for a replacement provisional licence?
It takes about three weeks for your replacement driving licence to arrive this way.
How to apply for a replacement provisional licence by post
Simply visit your post office and ask for a D1 ‘Application for a driving licence’ form.
If your post office doesn’t have the form, you can order the D1 from the DVLA online (although if you're using the postal option to replace a provisional licence, chances are you don't have internet access in the first place).
What about the photo?
In most cases, the photo the DVLA has on file will be sufficient for the new provisional driving licence.
They may also use your stored passport photo.
If this is not possible you will not be able to change your photo online.
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Lost provisional licence FAQs
How much does a replacement provisional licence cost?
If you need to renew a provisional licence because you need to change the address on your current provisional licence, there is no charge.
If you need to replace a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed provisional driving licence, the provisional licence renewal cost is £20.
How will I know if my request for a new licence has been received?
Once your application for a replacement provisional licence has been submitted, you should receive a confirmation email from the DVLA. If you don’t hear anything within a few days, contact the DVLA.
What should I do if I have found my old provisional licence?
If you find your old provisional licence after having applied for a new one, simply send the old one to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB.
Can I continue with my driving lessons while waiting for my replacement provisional to arrive?
Most driving instructors require students to bring their provisional licences to their first driving lesson.
If you have already began your driving lessons, your instructor may allow you to continue with your lessons while you wait for your replacement provisional licence to arrive.
How to track provisional licence?
If you’re waiting for your new provisional licence to arrive, you may want to know how to track the progress of your licence application.
To track your provisional licence, you’ll need your application reference number which was emailed to you after you applied. This will usually be 14 digits long.
The application progress can be tracked via the DVLA website.
Track a provisional licence for an application reference starting with FP
If your reference number starts with ‘FP’ followed by 10 letters, you’ll need to use this alternative tracking service.
Can I sit my theory or practical driving tests if I have lost my provisional licence?
If you have a practical or theory test scheduled but don’t think your new provisional will arrive in time, sadly you won’t be able to go ahead with either.
If you think you won’t be able to attend a test, re-arranged the test date as early as you can.
How do I find my driving licence number without card?
If you can’t find your driving licence number, you can check it online, using your National Insurance number.
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