Losing your provisional driving licence can be stressful, particularly if you are currently learning to drive or have a driving test coming up. Fortunately, getting a replacement provisional licence is a straightforward process.

Before applying for a replacement, make sure your licence is genuinely lost. Check your wallet, bags, car, drawers and other places where you normally keep important documents. If you still cannot find it, you can apply for a replacement through the DVLA.

If you believe your provisional licence has been stolen rather than lost, there are additional steps you should take before applying for a replacement.

What Should You Do If You Lose Your Provisional Licence?

The first step is to establish whether your provisional licence has been lost or stolen.

If you simply cannot find it, you can apply for a replacement driving licence through the DVLA. However, if you think someone has stolen your licence, you should report the theft to the police. Your driving licence contains personal information, so reporting a suspected theft can help protect you from potential identity fraud.

Once you have confirmed that your licence is missing, you can apply for a replacement provisional licence.

Apply to replace a driving licence

How Do You Get a Replacement Provisional Licence?

If you live in Great Britain, you can apply for a replacement provisional licence in several ways:

Online
By phone
By post

For most people, applying online is the quickest and easiest option. The requirements and process are different in Northern Ireland, so applicants there should follow the relevant guidance from NIdirect.

Replacing a driving licence if it is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed in Northern Ireland

It is also a good idea to keep a secure record of your driving licence details. Taking a photo of your provisional licence when you first receive it can be useful if you ever need to apply for a replacement.

How to Apply for a Replacement Provisional Licence Online

Applying online through the DVLA is generally the most convenient way to replace a lost provisional licence.

Replace your driving licence online

You may need your Government Gateway ID to access the online service. If you have forgotten your login details, you can use the available recovery options.

When completing the application, you may be asked for information including:

Your driving licence number, if you know it
Your passport number
Your National Insurance number
Details of addresses where you have lived during the last three years, where applicable

The online replacement fee is £20. Payment can be made using an accepted credit or debit card.

Once you have submitted your application, your replacement licence should normally arrive within around one week.

If you have difficulties with your application, you can contact the DVLA for assistance.

Contact the DVLA about driving licences and applications

Can You Apply for a Replacement Provisional Licence by Phone?

You may also be able to apply for a replacement driving licence by telephone.

The DVLA’s driving licence enquiries number is 0300 790 6801.

However, there are restrictions on using the telephone service. Your personal details must generally remain unchanged from those on your previous licence. You cannot use this method to replace a damaged licence, and restrictions also apply if your licence is due to expire within 56 days, or within 90 days where a medical condition is involved.

If you do not meet the requirements for a telephone application, you will need to use another method.

Can You Replace a Provisional Licence by Post?

Another option is to apply by post using a D1 application form for a driving licence.

You can usually obtain a D1 form from a Post Office that provides driving licence services. If you cannot find one locally, you can order the required forms from the DVLA.

Order DVLA forms. Complete the form with the required information and send it according to the instructions provided.

A postal application takes longer than applying online. You should generally allow around three weeks for your replacement provisional licence to arrive.

Do You Need a New Photo for Your Replacement Licence?

Losing your provisional licence does not necessarily mean that you need to provide a new photograph.

When processing your application, the DVLA can check whether it already has a suitable electronic photograph for your licence. In many cases, an existing passport photograph may be used.

If a suitable photograph is not available, the DVLA will contact you and provide instructions for submitting a new photo.

If you want to update your photograph, you can use the official photo driving licence renewal service.

Renew your driving licence photo

Can You Take Driving Lessons While Waiting for a Replacement?

If you have lost your provisional licence while learning to drive, whether you can continue with lessons may depend on your instructor or driving school.

Some instructors or schools may ask to see your provisional licence before allowing you to take lessons. If you are already partway through your training, they may allow you to continue while you wait for your replacement.

If you have lessons booked, contact your instructor and explain that you are waiting for a replacement provisional licence.

Can You Take Your Driving Test Without Your Provisional Licence?

If you have lost your provisional licence and have a theory or practical driving test approaching, arrange your replacement as soon as possible.

Do not assume that you can attend your test without the required documentation. Check the current requirements with the relevant test provider before your appointment.

If your replacement has not arrived by the time of your test, contact the relevant test centre or service for advice rather than simply turning up without your licence.

Get Your Replacement Provisional Licence Sorted

Losing your provisional licence is inconvenient, but getting a replacement provisional licence does not have to be complicated. Check that the licence is genuinely missing, report it if you believe it has been stolen, and then choose the replacement method that suits you.

For most people, applying online is the quickest route. Keeping your licence details somewhere secure can also make the process easier if you ever need to replace your licence again.

Replacement Provisional Licence FAQs

What should I do if I lose my provisional licence?

If you cannot find your provisional licence, you can apply for a replacement through the DVLA. Applying online is generally the quickest option. If you believe the licence was stolen, report the theft to the police before arranging your replacement.

How do I get a replacement provisional licence?

You can apply for a replacement provisional licence online, by phone or by post, depending on your circumstances. The online service is generally the simplest option.

How much does a replacement provisional licence cost?

The current fee for replacing a driving licence through the DVLA online service is £20.

How long does a replacement provisional licence take to arrive?

An online replacement provisional licence should normally arrive in around one week. Postal applications can take around three weeks, so applying online is usually the faster option.

Can I drive while waiting for my replacement provisional licence?

If you have lost your physical licence, your ability to continue driving lessons may depend on your instructor or driving school. Before driving, make sure you still meet all the legal requirements for driving as a learner.

Can I take my driving test if I have lost my provisional licence?

If your driving test is approaching, apply for a replacement as soon as possible and check the current documentation requirements with the relevant test provider. Do not rely on being able to take your test without the required licence.

How do I know if my replacement licence application has been received?

When you apply online, you should receive confirmation from the DVLA. If you do not receive confirmation or have concerns about your application, contact the DVLA directly.

Contact the DVLA

What should I do if I find my old licence after ordering a replacement?

If you find your original licence after requesting a replacement, you should return the old licence to the DVLA with an explanation of why you are returning it.

The postal address is:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1AB

Replacement Provisional Licence: What to Do If You Lose Yours