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The DVLA has issued a crucial warning to every UK driver, with road users under threat of losing their driving licence. Motorists may be aware that older drivers have to renew their driving licence to stay behind the wheel.

However, road users may not be aware that every driver has to renew their photocard under a different timescale. Rules state that driving licences must be renewed once a decade for drivers under the age of 70. It means drivers who first took their test back in 2016 will need to renew their licence for the first time, with those passing in 2006, 1996, 1986 and so on also likely to be affected.

Posting on social media site X, the DVLA said: "10 years can fly by when you're having fun! Remember to renew your driving licence every 10 years, then the journey can go on."

Licences must be renewed so that photos can be changed for identification accuracy. New photocards are also issued to drivers to prevent fraud and ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Renewal is mostly a way to confirm that personal details are correct and up-to-date. According to GOV.UK, motorists will receive a reminder before their current licence ends to ensure road users are not caught out.

Motorists below the age of 70 will be charged to renew their driving licence, with online applications costing £14. Officials stressed that a new driving licence should arrive within a week if road users apply online. However, road users must send their old photocard licence to DVLA when they get their new licence.

Recent data from Co Op Insurance, through a Freedom of Information request to the DVLA, found thousands of road users have failed to renew their licence.

According to the statistics, over half a million photocard licences and entitlements to drive which expired between July and December 2025, have yet to be renewed. Analysis shows that almost 2.7 million more driving licence photocards are set to expire this year.

Paul Evans, head of Motor at Co-op Insurance explained: "Unfortunately, our findings show that many people may be unaware that they're no longer legally entitled to drive or are at risk of being unable to in the near future, due to their driving licence being invalid.

"We are encouraging motorists to check their driving licences to ensure that they're in date as they will face significant penalties if their licence is found to be invalid.

"We would also remind people that if your licence has expired, it could invalidate your insurance and lead to any claims you make being declined."