I've actually read the info on the DVLA site and still can't get my head around a couple of things. If I am just exchanging a paper licence for a photo one do I still need to get someone to countersign the back of my photos and application like a Doctor, Mayor or the Pope?? Also Do I need to send them my passport and other ID with the application?
Also is it the case that when renewing your photo licence every 10 years you need to pay a fee to do so??
It's only for a change of address due to having got my insurance at a different address, but it looks like such a palava I'm tempted not to do it at all.
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Changing your licence from paper to photo does not incur a fee if it is because you have changed your name or address.
I believe you still need to get it countersigned.
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Just done this myself.
You pay no fee if you are changing address and this is your first photocard.
You don't need countersignatories if you are providing a passport as id.
If you have one of the newer digital passports with your number on the same page as the passport photo, you don't even need to send that in at all. Instead you sign a box on the driving licence application form that allows them to check your passport records with the passport authorities, and write the passport number in the box.
I thought it was going to be a nightmare too - in fact it was fill in the form, attach a photo, write "free" in the cost box and chuck it in the post.
Got the new card within the week.
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Brilliant, what a dipstick :) I think my one is the newest type of passport. I got it in 2002 and it has the number as you described. Cheers guys.
I hope the catch isn't that you get charged every 10 years when you have to renew the photo licence. I begrudge them every penny.
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Yo do indeed have to shell out every ten years. The trick is to either move house or change your name just beforehand.
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So it's going to be just like a UK passport with ever increasing renewal fees (currently £42).
Nice little revenue earner for the govt, surprised they didn't think of it sooner. You have to ask just what exactly was wrong with the old (free) system. Let me guess, a fancy new computer system being introduced that keeps going over budget...
Rant over.
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I feel exactly the same. I don't believe they are just covering costs of admin. I'm sure they calculate that then add a nice little earner of a few million on top. Grrrrr.
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What also appears to have been missed is that tucked away in on of the last Transport Acts was a little clause that the appropriate minister could, at his discretion, at a date decided by him, require all paper licences to be replaced by photo ones.
Anyone want to lay odds that that date will occur shortly after driving licences become part of the 'voluntary' ID cards scheme that we are probably going to end up with?
Suddenly, overnight, licences will then cost the same, or more, than the ID card, renewable every ten years and you will be required, in effect, to possess an ID card to drive. But an ID card will still be voluntary of course!
Anyway why does it cost someone like myself who hasn't moved for 28 years to upgrade to a photo licence because my paper one is wearing out but someone who moves every six months can have as many free goes as they like? Surely a frequent mover is adding extra costs to the system, wouldn't it be fairer if we were all allowed so many free updates in our driving 'careers'.
Cockle
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Anyway why does it cost someone like myself who hasn't moved for 28 years to upgrade to a photo licence because my paper one is wearing out but someone who moves every six months can have as many free goes as they like?
Is it not possible that you 'move' to a relatives and apply for a new free photo license then a few weeks later 'move' back home and re-apply for another photo license with the correct address on?
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Any idea if I can get a free photo licence just because my postcode has changed?
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Our postcode was changed a few years ago and I haven't bothered to get my driving licence updated. Post Office said that all major organisations would be automatically informed of the change, so it's up to DVLA to issue me with a new licence if it is that important. Still got my old paper licence.
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When you do send off your paper license remember not to send the plastic wallet. If you send the wallet you do not get it back - it costs too much to provide new ones and the old ones are discarded. So stick it in a drawer at home and wait for the new licence to drop on the mat. Then put the bits back in yourself.
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My plastic wallet disintegrated years ago!
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>>I feel exactly the same. I don't believe they are just covering costs of admin. I'm sure they calculate that then add a nice little earner of a few million on top. Grrrrr.
I very much doubt they make a profit - governemnts never do. However, what it will do is to pay for several new civil servants to be employed... who are so grateful to the Labour Government for their jobs... that they will vote Labour for ever more.
Every extra bit of administration creates a few more jobs, and if a fee can be charged, then so much the better.
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I objected to having a photo licence when i changed my paper one for a change of address and so never sent them any photo's - which was fine until someone went into the back of me and i had to produce my documents to the police. Luckily they were amused by this and gave me time to send of for my licence but i could have been prosecuted best to send what ever they want but i'm sure i had to pay.
Anyone with a degree can sign the form or a civil servant, if you have kids try and get a teacher to sign it for you
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Anyone with a degree can sign the form
Really? At last, a use for the letters after my name!
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Alistair W, In light of the recent A level results 'discussion' It might be better to say that anyone with a degree 'should ' be able to sign the form.
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interesting stuff! remember though that these teachers, the pope etc. must have known you for two years!
pat
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