Drivers with a photocard driving licence due to expire between 1 February and 31 August 2020 will be granted a seven month extension from the date of expiry the DVLA has this week announced.
The agency says it will help drivers make necessary journeys without having to obtain a new photograph to renew their licence.
Normally drivers are required to renew their photocard licence every ten years, and bus and lorry drivers every five years.
A new EU regulation has now been introduced which means photocards that expire between 1 February and 31 August 2020 will be automatically extended for a further seven months from the date of expiry.
Drivers will be sent a reminder to renew before their seven month extension ends.
This extension applies to the photocard.
If a driver’s entitlement to drive is due to expire and they wish to continue to hold a valid licence, they will need to renew this entitlement in the normal way.
DVLA chief executive Julie Lennard said: “This extension will make it easier for drivers who need to update their photocard licence with a new photograph.
“This means as long as they have a valid licence, drivers will be able to continue to make essential journeys.
“The extension is automatic so drivers do not need to do anything and will be sent a reminder to renew their photocard before the extension ends.”
The DVLA’s online services to renew driving licences and replacing a driving licence are available for drivers who need to renew their entitlement to drive or replace a lost or stolen licence.