Table of Contents
Can You Keep Driving on Your EU Licence?
Why Change Your Licence Early?
How to Change Your EU Driving Licence for UK
What Happens to Your EU Licence?
If you’re living in the UK and driving on an EU licence, you might wonder when and how you should switch to a UK driving licence. This guide walks you through how to change your EU driving licence for UK, with clear steps, realistic timelines, and links to trusted resources.
Can You Keep Driving on Your EU Licence?
Yes — you can drive in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) on a valid EU or EEA licence:
- If you were younger than 67 when you became a resident, you can drive on your EU licence until you’re 70.
- If you were 67 or older when you became a resident, you can drive on your EU licence for 3 years after that point.
- You can exchange your EU licence for a GB licence when you cannot drive on it anymore.
So, unless you’re over that age or your residency time has passed, you’re still good to drive, but planning ahead is always wise.
Different rules may apply if your licence was originally exchanged from a non-EU licence: You can drive in Great Britain for only 12 months if you got your EU licence by exchanging your non-EU licence. You can explore this in more detail using GOV.UK’s tool for exchanging non‑GB driving licences.
Why Change Your Licence Early?
Even if you don’t have to exchange right away, there are benefits to making the switch sooner:
- Better for identity checks — your UK licence doubles up as proof of ID for everyday tasks.
- Avoids last-minute stress — no worrying about postal delays or DVLA backlogs if you’re close to your legal deadline.
- Can simplify updates – If you, for example, move house or need to update your details, it’s often easier to do this once you hold a UK driving licence.
- Can help with driving-related jobs – Employers in the UK, especially in industries like delivery or taxi driving, will sometimes ask for a UK licence as part of their checks.
- Penalty points and fines are easier to manage with a UK licence – offences can be endorsed directly onto your driving record. With an EU licence, the DVLA must first create a temporary record, potentially adding an extra layer of admin.
How to Change Your EU Driving Licence for UK
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
You must be a resident of Great Britain (as defined as England, Wales and Scotland). Gov.uk defines a resident as someone who has lived in the country for at least 185 days of the year.
Step 2: Fill Out the Right Form
You’ll need the D1 application form, which can be obtained from most Post Offices. Click here to find your local Post Office.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
You’ll need:
- Your EU/EEA driving licence.
- Proof of identity (passport or Biometric Residence Permit).
- A recent passport-sized photo.
- Proof of UK address (dated within 3 months).
- The £43 fee
Step 4: Post Your Application
Send your completed D1 form, payment and documents to the DVLA. In most cases, applications are processed in around three weeks. However, if you’ve disclosed a medical condition, the DVLA may need additional information from you or your doctor. This can extend the processing time beyond the usual three weeks.
What Happens to Your EU Licence?
When your application is processed, the DVLA sends your EU licence back to the issuing country, which means you won’t get your Non-UK licence returned once the process is complete. You’ll then receive a UK photocard driving licence.
Insurance Considerations
While there will often be no change to your car insurance, here are a couple of key points to consider:
- Tell your insurer if you’ve updated your licence. Full transparency is always recommended, so it’s best to inform your insurer as soon as you exchange your licence.
- Whilst it’s perfectly legal to drive on an EU licence for the permitted period, insurers will still need accurate information about your licence to keep your cover valid.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until the last minute — postal delays or DVLA backlogs can cause problems.
- Using the wrong form — D1 is for cars and motorcycles; Lorry, bus, or minibus drivers may need D2/D4.
- Forgetting to update your address.
- Not telling your insurer about your licence change.
Special Situations
- Over 70 – You must exchange your EU licence within three years to keep driving and renew every three years.
- Lost or stolen licence – Report it to the police, apply for a replacement, and protect against ID theft. (If your EU licence has been lost or stolen before you exchange it, you can still apply for a UK licence. The DVLA will usually ask for written confirmation of your driving entitlement from the licensing authority in your home country.)
- Northern Ireland residents – You must complete this process through the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA), not the DVLA.
Final Tips Before You Apply
Here’s a quick checklist to keep everything on track:
- Confirm your eligibility and deadlines.
- Fill out a D1 form and collect all documents.
- Pay the £43 fee.
- Send your application to DVLA.
- Inform your insurer when your UK licence arrives.
In Summary
Knowing how to change your EU driving licence for UK helps you stay prepared and worry-free. With the right documents and a little planning, the process is straightforward, and you’ll be driving confidently with a UK licence in no time.