Licence lapse: Almost 2.3 million driving licences set to expire this year

06 March 2025

Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance reveals that almost 2.3 million driving licences are set to expire in 2025. *
In addition, the findings showed that more than 300,000 driving licences that expired in 2024 have yet to be renewed. **
Meanwhile, more than 1 million driving licences had to be replaced in 2024.
This comes as Co-op Insurance reminds drivers to check their driving licences to ensure that they are in date.
Driving with an invalid licence could lead to significant penalties, and potentially any insurance claims being declined.

Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance from the DVLA reveals that almost 2.3 million driving licences are set to expire this year.

Brits with an expired licence are being urged to start the renewal process promptly with the DVLA as they could face significant penalties for not doing so.

What’s more, more than 300,000 driving licences that expired in 2024 have yet to be renewed, with almost 120,000 of the licences that expired between September and December still pending renewal. ***

Motorists caught driving with an expired licence could face a fine of up to £1,000 and gaining between three and six points on their licence. In addition, driving with an invalid licence could lead to the police seizing the vehicle and even prosecution.

By law, motorists must renew their photocard licence every 10 years, so those who were issued with one back in 2015 will now be due to renew. However, those aged 70 and over must renew every three years. The date of expiry can be found in section 4b of a photocard licence. ****

Motorists must also ensure that they update their driving licence with the DVLA when they permanently move address. Failure to do so could also lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

Meanwhile, in 2024, the DVLA were forced to issue more than one million replacement driving licences to motorists. This was for a whole host of reasons including those reported as stolen, defaced, or destroyed as well as those declared lost. *

Having an invalid licence could also lead to any insurance claims being declined and as such, Co-op Insurance is encouraging motorists to check their driving licences to ensure that they are valid and in date.

The member-owned business has also revealed that it had seen car insurance claims of up to £42,000 in 2024 meaning that those who drive with an invalid licence could also face a significant financial impact. **

Paul Evans, Head of Motor at Co-op Insurance said:

“Driving is a crucial part of everyday life for so many people, whether that’s for work or leisure.

“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 our members and customers to check their driving licences to ensure that they’re in date as drivers will face significant penalties if their licence is found to be invalid.

“We would also remind motorists that if your licence has expired, it could lead to any claims you make being declined.”

For details on Co-op insurance, or for further information on Co-op Insurance, visit https://www.coop.co.uk/insurance

-ENDS-

Driving licence data from Freedom of Information request to the DVLA. As of 14 February 2025, this data is inclusive of both full and provisional driving licence holders.

2,269,736 GB licence holders’ entitlement to drive is due to expire. 312,114 yet to renew driving licences that expired in 2024. This data may include GB licence holders who have applied to renew their entitlement, and it is still waiting to be processed. 118,920 expired between September and December 2024. https://www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence Total number of duplicate licences issued by the DVLA in calendar year 2024, was 1,003,126. **** Paid claims data from Markerstudy Distribution (Co-op Insurance’s motor partner), 27th February 2025 For more information please contact: pressoffice@coop.co.uk

About Co-op

Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates over 2,400 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 5,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.

Employing almost 60,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11 billion and is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.