Licence lapse: More than half a million Brits may be driving with expired licences after failing to renew

19 March 2026

  • Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance reveals that almost 300,000 driving licence photocards that expired between July and December 2025 have yet to be renewed. *
  • The member-owned business’ findings also revealed that more than 210,000 entitlements to drive that lapsed during this period are still pending renewal. **
  • In addition, almost 2.7 million driving licence photocards are set to expire in 2026. ***
  • Meanwhile, 2 million licence holders’ entitlement to drive is also expiring this year.
  • This comes as Co-op Insurance reminds drivers to check their driving licences to ensure that they are in date.

Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance from the DVLA reveals that more than half a million motorists in Britain could be driving without a valid licence at present.

The member-owned business’ findings showed that almost 300,000 driving licence photocards that expired between July and December 2025 have yet to be renewed. In addition, more than 210,000 entitlements to drive that lapsed during this period are still pending renewal.

What’s more almost 2.7 million driving licence photocards are set to expire this year, whilst over 2 million licence holders’ entitlement to drive is also expiring in 2026. ****

The findings highlight how licence renewal may be overlooked by motorists, often inadvertently, despite the legal and financial risks associated with failing to keep documentation up to date.

By law, both full and provisional driving licence holders must renew their photocard every 10 years, so those who were issued with one back in 2016 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. *

Additionally, column 11 on the back of a driving licence reveals the date from which a motorist’s licence for a class of vehicle expires and this usually corresponds to an individual’s 70th birthday.

Driving with an expired driving licence or photocard is illegal and those who are caught with an expired driving 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.

Having a lapsed licence could invalidate a motorist’s insurance, which would leave them liable for any damage or injury in the event of an accident. Indeed, with car insurance claims potentially running into the tens of thousands, those who drive with an invalid licence could also face a significant financial impact. **

As such, Co-op Insurance is encouraging motorists to check their driving licences to ensure that they are valid and in date.

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 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.”

Additionally, in 2025, the DVLA issued more than 930,000 replacement driving licence photocards to motorists. This was for a whole host of reasons including those reported as stolen, defaced, or destroyed as well as those declared lost. *

Replacing a full or provisional driving licence photocard costs £20 and can be done online, by phone or by post.

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Notes to editor

Driving licence data from Freedom of Information request to the DVLA. As of 28 January 2026, this data is inclusive of both full and provisional driving licence holders.

  • 299,666 GB licence holders with a photocard which expired between 1 July and 31 December 2025 and are yet to renew their photocard as of January 2026.

** 213,290 licence holders whose entitlement to drive expired between 1 July and 31 December 2025 and have not renewed as of January 2026.

*** 2,698,490 GB licence holders with a photocard which is due to expire during the calendar year 2026

**** 2,040,666 GB licence holders whose entitlement to drive is due to expire during the calendar year 2026.

* https://www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence

** Co-op Insurance had seen car insurance claims of up to £42,000 in 2024

* 931,535 replacement GB driving licence photocards issued by the DVLA in the calendar year 2025.

For more information please contact: pressoffice@coop.co.uk

About Co-op

Co-op Group is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, operating across food retail, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by 7 million active member-owners, Co-op exists to meet their needs and champion the causes they care about. With more than 2,300 food stores, 800 funeral homes and a wholesale business supplying around 8,000 additional outlets, Co-op employs 53,000 colleagues and generates annual revenues of over £11 billion. It is a recognised leader in ethical business and community-led programmes, creating long-term value for members and communities across the UK.