Renewing your licence at 70 plus
Your driving licence entitlement will expire when you reach the age of 70 and if you want to continue to drive, the entitlement will need to be renewed by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA)
DVA will send you, approximately 2 months before your 70th birthday, and every three years thereafter, a DL1R application for renewal of a driving licence.
You'll need to:
- complete the DL1R form
- send it to DVA, Driver Licensing, County Hall, Coleraine, BT51 3TB
- return your photocard driving licence and counterpart
You'll also need to include a new passport type certified photograph*
*your photograph MUST be signed and dated on the back by either an M.P, Justice of the peace, Minister of Religion or a professionally qualified person (e.g. Engineer, Lawyer, Teacher, Librarian , Local Business Person, Local Councilor, Bank Official, established CIvil Servant, Police Officer or someone of similar standing) who has known you for at least two years, and must not be related to you in any way, and must hold a Northern Ireland licence.
No fee is needed with this application.
Please note: this is a courtesy on the Agency's behalf and we are not obliged to issue reminders.
Renewing without a DL1R 'application for renewal';
If, for any reason, you don't receive the reminder application forms you can use the DL1 'application for driving licence'. This form is available from Post Office® branches or Local Vehicle Licensing Offices
You'll also need to include a new passport type certified photograph* (see note above)
Renewing your C1 or D1 entitlement
To renew your previously held C1 or D1 entitlement, whether full or restricted, or if you intend to drive minibuses on a voluntary basis, you must enclose a DLM1 'medical examination report' completed by a doctor in support of your application
When to expect your licence
DVA aims to deliver your new licence to you within three weeks of receiving your application. It'll take longer if they have to check your health or personal details. Allow at least three weeks for your driving licence to arrive before contacting the DVA.
Photocard driving licences explained
Driving before your licence is returned
Once DVA has received your valid application you can drive before you recieve your licence as long as you:
- have held a Northern Ireland or Great Britain licence issued since 1 January 1976 or another exchangeable licence
- have made a qualifying application for a licence
- aren't disqualified from driving
- haven't been refused a licence for medical reasons or for failing to comply with medical enquiries
- wouldn't be refused a licence for medical reasons (if in doubt check with your doctor)
- keep to any special conditions which apply to the licence
More useful links
You must tell the DVA if you ever had, or currently suffer form a medical condition that may affect you driving.
- Medical conditions and disabled drivers
- Driving licence fees
- Local office application checking service
