If you obtained your driver’s license before 2015, the DVLA has a message for you, and failure to comply might result in financial penalties. For a very significant reason, the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has cautioned all drivers to verify their licenses issued before that year. With so many new changes to driving regulations, it may be difficult to understand what is going on. However, this is not your typical agency warning, and driving without verifying your card date could have serious consequences. You wouldn’t want to be pulled over for a minor infraction, be asked for your information, and then be surprised when you receive a fine, would you?

That’s because it’s your expiration date. You may already be aware that every driver’s license has a 10-year expiry date, which means that if you obtained your license prior to 2015, it is about to expire or has already expired. MoneySavingExpert.com reports that two million individuals currently possess an expired driver’s license and face a substantial fee. The DVLA issues your ID with an updated image every decade to ensure its accuracy over time.
An ID that shows how you looked at 16 won’t work at 60. If you do not comply and do not return your expired license to the DVLA, you may face a fine of up to £1000 under the Road Traffic Act 1988. If you’re unsure where to look, Section 4b on the front of your card displays your license’s expiration date.

It’s also much cheaper to renew your license online for £14, and you’ll receive it faster because it only takes about five days to process. If you don’t have access to a laptop or Wi-Fi, you may complete the form at your local Post Office for £21.50, or you can print it out and do a postal renewal for £17. Richard Evans of WeBuyAnyCar told Joe, “To drive anywhere legally, you must have a valid driver’s license with the most up-to-date and correct details of your name, date of birth, and full address.” If your license expires or your personal information changes, update it. The DVLA warns that drivers who do not have a valid license may face a £1,000 fine and perhaps have their car confiscated. This will be a far higher amount to pay than upgrading your license, which starts at £14. According to Philip Gomm of the RAC Foundation, renewing is also convenient, even if you don’t drive. He claimed: “There are good reasons to keep licenses up to date, beyond the basic legal requirement.” Additionally, they serve as a widely recognized form of identification and will surely be necessary in the event of an official stop.