Find out the date of applications DVLA are processing and how to access their online services.
DVLA is currently operating with reduced staffing levels on site due to ongoing industrial action by members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) and some social distancing measures remaining in place.
Industrial action has been taking place since April and PCS is targeting a variety of areas within DVLA designed to have maximum negative impact on members of the public. This means that there are continuing delays with paper applications and in reaching our contact centre. There are no delays for those applying online.
DVLA are sorry for any inconvenience caused and they are working as quickly as they can to deal with applications.
The majority of our transactions are carried out by customers online. Online services are working as normal, so please use these where possible.
Paper applications
Currently, paper applications are likely to take 6 to 10 weeks to process. There may be additional delays in processing more complex transactions, for example, if medical investigations are needed.
If you have already applied
DVLA are processing all paper applications in the order they receive them. If the application was sent after the dates shown below, it has not been processed yet.
If you sent your application before the dates listed below, please allow 6 to 10 weeks from when you sent your application to receive your vehicle and driving documents, before you contact them.
An online application will usually mean they can print and dispatch a licence or documents within 5 days of you applying online.
Type of application | Date currently being processed |
Renew a driving licence with a new photo | 18 June 2021 |
Apply for a first provisional driving licence with UK identity | 22 July 2021 |
Renew a driving licence if you’re 70 or over or after disqualification or revocation | 21 June 2021 |
Apply for or renew a vocational driving licence | 28 June 2021 |
Apply for a driving licence with non-UK identity | 16 July 2021 |
Apply for or renew a tachograph card | 25 August 2021 |
Apply to change your name or address on your driving licence | 18 June 2021 |
Tell DVLA about the sale of a vehicle | 24 August 2021 |
Vehicle registration certificate (V5C) changes | 12 August 2021 |
Apply for a replacement V5C log book | 4 August 2021 |
Register a vehicle for the first time (including previously used and imports) | 23 July 2021 |
Retain or assign a vehicle registration number | 5 August 2021 |
Online services
NFDA continues to encourage our members to use DVLA’s online services. These represent the quickest, easiest, and often cheapest way to deal with them.
Here are some of the most popular online services:
- Tell DVLA you’ve sold a vehicle
- Tax a vehicle
- Apply for a duplicate V5C log book
- Keep or assign a private (personalised) registration online
- Apply for a driver digital tachograph card
Full details: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-coronavirus-covid-19-update
