UK drivers licence photo card - lost

[geminichick]

Ok just been pulled by traffic police as as brake light and bald tyre - own fault but thats that. Been asked to produced my photo card and paper licence in next 7 days. Panicking as cant find my photo card part of licence which surely means a fail to produce. What are the options and consequences if I take in my paper licence, insurance docs and apply for new photo card licence? Really worried!!! Just got 3 points and £80 fine so not looking forward to more of this!!

[Pothole]

Perhaps you could look for your drivING licence.

[geminichick]

pretty much looked and cant find it so worrying as i only have 7 days - have checked on dvla website they advise i would need to send paper licence off to get new photo card which means i would only have insurance docs and mot to take to police. this is a first for me so not sure what happens if i cant find it - i.e more points, bigger fine etc????

[Pothole]

geminichick said:

pretty much looked and cant find it so worrying as i only have 7 days - have checked on dvla website they advise i would need to send paper licence off to get new photo card which means i would only have insurance docs and mot to take to police. this is a first for me so not sure what happens if i cant find it - i.e more points, bigger fine etc????

Go into the Police station and ask. I'm sure you're not the first and won't be the last.

[Nigel Worc's]

Pothole said:

geminichick said:

pretty much looked and cant find it so worrying as i only have 7 days - have checked on dvla website they advise i would need to send paper licence off to get new photo card which means i would only have insurance docs and mot to take to police. this is a first for me so not sure what happens if i cant find it - i.e more points, bigger fine etc????

Go into the Police station and ask. I'm sure you're not the first and won't be the last.

And they'll be able to access your dvla record via their pnc

[Gareth79]

Go in with everything you do have ASAP and explain. I have read reports from people who have lost various documents that they will say they will "have to" report you for failing to produce.

However *don't panic* there is a defence that you could not have produced within the time required, and did produce as soon as possible (ie. as soon as you receive the new licence). This is to cover things like people being stopped on the way to the airport for a month-long holiday.

You would expect the CPS should drop it automatically, but I don't know the procedure, just keep copies of your new licence application and the paperwork you get back just in case.

[thebrasso]

If you go down to the station with what you have, they will note what you say and forward that on to the reporting officer. If you explain that you cannot find your photocard, it should go no further. The fact is it will be on record on the PNC and if enquries were made with the DVLA that you DO hold a license....I wouldn't worry about it.

[tigger1]

Police station today - explain situation.

Then, fill in form, and send off to DVLA for new photocard. I think they're coming back within a couple of days now - it's even quicker if you've a recent passport (<5 years old):

https://www.gov.uk/apply-online-to-replace-a-drivi...

Don't panic.
Don't fail to go in and explain to the police.
Don't tell them that you can't produce, just that in trying to produce it you've realised it's lost, that you're applying for a new one, and that it will be with them in <7days.

[R0G]

Bit odd - getting stopped by traffic and them not having instant access to your licence status .....

[Gareth79]

R0G said:

Bit odd - getting stopped by traffic and them not having instant access to your licence status .....

I think it's because the officers don't have access to the photo to confirm your identity. If somebody was using your details and got a producer they wouldn't be able to produce your licence, and it would highlight a problem (but still cause the real person some hassle in having to explain why "they" didn't produce it).

If the officers DO have access, then it does seem to be a waste of time.

[R0G]

Gareth79 said:

R0G said:

Bit odd - getting stopped by traffic and them not having instant access to your licence status .....

I think it's because the officers don't have access to the photo to confirm your identity. If somebody was using your details and got a producer they wouldn't be able to produce your licence, and it would highlight a problem (but still cause the real person some hassle in having to explain why "they" didn't produce it).

If the officers DO have access, then it does seem to be a waste of time.

In most cases if they cannot confirm identity at the time then they usually detain until they have it

[lbc]

Gareth79 said:

R0G said:

Bit odd - getting stopped by traffic and them not having instant access to your licence status .....

I think it's because the officers don't have access to the photo to confirm your identity. If somebody was using your details and got a producer they wouldn't be able to produce your licence, and it would highlight a problem (but still cause the real person some hassle in having to explain why "they" didn't produce it).

If the officers DO have access, then it does seem to be a waste of time.

Many of us still have the old pink licence long before photo's were invented.

[MrPicky]

lbc said:

Many of us still have the old pink licence long before photo's were invented.

Some of us have the Green licence that came before the pink.

[Ki3r]

R0G said:

Bit odd - getting stopped by traffic and them not having instant access to your licence status .....

PNC could have been down.

Pop down to your local station, explain that you've lost it and that you are getting a new one.

Go online and order a new licence. Mine came within three days (including having to send my card part back first).

[Pothole]

MrPicky said:

lbc said:

Many of us still have the old pink licence long before photo's were invented.

Some of us have the Green licence that came before the pink.

The first permanent photograph was made in 1822. Driver registration was introduced to the UK in 1903. These licences were yellow.

[Frix]

If they got a ticket for a bald tyre they would need to produce the licence irrespective of whether it is possible to confirm the status at the roadside.

[Who me ?]

I had similar way back when it was a three year licence. Mine was with my employer for renewal ,when I was stopped by young cop for docs check. ( I still had sisters L plate up). I nominated my local station ,and popped in next door 7 told the Sgt . Took a couple of weeks to get licence back, but once presented ,all was well .Never heard anym more . So my suggestion -ask police . I'd have thought that these days with almost everything on computer ,that would be all they needed .

[CharlieTwo]

R0G said:

Bit odd - getting stopped by traffic and them not having instant access to your licence status .....

If he has been issued a Fixed Penalty Notice he needs to surrender the licence itself - both photocard and counterpart where applicable.

[davepoth]

Shame I didn't notice this earlier. Last time I needed a photocard in a hurry the nice lady at the DVLA told me to tell her I had lost both parts of the licence. They can get a replacement to you in three days at little extra cost.

[Pontoneer]

MrPicky said:

Some of us have the Green licence that came before the pink.

And others don't have any licence at all , not even a dog licence ..... but they still drive .