DVLA, expired photo cards and licence codes!!!

[stanwan]

Hi SPL,

I'm having a bit of a nightmare weekend - I'm off to Nice for a weeks holiday. I've checked into the DVLA site to get my licence code for car hire.

Turns out my photocard expired over two years ago and there is an error on the address. I should have checked when I had it replaced two years ago. Strangely enough, the photocard was set up to expire 6 months from issue - despite a new photo and change of address.

The dvla will still issue a valid hire code. Sadly attempts to renew the photocard have been thwarted - the online service won't work and can't accept the incorrect address, post office refused to help given the length of expiry - she reckoned I would have to retake my test!!

I have a D1 form, but this doesn't seem to cover my scenario. What's the bet way to get this resolved as quickly as possible?

[R0G]

Call DVLA and ask for their guidance

[Stickyfinger]

R0G said:

Call DVLA and ask for their guidance

Just say it is lost and get a replacement.

[anonymous-user]

Stickyfinger said:

R0G said:

Call DVLA and ask for their guidance

Just say it is lost and get a replacement.

This. Likely to be quickest and simplest way, depending on what the address issue is.

[Aretnap]

stanwan said:

post office refused to help given the length of expiry - she reckoned I would have to retake my test!!

This bit at least is nonsense.

The expired photocard doesn't actually affect your entitlement to drive - the licence itself remains in force - but I wouldn't expect a bloke who works behind the desk at a French car hire firm to understand obscure points of UK motoring law. You may well have trouble hiring a car with what looks like an expired licence.

[stanwan]

REALIST123 said:

This. Likely to be quickest and simplest way, depending on what the address issue is.

My wife and sent our licenses off when we moved to our current address 3 years ago. Hers is correctly down as Fxxx Lodge. For some reason mine says Fxxx Close.

Problem is the online system kicks up a stink when the postcode search can't find the wrong address....

The license did find its way back to me via the post. The renewal notice hasn't ever been received. Despite us both providing new photographs, mine was only valid for 6 months... I should have checked more carefully before throwing it all in a file.......
\