Simple '£14 risk' sees 300,000 drivers breaking the law this year

Motorists could face penalty points and even have their motors confiscated for one frequent blunder – with millions more set for renewal this year. Thousands of UK drivers are unknowingly flouting the law by getting behind the wheel with out-of-date licences – and it could land them with a £1,000 fine, points on their licence and potentially having their vehicle impounded.

DVLA figures show that 2.3 million photocard licences are set to lapse in 2025. Worryingly, roughly 300,000 motorists didn't bother renewing their licences last year and could still be driving unlawfully.

A BigWantsYourCar.com expert said: "Driving with an expired licence is not a minor issue – it's a criminal offence. Many drivers aren't even aware that their licence has an expiry date, but if you're caught, the consequences are serious. You could be fined up to £1,000, receive up to six points on your licence, and even have your car seized."

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How do I know if my driving licence has expired?

You can verify the expiry date shown on the front of your photocard licence, usually in section 4b. Licences remain valid for 10 years from the issue date and must be renewed to stay legally acceptable.

BigWantsYourCar.com added: "It's a good idea to set a reminder or check the DVLA website periodically. Don't assume you'll get a renewal letter - if your address isn't up to date, you might miss it."

Failing to update details can also cost you Motorists must also ensure their licence information remains current - including any changes to their name, address, and declaring medical conditions that might impact their driving ability.

"Many people don't realise that driving with out-of-date information is just as risky as driving with an expired licence. If your licence doesn't reflect your current name or address, or you fail to declare medical issues, it can be treated as invalid," the spokesperson added.

This could lead to major complications should an accident occur or when making an insurance claim.

Your insurance could be worthless

Numerous insurance policies stipulate that you must hold a valid driving licence. Motoring with an expired or incorrect licence could provide insurers with grounds to refuse a claim.

"It's a hidden risk many drivers don't think about. Even if you pay for comprehensive cover, your insurer may decline to pay out if they find your licence has expired or is invalid. That could mean being left with the full cost of a repair or liability claim," said BigWantsYourCar.com.

How to update your driving licence

Updating your licence can be completed online through the official DVLA website, at the Post Office, or via post.

Online: Typically processed within five to seven working days.

Post Office: Takes slightly longer due to verification and postage time.

Postal application: Can take up to three weeks.

The standard renewal fee is £14 online and you'll require a valid UK passport photo.

Who faces the greatest risk?

Those over the age of 70 must renew their licence every three years, making them more susceptible to forgetting a renewal. Younger drivers who got their licence a decade ago might also be oblivious to the need for renewal, particularly if they've never received a reminder or have moved home.

"Drivers in their late 20s and early 30s who passed their test in their teens may not realise they're already due for a renewal. It's easy to forget if you've never had to think about it before," warned BigWantsYourCar.com.

What happens if you're caught?

If you're pulled over by the police while driving with an expired or invalid licence:.

You could be given an immediate fixed penalty notice.

The police have the authority to confiscate your vehicle.

Your insurance company could be informed.

Depending on the seriousness of the offence, the case could be taken to court, where the maximum fine is £1,000 and additional points could be added to your record.