DVLA urges drivers aged 70 and over to keep their money in their pocket this Christmas

Published: 29/11/2021

DVLA reminds drivers aged 70 and over to always use GOV.UK, as more than 800 drivers notified the agency about third-party websites charging premiums for DVLA services in the past year.

DVLA is urging drivers aged 70 and over to keep their money in their pocket this Christmas, after the agency revealed that more than 800 drivers had notified them about third-party websites charging hefty premiums for their services.

Many of these sites appear high up in the results on a Google search, resulting in scores of drivers inadvertently using a third-party website, when they believe they are dealing with DVLA. The agency is reminding drivers to always use  www.gov.co.uk, the official government website, to prevent being charged additional fees.

New figures released today show that in the last 12 months, DVLA received notifications from 803 drivers who unnecessarily parted with money to renew their driving licence at 70 years old through a third party website. Some of these sites charge up to £81 handling fee, which is £20 more than the cost of a typical weekly family shop.

Third party websites charge a fee to pass a driver’s application to DVLA, but these sites are not affiliated with DVLA, and applications made through third party websites will not be processed any quicker than those made through GOV.UK. This is the only place to access DVLA’s online services where you can be guaranteed not to be charged additional fees on top of any statutory fees that may apply.

Julie Lennard, DVLA Chief Executive said:

"Drivers looking to renew their licence at 70 and over should use our online service which is secure, free of charge, and also the quickest and easiest way to transact with DVLA. Customers usually receive their driving licence in just 5 days."

"Always remember to always use GOV.UK when using any of DVLA’s many online services."

When a driver reaches their 70th birthday, they must renew their entitlement to drive every 3 years. DVLA reminds drivers 90 days before their licence is due to expire, and the quickest and easiest way to renew a licence is to go to GOV.UK where the service is quick, easy to use, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is free of charge.