Lost Your Licence? Had It Stolen? Here’s What You Need to Do
By Blind Spot DriveBlog
Lost Your Licence? Had It Stolen? Here’s What You Need to Do
Lost Your Licence? Had It Stolen? Here’s What You Need to Do
Outline of the Article
- Introduction
- Overview of the issue of lost or stolen licences
- Statistics from the DVLA on replacement licences
- Why Do So Many People Lose Their Licences?
- Common reasons behind losing or misplacing licences
- Carrying Your Licence: Should You Always Have It on You?
- Legal requirements for carrying your licence in the UK
- Advantages and disadvantages of keeping it on your person
- Alternatives to Carrying Your Licence
- Storing your licence in your car (like Scots)
- Keeping it at home (like the Welsh)
- What to Do If Your Licence is Lost or Stolen
- Immediate steps to take if your licence is lost
- Reporting a Stolen Licence to the Police
- How to report a stolen licence
- Why it’s important to notify authorities
- Applying for a Replacement Licence
- Step-by-step guide to applying online for a replacement
- Documents and Information You Need to Apply
- List of necessary documents for the application process
- Cost of Replacing Your Licence
- Breakdown of the fees involved
- How Long Does It Take to Get a New Licence?
- Expected timeline for receiving your replacement
- Can You Drive While Waiting for a Replacement Licence?
- Legal implications of driving without a physical licence
- What If You Find Your Old Licence After Getting a Replacement?
- What to do if your original licence turns up after replacement
- Preventing Future Loss or Theft
- Tips for keeping your licence safe
- Digital Driving Licences: The Future Solution?
- Potential introduction of digital licences in the UK
- Conclusion and Final Thoughts
- FAQs
- Can I drive while waiting for my new licence?
- Do I need to report a lost licence to the police?
- How long does it take to replace a licence?
- Can someone misuse my stolen driving licence?
- Will my car insurance be affected if I lose my licence?
Lost Your Licence? Had It Stolen? Here’s What You Need to Do
Introduction
You worked hard to earn your driving licence—countless hours behind the wheel, endless revisions, and nerve-wracking tests. But unfortunately, losing or having your licence stolen is more common than you might think. According to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Brits spent nearly £19 million in 2017 on replacement licences, with over 930,000 applications submitted in a single year. That’s a staggering number!
So, what should you do if you find yourself in this predicament? Whether your licence was misplaced or stolen, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide on the steps you need to take.
Why Do So Many People Lose Their Licences?
It’s easy to misplace such a small, yet important, piece of plastic. Whether it’s a night out, a hectic schedule, or simply forgetting where you put it, losing your licence is almost as common as losing your keys or wallet. Younger drivers are especially prone to losing their licences due to frequent use as an ID for age verification.
Carrying Your Licence: Should You Always Have It on You?
You might wonder: Do I really need to carry my licence at all times? Surprisingly, in the UK, you are not legally required to carry your driving licence with you while driving. However, many people choose to do so as it can serve as an ID for various purposes.
Pros of Carrying Your Licence
- Quick proof of identity if pulled over by the police.
- Useful for age verification when buying age-restricted products.
Cons of Carrying Your Licence
- Higher risk of losing it or having it stolen.
- Potential for misuse if it falls into the wrong hands.
Alternatives to Carrying Your Licence
If you’re worried about losing your licence, consider these safer alternatives:
1. Store It in Your Car
Drivers in Scotland are twice as likely to leave their licence in their vehicle’s glovebox. While this keeps it readily available, it’s crucial to hide it from view to deter theft.
2. Keep It at Home
The Welsh have the right idea by leaving their licences at home alongside other important documents like insurance papers. This reduces the risk of losing it on the go.
What to Do If Your Licence is Lost or Stolen
The moment you realize your licence is missing, don’t panic. Take these steps:
- Search thoroughly in your house, car, or anywhere you’ve been recently.
- Report it stolen to the police if you suspect theft.
- Apply for a replacement licence through the DVLA.
Reporting a Stolen Licence to the Police
If your licence has been stolen, it’s essential to notify the police. This helps protect you from potential identity theft. Provide all relevant details and obtain a crime reference number, which you may need for your insurance or DVLA replacement application.
Applying for a Replacement Licence
Applying for a new licence is straightforward if you follow these steps:
- Visit the official DVLA website.
- Fill out the application form with your personal details.
- Provide your National Insurance number, passport number, and previous addresses.
- Pay the £20 replacement fee using a debit or credit card.
Documents and Information You Need to Apply
Before starting your application, ensure you have:
- Your National Insurance number.
- Your passport number (if available).
- Addresses where you’ve lived over the past three years.
- Your driving licence number (if you have a record of it).
Cost of Replacing Your Licence
The standard fee for a replacement driving licence is £20. Keep in mind that this fee is non-refundable, even if you find your lost licence after applying for a replacement.
How Long Does It Take to Get a New Licence?
After submitting your application, expect your new licence to arrive within one week. However, it may take longer during peak times or if additional verification is needed.
Can You Drive While Waiting for a Replacement Licence?
Yes, you are legally allowed to drive while waiting for your new licence to arrive, provided your driving privileges remain intact.
What If You Find Your Old Licence After Getting a Replacement?
If your lost licence turns up after you’ve received a replacement, you must send the old licence back to the DVLA. It’s illegal to possess multiple driving licences.
Preventing Future Loss or Theft
To avoid losing your licence again:
- Store it securely at home.
- Use a dedicated holder for your ID and licence.
- Consider using digital copies where allowed.
Digital Driving Licences: The Future Solution?
The UK is considering the introduction of digital driving licences, which would be accessible via your smartphone. This could significantly reduce cases of lost or stolen licences.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Losing your licence can be a hassle, but with the right steps, it’s manageable. By following the guidelines above, you can quickly get back on the road. And remember, prevention is always better than cure—keep your licence secure and consider digital solutions for the future.
FAQs
- Can I drive while waiting for my new licence?
Yes, you can drive legally as long as your driving privileges are still valid. - Do I need to report a lost licence to the police?
No, unless it was stolen. Reporting is essential to prevent identity theft. - How long does it take to replace a licence?
It usually takes about one week. - Can someone misuse my stolen driving licence?
Yes, it can be used for identity theft, so report it immediately. - Will my car insurance be affected if I lose my licence?
Typically, no, but it’s best to inform your insurer for record accuracy.
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