The current online service costs £34. DVLA’s service guides you through identity checks and the steps needed for your application.
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DVLA journey guide · October 2026UK driving licence photo: provisional, renewal and postal routes explained
Driving-licence photo steps depend on what you are doing with DVLA. A first provisional application, an online photo renewal and a postal D1 application do not all use the same photo process.
Choose the correct DVLA journey
Do not assume a passport photo-code workflow applies to driving licences.
GOV.UK says you can use your passport photo or upload a new one when renewing online. The current online fee is £14.
Some D1/postal journeys require a recent printed passport-type photograph, depending on the application you are making.
Important: the HM Passport Office “photo code” is documented for online passport applications. Do not assume the same code is accepted by DVLA unless the DVLA service you are using explicitly tells you so.
Current GOV.UK routes
Photo requirements depend on the transaction.
| DVLA task | Current GOV.UK route | Photo note |
|---|---|---|
| First provisional | Online application or D1 by post | Follow the identity/photo steps shown by DVLA; online fee currently £34. |
| Renew/change photocard photo | Online renewal | GOV.UK says you can use your passport photo or upload a new one; online fee currently £14. |
| Change address and photo by post | D1 form | GOV.UK says include a recent printed passport-type photo; fee rules depend on the transaction. |
| Paper licence / certain postal routes | D1 or other relevant form | A colour passport-type photograph may be required. |
Northern Ireland uses a different licensing system. This guide is about DVLA journeys for Great Britain.
If you need a new photo
Use a recent, clear passport-type photograph where DVLA asks for one.
The safest approach is to follow the exact photo prompt or form notes in your DVLA journey. Do not buy a passport photo code purely for a driving-licence application unless DVLA explicitly requests that format.
FAQs
Driving licence photo questions.
Can I use my passport photo to renew my driving licence?
GOV.UK currently says that when changing the photo on a full or provisional driving licence online, you can use your passport photo or upload a new one.
Does a UK passport photo code work for DVLA?
Do not assume it does. Passport photo codes are documented for HM Passport Office. Follow the DVLA service or form you are using and provide the photo format it requests.
How much is a first provisional licence online?
The current GOV.UK first provisional driving licence service lists an online fee of £34.
How much is it to renew/change my driving licence photo online?
The current GOV.UK photo-renewal service lists an online fee of £14.
Use the official DVLA route