The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has started phasing out all old driver’s licences issued before September 2017 from its system.

The old cards will be replaced with new smart driver’s licence cards.

“The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) wishes to inform the public that, it has commenced an exercise to phase out all Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) card driver’s licence (the old PVC card driver’s licences issued before September 2017) and replace them with the smart card driver’s licence.”

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, September 6, the Authority urged holders of such driver’s licenses to submit them to the nearest DVLA office for replacement.

The press statement which was signed by its management added that the exercise will end in March 2024. 

“The Authority is inviting all holders of the PVC card driver’s licences to submit them to the nearest DVLA office for verification and replacement for the smart card driver’s licence.” 

“This exercise takes effect from now till 31st March 2024 after which all PVC card driver’s licence shall be rendered invalid by the Authority. This exercise is at no additional cost to the holder.”

Meanwhile, it has warned that holders of such licenses who will fail to replace their licenses within the advertised period will have to reapply and undergo all required tests to obtain a new driver’s licence.