How to Convert an Eu Driving License to the UK

Last Updated: October 17, 2021

If you’re moving from the European Union (EU) to the United Kingdom (UK), you may wonder what your driving status is. Not to worry! We’ve answered all your license-related questions below, so you can legally hit the road once you’re in the UK.

Question 1

Question 1 of 5:
Can I exchange my EU driving license for a UK license?

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Possibly, if you’re a resident of the UK already. Your eligibility ultimately depends on the type of license you have, your age, and where you passed your original driver’s test. The official UK government website offers a quick eligibility test that you can take here: https://www.gov.uk/exchange-foreign-driving-licence.

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Question 2

Question 2 of 5:
How much does it cost to convert an EU license to UK?

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It costs £43 to convert your license. To get the ball rolling, fill out the order form D1, which you can get online from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Then, mail the form and payment to the address specified on the form. The DVLA will send you a license within 3 weeks.^{[1]
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Official UK government website
Official website for the public sector of the UK government
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Question 3

Question 3 of 5:
Do I need to change my EU driving license to UK?

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No, you don’t. According to the official UK website, you’re legally allowed to drive in Great Britain as long as your EU license is valid and you’re less than 70 years old.^{[2]
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- You can also legally drive in Northern Ireland with an EU license.^{[3]
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Question 4

Question 4 of 5:
Can I still drive if I’m older?

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Yes, but you need to get your license renewed frequently. In both Great Britain and Northern Ireland, you’re required to renew your license once every 3 years after you turn 70.^{[4]
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- You can renew your Great Britain license online. Visit their official website to do it: https://www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence-at-70.
- You’ll need to renew your Northern Ireland license by mail. The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) will send you a form that you can mail in.^{[5]
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Question 5

Question 5 of 5:
Can you have 2 driving licenses in the UK?

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You’re legally allowed to have 2 licenses. However, you can’t apply for a second license in the UK if you already have a valid license.^{[6]
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Official UK government website
Official website for the public sector of the UK government
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