If you are wondering how to convert paper driving licence to smart card or how to make a driving licence (renew) in case your address or name has recently been changed, then you’ve come to the right place.
The UK government’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is very strict about law and policies. Especially, when it comes to driving regulations. They can fine you if your driver’s licence hasn’t been renewed. In that case, converting your driver’s licence into a smart card could’ve helped avoid the penalty.
There are also other purposes for a smart card. For example, if you want to apply to be a driver for a transport company, you have to submit a smart card. To do that, apply for an operator licence or restricted licence.
So let’s get started on the application process of converting a paper driving licence to a smart card.
What Is A Smart Driving Licence Card?
A smart driving licence card or photocard is a driving licence issued as a card that looks like a debit or credit card. It has a microchip on it which holds all your driving licence information. It is easy to carry and cannot be damaged easily.
How To Convert Paper Driving Licence To Smart Card?
Application Process
You can apply for a smart card in two ways:
-
By post
You can apply using standard postal methods. When applying, you have to bear in mind that you must apply using these forms一
D1- Application for a car/motorbike driving licence
or
D2- Application for a lorry/bus licence
You can collect them from the DVLA Form Ordering Service or any large Post Office. Send it by post upon completion to the official DVLA address which is: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN.
-
In-person
You can also make an application in-person at the DVLA in Swansea.
N.B.- The DVLA usually sends a new driving licence card within three weeks. But, if they need to check any medical details or personal information, the process can take longer.
Also read: How To Renew Digital Tachograph Card
Eligibility to apply
The minimum eligibility of converting a paper licence to a smart card is given below:
- Having a valid driving licence
- Being a citizen of Great Britain
- Meeting the minimum eyesight requirement approved by a doctor
- Don’t have any reason that can prevent you from driving
- Paying £20 by MasterCard, Visa, Electron, or Delta debit or credit card
- Having a valid UK passport or any other form of identity
- A National Insurance number (if you have one)
- Providing addresses of where you have lived for the last three years
Which Photo Is Used On Your Photocard Licence?
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) uses your UK digital passport photo.
Send a photo by post if you do not want them to use the picture on your passport. After applying online, a form is posted so that you can return it with the photo you want DVLA to post.
How Can You Continue Driving While Your Licence Is Being Renewed?
You can keep driving while your licence is being renewed if you follow these conditions:
- You have doctor’s consent to continue driving
- You already have a valid licence
- You will operate under the requirements of the previous valid licence
- Your application was less than a year ago
- You don’t have any medical issues for which your previous licence was revoked or refused
- You were not previously disqualified as a high-risk offender
Why Do You Need To Convert A Paper Licence To A Smart Card?
You need to renew or convert your driving licence to smart card if any of these incidents happen:
- Your address has been changed
- Your name has been changed
- Your licence has been tampered with, lost, stolen, or destroyed
Advantages Of Having A Smart Driving Licence Card
There are a few benefits of having a smart driving licence card. They are given below:
- Your information is secured as it uses an upgraded chip technology that holds the driver’s biometric data.
- Only traffic police can read the data with the help of a hand-held device. Otherwise, the information is unreadable and cannot be tampered with.
- The smart photocard prevents fake driving licences.
- Smart photocard is stronger and more durable than a paper licence.
- The smart photocard is easy to carry.
Also read: How To Get Digital Tachograph Card
How To Make Correction In Driving Licence?
It is easy to change your name or gender on your driving licence and doesn’t cost anything. If you need to make corrections such as changing your name or gender to your driving licence, then simply follow this process:
Send your driving licence to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) at their address- DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN.
If your name has changed, like you need to add Mrs. or Dr., just fill in forms D1 or D2, see note under the ‘Your driving licence’ section. You don’t have to send proof of your name unless it’s a hereditary title.
Conclusion
So, now you know how to convert paper driving licence to smart card. Apply this learning into action and get a brand new smart card! Do let us know if you benefited from this article. Thank you for reading.