The DVLA posted on X: “Are you 70 or over and due to renew your driving licence? Do it for free! Grab a cuppa and renew today at http://gov.uk/renewat70. It’s easy, quick and secure on http://GOV.UK.”
Third-party sites can charge drivers fees for ‘administration’ or ‘services’ but are not illegal. Some services are charging drivers up to £60 while others have been known to advertise their products for over £80.
Scarily, many of the third-party copycat sites often mimic GOV.UK portals meaning motorists with little internet experience could be caught out. These sites then simply pass the details over to the DVLA for free and pocket the fee for themselves.
The Older Drivers Forum has previously warned drivers were at risk from third-party sites and urged them to check they were liaising with official channels.
They said: “Please be aware there are many companies advertising on the internet, offering to renew your licence for you and charge you for doing this. It is always best to do it yourself by applying directly using a D46P or D1 form from the post office, or using the link above direct to the DVLA. Renewals at 70 are free of charge.”
Data from the DVLA reveals 803 drivers over the age of 70 had renewed through a third-party back in 2021.
Julie Lennard, DVLA Chief Executive, has previously said: “Drivers looking to renew their licence at 70 and over should use our online service which is secure, free of charge, and also the quickest and easiest way to transact with DVLA.
“Customers usually receive their driving licence in just five days. Always remember to always use GOV.UK when using any of DVLA’s many online services.”