Guide to getting your licence back after being disqualified

When your disqualification period is over, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), will automatically send to you the necessary application forms to re-apply for the return of your driving licence 56 days before the period of disqualification ends. This will also remove any expired endorsements that have been on your licence.

You must complete these application forms ensuring that all the relevant questions are answered. You will need to enclose the appropriate fee and if you did not have a photocard licence you will also need to provide original documentation confirming your identity and a passport style colour photograph so that a photocard licence can be issued.

When to expect your licence

The DVLA aims to deliver your driving licence to you within three weeks of receiving your application. It will take longer if your health or personal details have to be checked. You will need to wait for your new licence to arrive before driving.

Medical enquiries

The DVLA will make medical enquiries before re-issuing your licence if you have been:

  • convicted of driving, or being in charge of a vehicle, when the level of alcohol in the body equalled or exceeded:
    i) 87.5 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath, or
    ii) 200 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood, or
    iii) 267.5 milligrams per 100 millilitres of urine
  • disqualified twice within the space of 10 years for drinking and driving, or being in charge of a vehicle whilst unfit through drink
  • disqualified for refusing or failing to supply a specimen for analysis
Disclaimer The contents of these pages are provided as an information guide only and are limited to offences committed in England and Wales. No responsibility is accepted for any errors, omissions, or misleading statements on these pages or any site to which these pages connect, including any feature or aspect of such site or pages, whether provided by Motor Defence Solicitors or by any organisation, company or individual. No mention of any organisation, company or individual, whether on these pages or on other sites to which these pages are linked shall imply any approval or warranty as to the standing and capability of any such organisations, company or individual on the part of Motor Defence Solicitors.