If you’ve ever looked at your UK driving licence and wondered when it expires, you’re not alone. The expiry date isn’t hidden, but it’s not always immediately obvious unless you know exactly where to look.
In this guide, you’ll learn where is expiry date on driving licence, how to read the information on your licence, and what to do if your licence is close to expiring — or already has.
Where Is Expiry Date on Driving Licence?
On a modern UK photocard driving licence, the expiry date is printed on the front of the card — not the back — in a section marked 4b. You’ll find it just beneath your name and licence number.
-
4a is the date your licence was issued
-
4b is the date your licence expires
It’s this 4b date that you need to keep an eye on. Your licence might still look fine, but if the date has passed, your photocard is no longer valid — and you could face penalties for using it.
What Does Section 4b Mean on Your Licence?
When you look at your driving licence, you’ll notice a small group of numbered fields on the front. Each of these tells you something specific:
-
4a – Date of issue
-
4b – Expiry date (usually 10 years from the issue date)
-
4c – Issuing authority (e.g. DVLA)
These are followed by your name, photograph, licence number, and address. Underneath, section 5 lists the categories of vehicles you’re licensed to drive (e.g. cars, motorbikes, minibuses, etc.).
Here’s a quick reference:
| Licence Section | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| 4a | The date your photocard was issued |
| 4b | The date your licence expires |
| 4c | The authority that issued your licence |
| 5 | Categories of vehicles you can drive |
You’ll need to renew your photocard licence by the 4b date — and if you’re over 70 or have a medical condition, you may need to renew it more frequently.
How Do You Check the Expiry Date on Your Licence?
Checking the expiry date is simple. Just follow these quick steps:
-
Take out your photocard driving licence.
-
Look at the front side of the card, where your photo and personal details are shown.
-
Find the small box labelled 4b — this is the expiry date of your licence.
-
Compare that date to today’s date.
Example:
If your 4b date says 12-03-2025, and today’s date is 03-12-2025, your licence has expired — even if it still looks fine and undamaged.
Tip: Set a reminder in your calendar a few months before the 4b date so you don’t forget to renew in time.
What Happens If You Miss the Expiry Date?
Driving with an expired photocard licence can lead to problems — even if your entitlement to drive hasn’t been revoked. Here’s what might happen if you ignore the 4b date:
-
You could be fined up to £1,000 for driving with an expired licence.
-
Your licence may not be considered valid ID — causing issues with car hire, job applications, or travel.
-
You may face issues with insurance claims if your licence is out of date when involved in an incident.
Fortunately, renewing your licence is straightforward. You can do it online through the DVLA website, by post, or at some Post Office branches. In most cases, the cost is minimal (currently £14 online, or £17 by post).
Do These Rules Apply to Paper Licences Too?
If you’ve never updated your paper licence to a photocard, different rules apply. Paper licences issued before 1998 are technically still valid — as long as the details are correct and you haven’t changed your name or address.
However, once you:
-
Change your name
-
Move home
-
Turn 70 years old
…you’re required to upgrade to a photocard licence.
Important: Paper licences don’t use the 4a/4b system. If you still have one, check the printed dates or contact the DVLA for confirmation.
Still, switching to a photocard licence is generally recommended — not only for convenience but to avoid confusion.
Conclusion – Keep an Eye on Section 4b
Your UK photocard driving licence is more than just proof you can drive — it’s also an official form of identification. Making sure it’s up to date is your responsibility.
Always check section 4b on the front of your licence. That small box holds the expiry date, and missing it could cost you a fine, invalidate your insurance, or stop you from legally getting behind the wheel.
So, take a minute today — check your driving licence. If the date’s approaching or passed, it’s time to renew. It’s quick, simple, and gives you peace of mind.
Related Article: What’s the Main Benefit of Driving a Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle?
Common Questions About Driving Licence Expiry
1. Does an expired photo mean I can’t drive?
Yes — if the photocard expiry date (4b) has passed, your driving licence is no longer valid. You should renew it as soon as possible to continue driving legally.
2. How often should I renew my photocard licence?
Every 10 years, unless you’re over 70 or have a medical condition — in which case it may be sooner. Always refer to the 4b date.
3. What if I change my address or name?
You must update your licence with any personal detail changes. This doesn’t necessarily affect the 4b expiry date, but the DVLA will issue you an updated licence.
4. Can I check my licence status online?
Yes. You can visit the DVLA’s official website and use the “View Driving Licence” service with your National Insurance number and other details to confirm your licence status and categories.
Leave a Reply