Jasmine Birtles
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DVLA wants to warn drivers over 70 wishing to renew their driving licences to be wary of websites claiming to be affiliated with the official DVLA.
While using Google search, drivers can be mislead by high-profile websites offering services similar to the DVLA but that are nothing to do with them. DVLA reminds drivers to use GOV.UK, the official government website, which will not charge extra money for licence renewals.
It has been revealed today by DVLA that over 800 drivers over 70 years old have had experience of using a third party website, some of which charge a handling fee of up to £81, which customers need not have paid at all.
These third party sites are nothing to do with DVLA, nor are they any faster at processing licences than GOV.UK, which guarantees not to charge additional fees on top of existing statutory fees that may apply.
DA Chief Executive Julie Lennard says, “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 5 days.”
When drivers reach 70 they are legally obliged to renew their licence every three years. DVLA wants to warn drivers of this age that there are 90 days before expiration, and directs drivers to GOV.UK for a fast, easy experience available for free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.