DVLA handles driving licences, vehicle registration, vehicle tax, and driver medical assessments. Most requests can be completed online without contacting anyone directly.
If you do need to get in touch, GOV.UK routes users through a multi-step tool before displaying contact details — this page lists the main phone numbers, postal addresses and opening times directly.
DVLA phone numbers
| Enquiry type | Phone number | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|
| Driving licence enquiries | 0300 790 6801 | Mon–Fri: 8am–7pm, Sat: 8am–2pm |
| Vehicle enquiries | 0300 790 6802 | Mon–Fri: 8am–7pm, Sat: 8am–2pm |
| Medical enquiries (Drivers Medical Group) | 0300 790 6806 | Mon–Fri: 8am–5:30pm, Sat: 8am–1pm |
Are 0300 numbers free to call?
All three numbers use the 0300 prefix, which is charged at the same rate as standard 01 and 02 geographic numbers. They are included in most landline and mobile call packages and are not premium rate. If your contract includes free minutes, calls to these numbers count against your allowance in the same way as calls to a normal landline.
What to expect when you call
Phone lines are frequently busy, particularly on Monday mornings. Advisors have limited visibility of application progress beyond what is already showing in the system, so calling does not usually accelerate processing. It is most useful for confirming what stage an application has reached, responding to a letter that has requested contact, or clarifying a specific query. If your application is within normal processing times, you are unlikely to get additional information by calling.
Medical enquiries note
The Drivers Medical Group operates on different hours from the standard enquiry lines — it closes at 5:30pm on weekdays rather than 7pm, and at 1pm on Saturdays rather than 2pm. If you are calling about a medical licence matter, check the time before you call.
DVLA opening times
| Day | Standard enquiry lines | Drivers Medical Group |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 8am–7pm | 8am–5:30pm |
| Saturday | 8am–2pm | 8am–1pm |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
DVLA does not operate a Sunday phone service for any enquiry type.
Contact DVLA online
Online is the fastest route for almost every DVLA service. Most online requests are processed without manual handling, which means they complete more quickly and reliably than postal or phone applications.
You can use GOV.UK online services to:
- Renew or replace a driving licence
- Apply for a first provisional driving licence
- Update your address or name on your driving licence
- View or share your driving licence information
- Tax your vehicle or declare SORN
- Tell DVLA you have sold or transferred a vehicle
- Order a replacement V5C log book
- Report a medical condition
- Check a vehicle’s MOT history and tax status
The GOV.UK contact tool at gov.uk/contact-the-dvla/y routes you to the correct service or contact details for your specific enquiry type. It is the starting point if you are unsure which route applies.
DVLA webchat
DVLA offers a webchat service accessible via the GOV.UK contact tool. It covers driving licence queries, vehicle enquiries and some medical questions. Availability is not guaranteed — the service is not always staffed and may show as unavailable, particularly outside peak hours. If webchat is not available when you visit, phone or post are the alternatives.
DVLA email
DVLA accepts email enquiries for certain query types, also accessed via the GOV.UK contact tool. The available categories are predefined — there is no open free-text email address. Response times for email are typically slower than phone, and complex queries may result in a standard response directing you to apply through the normal channel.
DVLA postal addresses
Different DVLA services use different postal addresses. Sending to the wrong address is a common cause of delays and, in some cases, means your correspondence has to be redirected internally before it reaches the right team.
| Service | Postal address |
|---|---|
| General driving licence enquiries | DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR |
| Driving licence renewal — return old photocard | DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DH |
| Driving licence replacement — return found licence | DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB |
| Medical enquiries (Drivers Medical Group) | Drivers Medical Group, DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1TU |
When writing to DVLA, always include your full name, current address, driving licence number if you have it, and any reference numbers from previous correspondence. Keep a copy of everything you send. If you are sending original documents you cannot replace, use tracked or signed-for postage.
Medical enquiries — contacting the Drivers Medical Group
The Drivers Medical Group (DMG) is the DVLA department responsible for assessing medical conditions and fitness to drive. It operates separately from the general driving licence enquiries team and uses a different phone number, different opening hours, and a different postal address.
Medical cases are assessed individually rather than processed automatically, which is why they take longer than standard licence applications. As of March 2026, DVLA has implemented a new casework management system for medical applications specifically to improve processing times. The standard timeframe for a medical assessment decision is approximately six weeks, though complex cases involving specialist reports can take considerably longer.
Phone: 0300 790 6806, Monday–Friday 8am–5:30pm, Saturday 8am–1pm
Post: Drivers Medical Group, DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1TU
You may need to contact the Drivers Medical Group if you have been diagnosed with a condition on DVLA’s notifiable list, if you have submitted a medical application and need to check its status, or if you have received a letter from the DMG requesting further information. If you have declared a medical condition and have not heard from DVLA, your application is likely still being assessed — the DMG does not typically provide interim updates unless they need something from you.
How long does DVLA take to respond?
| Request type | Method | Typical timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Driving licence renewal | Online | ~1 week |
| Driving licence renewal | Post Office or post | ~3 weeks |
| Driving licence replacement | Online | ~1 week |
| Driving licence replacement | By post | ~3 weeks |
| V5C replacement | Online | ~5 working days |
| Medical licence assessment | Any | ~6 weeks, longer for complex cases |
| General postal enquiry | Post | 2–4 weeks |
If your application is within these timeframes, it is normally progressing without issue. The most common causes of delays beyond these windows are address discrepancies in DVLA’s records, photo quality problems with online applications, identity verification requirements, and — for medical cases — the need for specialist reports from GPs or consultants.
If an online renewal has not arrived after two weeks, it is reasonable to contact DVLA to check the status. For postal applications, allow the full three weeks before following up.
Reporting a concern to DVLA
DVLA accepts anonymous reports on several matters. You do not need to identify yourself to make a report.
Reporting an untaxed vehicle
You can report a vehicle you believe is being driven without valid vehicle tax using the GOV.UK reporting service. Reports can be made without giving your name.
Reporting a medical concern about another driver
If you have a genuine concern that someone is not medically fit to drive, you can report it to DVLA’s Drivers Medical Group in writing. DVLA will not confirm whether it has received or acted on any report, and the identity of the person making the report is kept confidential.
Reporting a driver you believe should not hold a licence
Reports can be made via the GOV.UK contact tool under the medical and licensing categories.
DVLA cannot investigate traffic offences or driving behaviour — those are matters for the police.
DVLA complaints
If you are unhappy with the service you have received from DVLA, the formal complaints route is:
First, contact DVLA’s customer service team directly — either by phone on the relevant number for your enquiry type, or in writing to the postal address for that service. Explain clearly what went wrong and what outcome you are seeking.
If your complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction, you can escalate it to DVLA’s complaints team. Details of how to do this will be provided when you make your initial complaint.
If you remain dissatisfied after DVLA’s complaints process has been exhausted, you can refer the matter to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, who can investigate complaints about government departments and agencies.
What DVLA cannot help with
Driving tests and theory tests
These are handled by DVSA — the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency — which is a separate organisation from DVLA. DVSA covers practical and theory test bookings, test results, approved driving instructor registration, and MOT testing. If your query is about booking or rescheduling a driving test, contact DVSA, not DVLA.
Income tax on company cars and mileage expenses
DVLA collects vehicle excise duty (road tax) but has no involvement in income tax matters. Questions about tax on company car benefits or mileage expense claims are handled by HMRC.
Northern Ireland
DVLA covers Great Britain — England, Scotland and Wales. In Northern Ireland, driver licensing and vehicle registration are handled by the DVA (Driver and Vehicle Agency), which operates separately under the Department for Infrastructure. DVA contact details are available at nidirect.gov.uk.
DVLA scams — what to look out for
People searching for DVLA contact details are frequently targeted by scam websites and fraudulent messages. Unofficial sites often appear near the top of search results and may charge fees for services that are free or much cheaper on GOV.UK. Third-party sites that charge to pass your application to DVLA are not affiliated with DVLA in any way.
DVLA will never:
- Send a text message or email asking you to click a link to claim a vehicle tax refund
- Ask for your bank details by text, email or phone
- Request payment for a service at a rate not listed on GOV.UK
- Contact you unexpectedly to verify your driving licence details
DVLA does issue vehicle tax refunds, but these are processed automatically and are sent by cheque to your registered address — DVLA does not contact you to initiate a refund.
Always access DVLA services via GOV.UK. The address bar should show gov.uk as the domain. If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from DVLA, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Suspicious text messages can be forwarded to 7726, which enables your mobile provider to investigate. If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Frequently asked questions
What is the DVLA phone number for driving licence enquiries?
The DVLA driving licence enquiries number is 0300 790 6801. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm and Saturday 8am to 2pm.
What is the DVLA phone number for medical enquiries?
The Drivers Medical Group can be reached on 0300 790 6806. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 5:30pm and Saturday 8am to 1pm — different from the standard enquiry line.
Is the DVLA 0300 number free to call?
Yes, in most cases. 0300 numbers are charged at the same rate as standard geographic numbers and are included in most landline and mobile call packages. They are not premium rate numbers.
What is the DVLA postal address?
The address depends on what you are sending. General driving licence enquiries: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR. Medical enquiries: Drivers Medical Group, DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1TU. Different services use different postcodes — check the table above before posting.
What are DVLA’s opening times?
Standard phone lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm and Saturday 8am to 2pm, closed Sunday. The Drivers Medical Group closes earlier — weekdays at 5:30pm, Saturdays at 1pm.
Is DVLA the same as DVSA?
No. DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) handles driving licences, vehicle registration and vehicle tax. DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) handles driving tests, MOT testing and approved driving instructors. They are separate organisations.
Can I contact DVLA by email?
DVLA accepts email for certain predefined query types via the GOV.UK contact tool. There is no open email address — you select your query category from a list. Response times tend to be slower than phone.
How long does DVLA take to process a medical application?
Standard medical assessments take approximately six weeks. Complex cases involving specialist reports can take longer. As of March 2026, DVLA introduced a new casework system for medical applications to improve these timeframes.
Next steps
- Renew or replace your driving licence — GOVexplained
- DVLA medical conditions: what you must report — GOVexplained
- Update your driving licence details — GOVexplained