DVLA Contact Number UK: Phone Guide 2025
DVLA contact numbers for UK drivers: driving licences (0300 790 6801), vehicle tax (0300 790 6802), medical enquiries. Complete guide with best calling times and tips to avoid long waits.
DVLA contact information guide for UK drivers
DVLA Contact Number UK: Phone Guide 2025
Quick Answer: For driving licence enquiries call 0300 790 6801. For vehicle tax, registration and SORN call 0300 790 6802. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm, and Saturday 8am to 2pm.
Need to contact the DVLA? Finding the right phone number can be confusing with so many different departments. This guide lists every DVLA contact number you might need, plus tips on the best times to call.
Main DVLA Phone Numbers
DVLA Driving Licence Enquiries
Textphone (hearing-impaired): 0300 123 1278
Use this number for:
- Renewing your photocard driving licence
- Checking application progress
- Replacing a lost, stolen or damaged licence
- Updating your name or address
- Medical fitness updates
- Disqualification period enquiries
DVLA Vehicle Tax & Registration
Textphone: 0300 123 1279
Use this number for:
- Vehicle tax enquiries
- Late licensing penalties
- Registration questions
- SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)
- V5C logbook updates
- New keeper issues
DVLA SORN Helpline
For declaring your vehicle off the road or checking SORN status.
DVLA Lost Licence Helpline
For lost, stolen or damaged driving licences.
DVLA Number Plate Enquiries
For personalised plates, retention certificates and number plate transfers.
DVLA Change of Address
For updating address details on driving licence records.
DVLA Medical Enquiries
📞 0300 790 6806 (Cars and motorcycles)
📞 0300 790 6807 (Lorries, buses and coaches)
Use these numbers for:
- Reporting a medical condition that may affect your driving
- Responding to DVLA requests for medical evidence
- Updates on medical assessments
DVLA Contact From Abroad
Use this number if you're calling from outside the UK.
DVLA Complaints
There is no direct complaints line. Call the department relevant to your issue first:
- Drivers: 0300 790 6801
- Vehicles: 0300 790 6802
When to Call Each Number
Call 0300 790 6801 for Driving Licence Issues
- Renewing your photocard
- Checking application progress
- Replacing a lost licence
- Medical fitness updates
- Reporting a change of name or address
- Finding out about disqualification periods
Call 0300 790 6802 for Vehicle Issues
- Vehicle tax enquiries
- Late licensing penalties
- Registration questions
- SORN declarations
- Retention or transfer of plates
- Updating V5C details
- New keeper issues
Call Medical Lines (6806/6807) for Health-Related Queries
- If you have a condition that may affect your driving
- If DVLA have asked for medical evidence
- For updates on medical assessments
Best Times to Call DVLA
Based on call data, here are the best and worst times to phone:
Best times (shortest waits):
- 8:00am – 9:30am weekdays
- After 5pm weekdays
Worst times (longest waits):
- Mondays (busiest day)
- Lunchtimes (12pm – 2pm)
- First week of the month
Average wait times: 5–30 minutes depending on the day and enquiry type. Vehicle enquiries tend to be faster than driving licence enquiries.
DVLA Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 8am to 7pm
Saturday: 8am to 2pm
Sunday and Bank Holidays: Closed
What to Have Ready Before Calling
Speed up your call by having these details to hand:
- Driving licence number (found on your photocard)
- Vehicle registration number
- National Insurance number (sometimes required)
- Application reference numbers
- Your correct UK address
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to contact the DVLA?
Phone lines are usually fastest. Online forms are slower and may take several days for a response.
Can I contact the DVLA by email?
No, DVLA does not offer public email support for security reasons. You must use phone or post.
How long are DVLA call waiting times?
Average waiting time ranges from 5–30 minutes depending on the day and enquiry type. Calling early morning or after 5pm usually means shorter waits.
Is it free to call the DVLA?
Calls to 0300 numbers cost the same as calls to standard UK landlines (01 or 02 numbers). They're usually included in free minutes on mobile contracts.
Can I do DVLA tasks online instead of calling?
Yes, many tasks can be done online at GOV.UK, including:
- Taxing your vehicle
- Declaring SORN
- Changing address on your licence
- Renewing your photocard
- Checking your driving licence information
Official DVLA Links
For the most up-to-date information, visit these official pages:
- DVLA Contact Overview
- Tax Your Vehicle Online
- Renew Your Driving Licence
- Tell DVLA You've Sold Your Vehicle
Keep Your Vehicle Records Organised
While you're sorting out DVLA paperwork, why not keep all your vehicle's service history in one place? With AutoChain, you can store MOT records, service history, and important documents digitally — making life easier when you need to find information quickly.
Related Articles
- Tell DVLA You've Sold Your Vehicle: Complete Guide — Step-by-step guide to notifying DVLA
- Best Car Phone Holders UK — Stay legal while using your phone
- What is a Digital Service History — Keep your car records organised
Frequently Asked Questions About the DVLA
How long does it take to get a replacement V5C logbook from the DVLA? Applying for a replacement V5C (logbook) online via the DVLA's website typically results in the document arriving within five working days. Postal applications (using form V62) take longer — typically two to six weeks. There is a fee of £25 for a replacement V5C. You will need to provide your vehicle's registration number and your name and address. If the vehicle has changed hands and there is no V5C available, the new owner should apply using form V62 with supporting evidence of ownership. Keep your V5C in a safe place at home (not in the vehicle, where it could be used to assist vehicle theft).
What can I do if my driving licence is lost or stolen? You can apply for a replacement UK driving licence online via the DVLA's service at gov.uk, using the DVLA's online portal. The replacement costs £20 and you will need a UK passport to verify your identity online, or you can apply by post using form D1. Processing takes approximately one week for online applications and three weeks for postal applications. If your licence was stolen, report the theft to the police and obtain a crime reference number, which you can include with your application. Your driving entitlements remain valid while your replacement application is processed — you are not required to carry a physical licence as evidence of entitlement, though it is advisable to carry it while driving.
How do I notify the DVLA when I sell my car? You must notify the DVLA immediately when you sell, transfer, or permanently export a vehicle. The quickest method is online at gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle, which requires the vehicle's registration number and the new keeper's name and address. Alternatively, complete Section 6 of the V5C logbook (the yellow ‘new keeper’ slip) and post your portion of the V5C to the DVLA. The buyer should keep the yellow new keeper slip until they receive a new V5C in their name (allow four to six weeks). Notifying the DVLA promptly is important because you remain legally responsible for the vehicle until notification is complete, including any parking fines or speed camera notices issued after the sale.
Can I check if a car is taxed or MOT'd before buying it? Yes. The DVLA's free vehicle enquiry at gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax allows anyone to check whether a vehicle has current road tax (VED) and a valid MOT by entering the registration number. This check shows the tax expiry date, MOT expiry date, and basic vehicle details (make, colour, engine size). For a more detailed MOT history including previous test results, mileages at each test, and advisory notices, use the DVSA's free MOT history check at check-mot.service.gov.uk. These free checks are valuable tools for any used car buyer and take less than a minute to complete.