
Martin Lewis' MSE warns 2.3 million drivers at risk of £1,000 fine and says 'easy to forget'
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Martin Lewis' MSE warns 2.3 million drivers at risk of £1,000 fine and says 'easy to forget'Motorists urged to make simple check to ensure they avoid penaltiesCommentsMotoringRichard
Guttridge Agenda Editor10:07, 11 Apr 2025Drivers are being advised to check licences. How often do you look closely at your driving licence? For most people, the answer is probably hardly
ever.
But over two million drivers could be at risk of a huge fine this year as their licences are up for renewal.
It's something most people probably never give any thought to - when their licence is due to expire.
READ MORE: Drivers committing this motorway offence every day - and many don't even know it
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But forgetting to get it renewed could bring big problems.
Article continues below It would mean you are driving on a licence which is expired, and if you need to show it to police for any reason, or another authority, it could land you in trouble.
Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert (MSE) is urging drivers to check when their licences expire and ensure they give themselves plenty of time to renew when it is close to running out.
Around 2.3 million licences are estimated to be up for renewal in 2025.
MSE said: "Almost 2.3 million driving licences are set to expire this year, with drivers risking a fine of up to £1,000 if they get behind the wheel with one that's out of date.
"Photocard licences replaced paper licences in 1998, and must be renewed every 10 years.
"According to Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) data obtained by Co-op Insurance, almost 2.3 million licences are set to expire in 2025, though this figure may include those whose
holders have already applied to renew.
Article continues below "It's easy to forget, but a quick check now could save you a fine of up to £1,000 if your photocard's expired.
"It's an annoying £14 to renew (£17 if you renew by post), but that's a far better option than the fine.
"There are a few dates printed on the photocard, but the one you need is the photo expiry date printed on section 4b on the front of the card."