Photo License

[DanFlo]

Is it law to have a photo license as well as a paper license?

[modeste]

I don't know if it is law but a paper licence will not be replaced. If you reapply for a licence for whatever reason, you will have to provide a photograph and apply for a photo licence. This comes with a paper counterpaer as well
.

[Ethel]

You can legally keep using the old style paper licence but when you need a new licence for any reason it will be the photo licence - there is no choice

[Ethel]

accompanying

[SeaJayPea]

And you spell Licence with two c's, no s

(Sorry, just being a pedant)

[Ethel]

Unless it is a verb, which is spelt with on one c and one s

license: verb (licensed, licensing) 1 to give a licence or permit for something

[DanFlo]

Thanks for your responses. I ask because my son was (pulled over) last night by the police and told to produce his documents within 7 days, he was speeding but the police were in a van, which apparently carry no cameras and so they have no actual evidence of him doing so,(lucky). He has all his docs' but has been told of someone who got a hefty fine for not having a photo license. I'm assuming that it's down to when the license was issued whether a photo is needed or not.

[Ethel]

Your son must have had his full licence for more than 10 years - all licences issued after 1998 are in the photo form.

His licence is still legal. Hasn't he heard of people getting hefty fines and bans for speeding?

[DanFlo]

He's 21, it's me who hasn't got the photo. My license was reissued about 5 years ago, i moved address and i've lost it.

[sddsddean]

That'll cost you �17.50 for a replacement licence then DF. Technically you are driving illegally if you have not got the photocard bit (which you should have if it was renewed 5 years ago), so apply for a replacement PDQ.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLic ensing/NeedANewOrUpdatedLicence/DG_4022085

[DanFlo]

Done! Thanks for your help.

[kempie]

Neither the photocard nor the paper counterpart is a licence in its own right - both items together form the new-style driving licence.

Although it is not law yet, the legislation is in place for photocard licences to be a requirement.

S.39 Road Safety Act 2006 (whenever that section receives a Commencement Order) will allow for the compulsory surrender of old-style paper licences by order of the Secretary of State.