For many newcomers, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is the first real point of contact with UK administration around driving.
Its responsibilities
The DVLA is responsible for issuing, exchanging, renewing and revoking driving licences, as well as maintaining the national driver record and vehicle registration database.
How to reach the right service
Most licence applications and exchanges are now handled online through GOV.UK, with postal applications reserved for specific cases such as first exchanges from non-designated countries.
What the DVLA does NOT handle
- Driving test bookings, which are managed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)
- Parking fines, typically handled by local councils
Checking the correct service before applying prevents delays caused by submitting documents to the wrong body.
