When do you renew your licence?
You don't have to wait for the driver licence renewal pack. You can renew at anytime.
If you renew your licence:
- more than 12 months early, your new licence will be valid for 10 years from the date we grant your application
- less than 12 months before its expiry date, your new licence will be valid for 10 years from the expiry date of your current licence.
- after it has expired, your new licence will be valid for 10 years from the date we grant your application.
The expiry term is different for drivers aged 75 years and over.
Travelling overseas?
You can only renew your licence when you're in New Zealand. So if your licence is likely to expire while you're overseas, it's worth renewing your licence before you leave. Find out more.
Your licence expired more than five years go?
If your licence expired more than five years ago, you may have to pass theory and practical tests to renew your licence. However, if you can produce evidence of having been licensed to drive during the previous five years (eg with an overseas driver licence) tests may not be required.
The renewal/upgrade process
In most cases it takes less than 10 minutes to renew or upgrade your licence.
Visit a driver licensing agent and take with you:
- a completed application form. Use either:
- the Application for renewal of driver licence (form DL1R) that is mailed to you shortly before your licence is due to expire, or
- an Application for driver licence form (DL1) (either download this form, or get a copy from any driver licensing agent).
- a current medical certificate, if required, issued by your doctor within the last 60 days
- evidence of your identity.
- confirmation of your address, such as a recent bank statement
- a cheque, cash or EFTPOS card to pay for your new licence. Some agents also accept credit cards. If you pay by cheque, there may be a delay while it's cleared.
The agent will:
- check your eyesight, unless you present a current medical or eyesight certificate.
- take a digital photo of you for printing on your licence. Your photo is then stored so it won't need to be retaken should you need to replace your licence.
- get you to sign an electronic pad so your signature can be printed on your licence.
You'll then receive a temporary licence which is valid for 21 days. Keep this on you whenever you're driving until your new driver licence arrives in the mail - within two to three weeks.
Renewal fees
The licence renewal fee is $43.90 and in most cases, your licence is valid for 10 years. If you're upgrading an older style licence - eg a booklet or lifetime licence - your new licence may be valid for less than 10 years, in which case you'll pay a lower fee.
See the full list of fees.
