- The GOV.UK exchange service starts by asking whether you are a resident of Great Britain, defined as living there 185 days in each calendar year.
- The fee for a designated foreign licence exchange where no GB licence was held before is £43.
- Great Britain means England, Wales and Scotland. Northern Ireland has a separate service.
Use the official tool first
GOV.UK provides a tool to find out how to exchange a non-GB licence for a British one. It begins with residence: you are normally resident if you live in Great Britain for 185 days in each calendar year. Eligibility and any test requirements depend on the country of issue, so use the tool rather than a third party. Northern Ireland has a different process, so do not mix the two.
What the fee list shows
| Exchange | Fee |
|---|---|
| Designated foreign licence, no prior GB licence | £43 |
| Northern Ireland licence to GB, by post | Free |
| Paper GB licence to photocard, no changes | £20 |
Fees are from the GOV.UK driving licence fees page. If a company asks for a large “processing” fee on top, ask what it is for.
Where scams enter
Some adverts offer to buy a licence from another country, such as an EU country, and “exchange” it for a UK one. A licence obtained fraudulently abroad does not become genuine by being exchanged, and applying with it can put you at risk of refusal and investigation. Other “exchange agents” take a fee to submit a form you can submit yourself.
Seller promise against official process
| Promise | Official position |
|---|---|
| “Any foreign licence converts to a UK one.” | Whether your licence can be exchanged depends on the country that issued it. |
| “We buy you a licence abroad first.” | The exchange only recognises a licence genuinely earned there. |
| “An agent is required.” | The application goes through GOV.UK and DVLA. |
Two-minute checks
- Start from the gov.uk tool and answer the residence question.
- Check the fee against the list above.
- Never send your original licence to a third party.
- Be wary of anyone who sells a licence from a country you have not lived in.
If you really hold a foreign licence
- Apply through the official GOV.UK route only.
- Keep your original licence safe.
- If you need an official translation, use an accredited translator, and see GOV.UK for what is accepted.
If you must take the tests instead, the full route is in how to get a driving licence in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Can I exchange a foreign driving licence for a UK one?
Sometimes. It depends on the country that issued it. Use the official GOV.UK tool to check.
Can I buy an EU licence and exchange it?
No. A licence obtained fraudulently abroad does not become genuine, and applying with one can lead to refusal and investigation.
How much does exchanging a foreign licence cost?
GOV.UK lists £43 for a designated foreign licence where you have not held a GB licence before (checked 5 October 2026).
Do I count as a resident of Great Britain?
The GOV.UK tool says you are normally resident if you live in Great Britain for 185 days in each calendar year.
Is Northern Ireland the same?
No. Northern Ireland has a separate exchange service, and Great Britain means England, Wales and Scotland.
Do I need a translation of my licence?
Check what GOV.UK requires for your country. Use an accredited translator, not a seller of documents.