Martin Lewis issues urgent warning for two million drivers who could face huge £1,000 fine
Martin Lewis issued the warning in his latest Money Saving Expert newsletter
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Martin Lewis has warned millions of drivers who could be at risk of massive fines for not renewing their licence.
The financial savant urged motorists to check their licences displaying the date that it should be renewed by to avoid a £1,000 fine.
Writing on his MoneySavingExpert’s Weekly Money Tips newsletter, he listed 17 ways to help Britons save, including on their motoring habits.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) told MSE that more than two million licences were out of date last year, although this figure could also include licences held by those who have given up driving.
WATCH NOW: Drivers risk road fines for motoring offences
He said: “The cards and products in your purse or wallet are a window on your finances, so a regular check-up of what you're holstering is important.
“Has your photo driving licence expired? Two million [drivers] have.”
Driving licences usually expire after 10 years, with people being able to check on the photocard using section 4B to make sure.
If drivers do not check their licence, they could be hit with an enormous fine worth up to £1,000.
With a staggering two million people at risk of seeing their licence expire, Martin Lewis highlighted how it was more important than ever to check.
Photocard driving licences replaced paper licences in 1998 and must generally be renewed every 10 years, although differences exist for some people.
However, elderly drivers over the age of 70 must be more cautious of when their licence runs out as they could be more likely to receive a fine.
Older motorists will need to renew their licence every three years as this gives them a greater chance to inform the DVLA of any medical issues or changes which may have happened since they last renewed.
Drivers who update their licence will pay £14 to renew online or £17 if they apply by post, although MSE highlights how this is a better option than getting fined.
For those who prefer doing it in person, they can visit selected post offices which allow them to take an updated picture for the licence, although this will cost £21.50 in total.
If a driving licence is about to expire, the DVLA will notify people around a month before it runs out, giving them a final chance to renew before being forced off the road.
To replace a driving licence, a person must be a resident of Great Britain and not be disqualified from driving.
They will also need a valid UK passport, their current driving licence, National Insurance number and addresses of where they have lived over the last three years.
Elderly drivers and those who have a medical short period licence do not need to pay any fees to renew the vital card.
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Motorists must renew their licences every 10 years, although some exceptions exist
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If applying online, drivers should generally receive their licence within a week with the DVLA requiring them to send their old photocard licence off when they get their new one.
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