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Renewing your driver licence
Resources
- Frequently asked questions about driver licence renewals.
- The renewal process for older drivers - Important information for drivers who are turning 75 years or over.
- Renewing driver licence endorsements (in our 'Endorsements' section).
Information
When to renew your licence
Photo driver licences were initially issued for between one and 10 years. You'll need to renew your licence on or before its expiry date. The expiry date is item 4b on the front of your driver licence.
Renewed licences are usually issued for 10 years.
Renewal packs
You should receive a renewal pack in the mail before your licence expires. The pack includes a personalised application form.
If you don't receive a pack, you can get a renewal application form from your local driver licensing agent.
- What to take with you when you renew your licence
- How to update your address details - You need to do this if your address has changed recently, to ensure you get your renewal pack. (You'll need to tell Land Transport New Zealand your new address at least nine weeks before your licence expires, if you want to receive a renewal reminder.)
- Where to go to renew your licence - A list of agents near you.
The renewal process
Renewing should take about 10 to 15 minutes (not including any queuing). Here's what happens:
| Renewing your driver licence | |
|---|---|
| 1. | Your application form and the documents you bring along will be checked, and information entered into the computer system. See What to take for a complete checklist. If you're the holder of a Class 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence, you'll need to provide a current medical certificate. Note: If you're a driver renewing a commercial licence, you'll need to provide a medical certificate at the time you renew that licence. The only exception is if a medical certificate has been supplied to Land Transport New Zealand within the past five years and any medical condition has not worsened - or any new condition been diagnosed. The requirement to provide a medical certificate is a road safety measure that recognises the greater potential for loss of life or injury if a heavy vehicle is involved in a crash - as opposed to a light vehicle. |
| 2. | You'll pay the fee. You can pay with cash, by EFTPOS or by cheque. Some agents will accept credit card payments. (If you pay by cheque, your licence will be delayed while your cheque is cleared.) |
| 3. |
Your eyesight will be checked. If the check shows a possible problem,
you'll need to have a professional eye examination. If necessary,
your eyesight may have to be corrected before you can get your
licence. You'll have to meet these costs yourself.
If you fail the eyesight check, you won't receive your temporary licence (see below) or photo driver licence until you return with an eyesight certificate. |
| 4. | Your photo will be taken with a digital camera, which allows your photo to be printed onto your licence. Your photo will be stored in a computer system so if you lose your licence, you won't have to have your photo taken again when your licence is replaced. |
| 5. | You'll write your signature on to an electronic pad, which enables it to be included on your licence. |
When these steps have been successfully completed, the driver licensing agent will issue you a temporary licence, which will be valid for 21 days. You must carry your temporary licence with you when you drive, until your new driver licence arrives in the mail.
Your new licence should arrive within two to three weeks.
Costs
Usually, new licences are valid for 10 years and cost $44.30.
Last updated: 4 December 2006