Expiry dates

for driver licences (FAQs)

When does my driver licence expire?

Your driver licence expiry date is item 4b on the front of the licence.

Does my driver licence expire on my birthday?

For a driver licence holder under 75 years of age, the answer is 'No' - unless the licence was issued on the licence holder's birthday. The licence expiry date is an anniversary of the issue date, not the licence holder's birthday.

Is there a 60-day 'grace period' after my birthday or the licence expiry date, when I can renew my driver licence?

No. A driver must renew their licence on or before the day it expires.

What happens if I don't renew my licence on or before the expiry date?

• Read Factsheet 65 Overseas travel and New Zealand driver licences if you are overseas, or you may be overseas when your licence expires.

If a driver licence is not renewed within five years of its expiry, the licence holder must re-sit the theory test and a practical test to get a new licence. This will cost around $100 (depending on the driver's age and type of licence).

A person who holds multiple classes of licence, lets the licence expire and does not renew the licence within five years must re-sit the highest class theory and practical tests (as applicable) if they wish to regain all their licence classes. For example, the holder of a Class 5 licence that has been expired for five years or more will not have to re-sit the tests for classes 1 to 4, just the theory and practical tests for Class 5. (Additional tests will be required if a Class 6 licence is held, or if any endorsements are held.)

After the expiry date, a driver licence is no longer current. If someone continues to drive when their licence is expired they risk:

• an infringement fee of $400 for driving on an expired licence
• being fined up to $1,000 if summonsed to court (this would probably be in response to persistent offending)
• not being able to get car insurance
• having an insurance claim declined.

In addition, if a motorist is caught by the Police driving without a current licence, they will be forbidden to drive until they obtain a current, valid licence. If they are then caught driving without a current licence again, the vehicle they are driving will be seized at the roadside and impounded for 28 days.

What if I no longer wish to drive?

If you have a New Zealand Driver licence and no longer wish to drive, you may want to voluntarily surrender your licence.

Any driver wishing to surrender their driver licence should write to Business Support Services, Transport Registry Centre, Private Bag 11777, Manawatu Mail Centre, Palmerston North 4442 clearly outlining their intention to surrender their licence, signing the letter and enclosing their driver licence.

For further information call our Driver Licensing Contact Centre on (freephone) 0800 822 422.

Last updated: 23 August 2007