The renewal process

for driver licences (FAQs)

Why do driver licences have to be renewed?

There are road safety benefits from having drivers renew their licences:

• The eyesight of all drivers can be checked regularly.
• Any medical problems a driver may have that could affect the safety of their driving can be picked up and monitored.
• Photos can be updated, to ensure they remain useful for quick identification of drivers at the roadside.

When and where do I renew my driver licence?

You need to renew your driver licence at a Land Transport New Zealand driver licensing agent.

You must do this on or before the expiry date on your licence.

What is the process for renewing my driver licence?

Take the following items to the driver licensing agent:

1. A completed driver licence renewal form. (This will be sent to you, and forms are available from driver licensing agents)
2. Identification and evidence of your address. (See Factsheet 20 Identification for driver licensing)
3. Glasses or contact lenses, if you need them for driving
4. A cheque, cash or EFTPOS card to pay for your new licence. (Some driver licensing agents also accept credit cards.)

You may also need to bring a medical certificate, if:

• you are turning 75, 80 or an even numbered age older than 80
• you have a medical condition that has affected your ability to drive safely in the last five years
• you hold a class 2, 3, 4 or 5 driver licence and have not presented a medical certificate in the last five years that meets the currently required standard.

The licence renewal application form has questions about medical fitness, which may mean some other people also have to present a medical certificate.

If the name you want on your new licence is different from the name on the documents you have brought in, you will also need one of the following:

• your marriage certificate
• a dissolution of marriage order
• an original document from Births, Deaths and Marriages, confirming that your name has been legally changed
• A change of name by statuatory declaration, or deed poll of change of name, issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages
• other suitable identification (such as adoption papers).

Please note: When renewing your driver licence, you need to:

• provide a medical or eyesight certificate to confirm your eyesight standard or pass an eyesight screening check
• have your photograph taken
• write your signature on an electronic pad.

How much will it cost to renew my licence?

In most cases, the cost of renewing your driver licence is $44.30 every 10 years until you turn 75.

Should I continue to carry my 'old' driver licence while I wait for my new licence to arrive in the mail?

No. When you've fulfilled all requirements for renewing your driver licence, the driver licensing agent will issue you with a temporary driver licence to use until you receive your new licence in the mail.

The temporary licence supersedes your 'old' licence, which must be handed in. It can be handed in to your driver licensing agent or posted to:

Transport Registry Centre
Private Bag
Palmerston North.

What happens to the photo and signature file from my 'old' driver licence after I renew my licence?

The signature and photograph files from the 'old' driver licence will be deleted and replaced by your new photo and signature.

Last updated: 23 August 2007