How Long Is A Digital Tachograph Card Valid For?
Driver and Company Digital tachograph cards expire 5 years from the date of issue.
Workshop cards expire one year after the date of issue.
The date of expiry is printed on the card, under section 4b.
How to order a new card:
This can be done either online or by post. If you...
- Live in England, Wales, or Scotland and are getting your first GB Driver Card, or
- Are renewing a tachograph card due to expire within 90 days, or
- Are replacing a lost or stolen tachograph card,
Then you can make your application online, which is quicker and easier than applying by post. For any other reason, you will have to apply by post.
Costs
- £19 to renew an expired card, or to replace a lost or stolen card.
- £32 for your first GB tacho card, or to exchange an EU, EEA or NI tachograph card for a GB tachograph card.
Online
To order online, you'll need your GB Driving Licence, and a card to pay with. Click here to visit the gov.uk website, which will walk you through the online application process.
By Post
To apply for a new Driver Card with a GB non-paper driving licence, download, print, and complete form D777B(DL) (click the clink for a downloadable PDF). If you don't have access to a printer, you can call the DVLA and ask them to send you a copy. Once completed, post it (with payment enclosed) to:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1ST
Not all the application forms are available to download online. If you have a paper driving licence, you'll have to call the DVLA and ask them to post you a D777B(ST1A). If you have a non-GB driving licence, you must ask them to post you a D777B. If you're applying for any type of card other than a Driver Card, you'll have to call the DVLA so they can post you the correct form.
Calling the DVLA
Telephone: 0300 790 6109
Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 7:00pm
How Long Is A Digital Tachograph Card Valid For: Northern Ireland
Tachograph cards issues in Northern Ireland have the same expiry times as GB tachograph cards. However, Northern Ireland uses a separate system to facilitate tachograph card applications, so the methods and forms described above won't work in Northern Ireland. You can read more about how to renew your NI tacho cards on the NIdirect website.
FAQ: How Long Is A Digital Tachograph Card Valid For?
What should I do with the old card?
Make sure you hang on to your old Driver Card for 28 days following expiry. It still contains driver data that you may need to present to authorities if you are stopped for any reason. Once the 28-day period has passed, be sure to make one last download before disposing of your card.
Where will the new card be sent to?
The card will be posted to the address associated with the applicant's driving licence. Postage times are usually very prompt.
Can I drive without a Driver Card if I've ordered a new one?
If you've left it too late, or your new Driver Card has got lost in the post, and you're without a valid driver card - then you may not perform any in-scope driving. You must wait for your new card to arrive.
A Bit About TachoMagic
We're a tachograph analysis bureau, and suppliers of automatic download devices. We've been in the game for decades, which is why we've created all of our tachograph guides - to share some of our experience!
If you or your employer are in the market for some easy and affordable tachograph analysis, please have a browse of our website, or feel free to get in touch using the contact details below.
Further Reading: How Long Is A Digital Tachograph Card Valid For?
If you've found our page, "How Long Is A Digital Tachograph Card Valid For?" useful, we've linked below a few more of our tacho card guides:
- How to lock in/out a tacho Company Card
- Guide to tachograph Company Cards
- What's the fine for driving without a tacho card?
About The Author
Simon Theaker
Simon has over 20 years of dealing with tachograph analysis, and the technologies involved.
His in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience have made him a key behind-the-scenes member of the TachoMagic team.
Through his blogs, Simon hopes to make the lives of Fleet Managers easier, as he shares the answers to some of the most common questions he has received.
