Renewing digital tachograph cards

You need to remember that digital tachograph cards expire five years after issue.

How the cards are issued

The cards are issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) using forms D777B for a driver’s card and D779B for company cards. These forms can also be used to report lost, stolen or malfunctioning cards. These are available for download - Order DVLA Forms, or at Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) test stations.

Return the completed form and the fee and any additional paperwork (if applicable) to, DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1ST.

Reminders are sent out approximately 12 weeks before a card expires. The renewal forms (D786B for driver cards and D787B for company cards) are sent by DVLA with the reminder notices and are also obtainable from DVLA on 0300 790 6109 or test stations. However, a driver’s card renewal can also be made using form D777B.

The form and the renewal fee must reach DVLA at least 15 days before the expiry date of the current card. Drivers must not send their old card back to DVLA with the forms as they will need to keep using this card up to the expiry date and then carry it with them for 28 days.

If the driver does not receive their new card before the old one expires they cannot drive a vehicle that is subject to EU drivers’ hours regulations.

When you receive your new card(s) you will also be sent a confirmation of receipt letter which must be filled in and returned to DVLA. Your tachograph driver card will be sent to your home address. Replacement driver cards should be issued within five working days of receiving a valid application.

First applicants and renewals should be received within 15 working days from the day of DVLA receiving the application. If your card(s) fails to arrive contact DVLA by phone on 0300 790 6109 or write to Digital Tachograph Team, DVLA, Swansea, SA6 7JL. Alternatively, you can fax on 0300 123 0784 (or +44 1792 786369 from abroad).

Lost, stolen or malfunctioning cards must be reported to DVLA immediately on 0300 790 6109 the driver must have applied for a replacement card within seven working days. Drivers may, whilst waiting for a replacement for a lost, stolen or damaged card, continue to drive without a driver card for a maximum period of 15 days or for a longer period if this is necessary for the vehicle to return to its premises. However, during this period, drivers must produce two daily printouts relating to the periods of time recorded by the recording equipment. 

You can now apply online or by post to: 

• Get your first GB (Great Britain) driver digital tachograph card if you currently live in England, Scotland or Wales (you cannot apply online if you’re exchanging a foreign tachograph card, so must apply by post instead). 

• Renew a card if it’s expiring within 90 days. 

• Replace a lost or stolen card.

If you apply online, you will need a GB photocard driving licence, your driving licence number and a credit or debit card. Your tachograph card will be sent to the address that is on your driving licence and as you may expect, is usually a quicker process than applying through the post.