You must renew your licence before the expiry date of the licence. To avoid any suspension of your licence, you must apply no later than 10 working days before the expiry date. If you do not complete the application in time, your licence will expire.

Reminders to renew your licence will be sent out by email 2 months before the expiry date. It is your responsibility to renew on time and reminders are sent out as a courtesy. If you do not keep your email address up to date you will not receive any reminders.

You are required to renew your licence on an annual basis.

Check and scan service

If you need assistance with your renewal application, we now offer a check and scan service by appointment only. We will check that all of your documents are in order, and we will scan your application.

This service costs £40. You can call 01202 123 789 to book an appointment - we will take payment for the appointment when you book. We will send an email confirmation of your appointment. A member of staff will meet you in the reception of the BCP Council Civic Centre in Bournemouth.

It is your responsibility to make sure you bring all necessary documents to the appointment.

How to apply

You must make sure you have the following documentation ready before you start the online application:

• DVSA MOT Certificate
• Mechanical Inspection Certificate (Southcote Road/Hatchpond)
• DVSA vehicle registration document V5 – all pages
• certificate of motor insurance showing hire and reward cover - Insurance must be valid at renewal date and for at least 2 weeks after renewal date
• a basic DBS check for all proprietors named on the renewal form if they are not licenced drivers

Wheelchair accessible vehicles

For wheelchair accessible vehicles, you will also need to provide a valid LOLER certificate that confirms that hoisting or lifting equipment on the vehicle has been inspected. Each named driver must also have a training certificate proving that they are aware of the safe method for loading, securing and unloading wheelchair users for the vehicle.

Training can be done at Value Training Group, or you can arrange training with the Dorset Council Training team by emailing dorsettraveltraining@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. Make sure to mention in the email that you are looking for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle training. Provide your full name and contact details.

If insurance, MOT or mechanical check certificates expire in the 14 days following the renewal date the licence will not be issued until updated documents are received.

You can start your application below.