AQW 41589/22-27

Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast

Tabled Date: 27/02/2026
Answered On Date: 12/03/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether the cost of a driver licence renewal is in line with the cost of renewal in all UK regions.

Answer:

The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) are responsible for the administration of driver licensing for those drivers who are resident in the north and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in Britain is responsible for the administration of driver licensing for drivers who are resident in England, Scotland and Wales.

The fee for an ordinary driving licence renewal in the north is higher than in Britain. This difference in fees is largely attributable to the economies of scale associated with the volumes of licences issued, with DVA’s licensing costs spread across a much smaller number of licensing transactions. Medical renewals and renewals for those aged 70 and over remain free of charge in both jurisdictions.