How do I renew a driving licence, or replace a lost one?

They are two different services, and the government portal lists them separately by name — one for renewal, one for a duplicate. Since both apply in your case, it is worth checking the portal’s guidance or helpline on which to do first.

The distinction is straightforward. Renewal extends the validity — the licence stands but its term has run out. A duplicate issues a fresh card for the same licence — the licence stands and only the card is lost or damaged. Neither is applying for a licence afresh.

If the card is lost, filing a general diary at a police station is worth doing: the duplicate application may ask for it, and if someone uses the lost card the date on that diary is your protection.

Driving on an expired licence is risky — beyond the legal exposure, it can complicate an insurance claim. So it is wiser to start the renewal before the term ends rather than after.

Sources:

• BRTA service portal