When it comes to driver’s licenses, a common question among holders of old versions is whether there’s a need to renew their license just because the photo is outdated. Exploring this topic further, we shall delve into the validity criteria of an old driver’s license photo, reasons and procedures for renewal, available aid for changing your license and the current legislation around it.
Age of the Photo on The License: validity Criteria
The Lifetime Cardboard Driver’s License
The lifetime cardboard driver’s licenses have no expiration date meaning they can be kept indefinitely. Therefore, there is no need to renew your driver’s license just because the photo is outdated.
The State of The Photo
However, if the photo on your driving licence becomes too faded or damaged to be identifiable, you might want to consider getting it replaced. As per rule, anything that hampers the visibility of the photo warrants a replacement.
Moving forward from understanding when to get your old photo replaced, let us now look at why and when you may need to renew your driving license.
Renewal of Driving Licence: when and Why ?
Replacement due to Damage
If your license gets worn out over time such that important information including the photograph isn’t clearly visible anymore, you might need a renewal.
Transitioning to a New Format
Since 2013, a new formatted plasticized driving license resembling a credit card has been introduced. This requires drivers with older versions to eventually replace their licenses by January 19th 2033 if lost or damaged.
After understanding when and why you may need a new driving licence, let’s take a look at the detailed procedure for replacing your old driving licence.
Detailed Procedure to Replace Your Old Driving License
Online Application through ANTS
If your license requires a replacement, the process can be carried out online via the Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés (ANTS) website. The step-by-step guide provided will help you easily navigate through the process.
Once you’ve initiated the replacement process, it would also be worthwhile to explore what kind of aid is available to facilitate this change.
The Available Aid For Changing Your Driving License
Aid and Enrollment Centers
Various enrollment centers provide aid for people who need help with their application process. Some even offer financial aid options to assist in covering the costs associated with obtaining a new driving licence.
Now that we’ve looked at how to get a new license and what assistance is available, let’s understand the current legislation around it.
The Current Legislation Around The Driving License
New Format Licensing
All new licenses issued post 2013 have adapted an uniform format throughout Europe, with a validity of 15 years for categories A and B as well as other higher categories. Interestingly, old licenses issued between September 16th, 2013 and July 1st, 2015 contained an electronic chip and magnetic strip but these features were later discontinued.
Finally, now that we’ve covered all angles relating to updating or renewing your driving license picture, let’s look at where more information can be obtained.
Additional Resources and Administrative Assistance
Informational Websites and Hotlines
If you require additional resources or administrative assistance regarding changing your driver’s license photo or any related issues, there are numerous online platforms and hotlines available that can provide the necessary guidance.
Ultimately, while an old photo on your driving license doesn’t necessitate change, it is recommended to replace the license in case of damage, loss or if you’re transitioning to a new format. As we’ve seen in this article, the process for changing your driving license is straightforward and there’s plenty of assistance available to guide you along the way.
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