DVLA and Post Office subject replace on new driving licence and automobile tax warning

The DVLA and Post Office are yet to agree on a deal for a new driving licence and car tax service, which is set to have a “huge impact” on motorists across the UK

A significant move from the Post Office and DVLA is set to make a “huge impact” on UK drivers. Many motorists across the country still rely on the Post Office for renewing their car tax and driving licence, as well as applying for a provisional licence, as they may not be able to access the DVLA website.

It has now been revealed that a new agreement has been reached between the DVLA and Post Office after a “period of reviewing the role of front office counter services”. The fresh contract kicked off on April 1, 2024, and is set to last for one year, with the possibility of two further extensions, each lasting a year.

The Post Office expressed its delight at having secured another one-year extension with the DVLA, despite the latter previously stating it had no plans to renew the contract. The disagreement is believed to have centred around the fee that Post Office Ltd wanted to charge for the service, and the amount the DVLA was prepared to pay.

Owen Woodley, Deputy CEO at the Post Office, commented: “The negotiations haven’t been easy. Our aim throughout has been to ensure that Postmasters receive fair remuneration for DVLA transactions and that Post Office’s associated costs for providing the services are covered. I’m pleased that we have been able to achieve this.”

A representative from the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters remarked: “Vital services such as the DVLA need to remain within the Post Office network, and we have to thank everybody who has helped this decision come to fruition.”, reports Birmingham Live.

They added, “More than 6 million people use Post Office network For accessing DVLA services each year, and essential local and central government services need to be available to the general public. The Post Office network is the only infrastructure able to provide that and government needs to ensure these services are always available.”

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