Unlike car registration, a driver licence usually lasts several years — which is exactly why it’s so easy to forget when it’s due. Many people only discover their licence has expired when a police officer points it out. This guide covers how to renew in each state, what it costs, and the extra steps for older drivers.
How long is a driver licence valid?
Most states offer a choice of renewal terms so you can trade a higher up-front cost for fewer renewals:
| State | Renewal terms available | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | 1, 3, 5 or 10 years | Drivers 75+ are limited to a maximum 3-year term |
| Victoria | 3 or 10 years | Pay online, then attend a service centre for your photo within 3 months |
| Queensland | 1, 3 or 5 years | Renew online, by phone, or in person |
| SA / WA / TAS / ACT / NT | Typically 1, 5 or 10 years | Terms and concessions vary — check your local authority |
What does it cost to renew?
Cost depends heavily on the state and the term you choose. As a guide to the spread, a one-year full licence ranges from about $31 in Victoria (the cheapest) up to roughly $91 in Queensland (the most expensive). Choosing a 5 or 10-year term almost always works out cheaper per year than renewing annually.
Licence fees are reviewed every financial year (most states update on 1 July), so treat these as a guide and confirm the current fee at renewal.
Renewing online vs in person
Every state now offers online renewal through its transport portal — Service NSW, VicRoads, Service Queensland, and the equivalents in other states. Online is the fastest option, but there are two common reasons you may still need to attend in person:
- A new photo. Photos are typically required every 10 years. Victoria, for example, lets you pay online but requires you to visit a Photo Point within three months.
- An eyesight or medical check. More likely for older drivers or those with a notifiable medical condition.
Extra requirements for drivers 75 and over
Older drivers face additional checks, which vary by state:
- NSW: Annual medical assessments from age 75, and a practical driving assessment from age 85 to keep an unrestricted licence.
- Other states may require periodic medical certificates or self-declarations of fitness to drive.
Because these checks take time to arrange, older drivers especially benefit from an early reminder rather than leaving renewal to the last week.
What if my licence has already expired?
- Stop driving until it’s renewed — an expired licence is treated as driving unlicensed.
- Renew promptly. Most states allow a straightforward renewal if it has only recently expired.
- Long-expired licences (often more than 5 years) may require you to re-apply as a new driver, including knowledge and practical tests.
The easiest way to stay ahead of it
A licence that lasts 5 or 10 years is the easiest renewal to forget — the reminder, if it ever arrives, lands years after you last thought about it. Add your licence expiry to the free Renewal Reminder App alongside your rego and you’ll get alerts weeks ahead, every cycle. See also our guide on building a renewal reminder system that actually works.