1 month ago
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Older drivers are at risk of being scammed (Image: Getty)
Older drivers above the age of 70 are at risk of paying out for free DVLA services such as driving licence renewals, according to experts.
The Older Drivers Forum has revealed there were “many companies" charging individuals for simply renewing a driving licence at 70 years of age.
However, this service is completely free of charge for all over 70s if using official GOV.UK and DVLA services.
The DVLA has previously received thousands of complaints from individuals caught out by a simple error.
The copycat sites look almost identical to the official services with unsuspecting individuals unlikely to tell the difference.
Driving licence renewals are free for the over 70s (Image: Getty)
The Older Drivers Forum said: “Please be aware there are many companies advertising on the internet, offering to renew your licence for you and charge you for this doing this.
“It is always best to do it yourself by applying directly using a D46P or D1 form from the post office, or using the link above direct to the DVLA. Renewals at 70 are free of charge.”
Motorists could also be charged for other free DVLA services such as changing their address on a driving licence or updating a V5C vehicle registration certificate.
The DVLA has previously stressed that customers should always use GOV.UK at all times.
They said this was the only way to be sure motorists are dealing directly with DVLA and not any third-party websites.
MoneySavingExpert.com has previously warned that these copycat sites were not illegal.
They explained that third-party websites often get road users to fill in forms and then overcharge drivers for ‘administration’ or ‘services’.
Sites then pass the information to the relevant body with no extra work involved.
They stressed these websites were unnecessarily charging road users up to £60 which could be a major blow to cash-strapped individuals this Autumn.
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Julie Lennard, DVLA Chief Executive, previously explained: “GOV.UK is the only site where customers will find our official services, many of which are free.
“You may be charged a premium when using other websites offering services that are not connected to DVLA.
“We recommend you always double-check you’re using GOV.UK when accessing our online services or looking for information.
“This means you won’t be paying more than you need to for services that are cheaper or free of charge on GOV.UK and can be sure that you’re dealing with us directly.”
English (US) ·