DVLA services set to stay in the Post Office

RESIDENTS will still be able tax their cars and apply for a driving license through a Post Office branch, after a government U-turn.

The government had announced that DVLA services including paying car tax or applying for a new licence would be removed from Post Office branches in March 2024.

But following a petition by the National Federation of Subpostmasters (NFSP) – signed by more than 100,000 people – the government had a rethink and the DVLA and the Post Office have now signed a new contract – a one-year rolling contract for up to three years with an option for a further two one-year extensions if both parties agree.

Under the new contract customers can choose to visit relevant branches of the Post Office to tax a vehicle or renew a 10-year photo card driving licence.

International Driving Permits (IDP) to travel abroad are not included in the new contract and are subject to a separate ongoing procurement exercise, the outcome of which is expected soon.

The NFSP says that post office branches play a vital role in providing in-person DVLA services, handling six million DLVA transactions annually.