Short answer: in the UK, a new driving licence typically arrives within 1–3 weeks after you apply, with it sometimes taking longer if extra checks are needed. Details by situation

• Online application: usually within about a week; you can continue driving using your existing licence until your new one arrives. Expect delivery within around 7 days, but allow up to several weeks if identity checks or medical details are required.

• By post or at a Post Office: delivery can take up to about 3 weeks; delays may occur if additional checks are needed.

• If you’re in Northern Ireland: the Driver and Vehicle Agency aims to process a complete application within about 10 working days, with a general expectation that the licence arrives within around four weeks; contact them if it hasn’t arrived after six weeks.

• Replacement or renewal nuances: the same general timelines apply for renewals; processing may be quicker online and slower by post, and you might need to send additional documents or photos.

Practical tips

• Track your application if you can, especially for replacements or if you’ve applied by post. Delays often happen due to health or personal detail checks.

• If you’ve not received your licence after the typical window (about 4–6 weeks in some jurisdictions), contact the issuing authority to check the status.

• In all cases, you can usually continue driving with your current licence until the new one arrives, provided your existing licence is valid.

If you’d like, specify your country or region (for example, UK Great Britain vs Northern Ireland), and whether you’re renewing, replacing a lost licence, or applying for the first time, and I can tailor the timelines to that scenario.