There continue to be delays at DVLA in processing paper applications due to the ongoing PCS union industrial action

During the ongoing discussions between officials at the agency and industry trade body officers it was stressed that drivers are experiencing significant difficulties in contacting DVLA to find out what is happening with their application

DVLA have therefore agreed to publish a list of some of the key services and the oldest dates of paper applications that they are currently working on (the latest update is available on the link below).  This list will be updated on a weekly basis

Vocational and critical worker applications will continue to be prioritised

DVLA have also reinstated the Critical Worker enquiry service  which can be used by vocational drivers to check on the status of their application. They should receive a response within 1 or 2 hours

DVLA continue to stress that their online services are the quickest, easiest, and often cheapest way to deal with the agency

They recommend that these services are used where possible

Online applications are dealt with immediately, and often with no human interaction and applicants should receive driving licences, tachograph cards or vehicle registration certificates (V5C) within 5 days

It can currently take between 6 & 10 weeks where paper applications are made by post

Further information:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-coronavirus-covid-19-update