The Original Yanky

Hi guys, hope you're all enjoying the US. We've been living in South Carolina now for 8 years. I still have an original paper GB driving license and am curious about whether I should update it to the new swanky photo version. My brother, who still lives in England, says that I need to. "Easy said than done" I say. We have no plans to live back in the UK, but visit every 4 years.
Has anyone had the pleasant task of successfully doing this? Or am I worried over nothing?
Cheers,
Andy

Sally Redux

I think you're better off keeping it as the new ones only last 10 years, also you're not actualy allowed to renew them if you don't live in the UK.

Jerseygirl

Only UK residents can renew a UK license. Why would you want to anyway? The one you have doesn't expire until you are 70...the new ones have to be renewed every 10 years.

Most of us use our US DLs to hire cars when we're in the UK.

Edit: It's worth making a note of the license number...just in case you return to the UK and don't have your license. That way the DVLA can look up your details...and they will issue a replacement license.

The Original Yanky

Thanks Sally, that is definatly a can of worms I don't want to open!!
I remember when I first moved here I was asked what my UK drivers license looked like. You should have seen the look on the ladies face when I started to unfold it. Priceless.
How times have changed!

Sally Redux

Welcome to the site, by the way.

Jerseygirl

Oh where's my manners?

Welcome to BE TOY.

Sally Redux

I thought I'd give you a break

Brit3964

I still have my old UK paper license. The last update on it (LGV license added) was in 1992. Nice it's still usable but it has my old UK address on it so if I rent a car in UK, I use my US license instead.

Bob

Don't need to update the license and you can't and you'd probably use your US license in the UK anyway...keep it locked away as a souvenir

Mummy in the foothills

I still have the paper license too, just so happens my Mum still lives at the address on it, so I still use it when I visit.

Jerseygirl

You're most likely not covered by insurance if you use your UK license.

Mummy in the foothills

I'm named on my Moms insurance, she told them I was living here and visiting for the summer they said no problem, they used to be my insurance company too (local office)
They have Ds on the policy now too, driving on his US license till he passes his UK test.

Jerseygirl

I'd get that in writing if I were you...just in case.