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<p>The quickest and easiest way to make an application to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing
Agency (DVLA) is to use its extensive suite of online services. There are no delays
in successful online applications and customers should receive their documents within
a few days.</p><p>However, many people still choose or have to make a paper application
and the DVLA receives around 60,000 items of mail every day. The DVLA usually aims
to process paper applications within three weeks but they are currently taking between
six and ten weeks to process. There may be additional delays in processing more complex
transactions, for example, if medical investigations are needed. The latest information
on turnaround times for paper applications can be found <a href="http://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-coronavirus-covid-19-update"
target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p> </p><p>To help reduce waiting times for paper applications,
the DVLA has introduced additional online services, recruited more staff, increased
overtime working and has secured extra office space in Swansea and Birmingham. The
DVLA has reconfigured its accommodation to safely maximise the number of staff on
site and is working hard to process paper applications as quickly as possible.</p><p>
</p><p>Together with the ending of industrial action at the DVLA, these measures are
having a positive impact. In particular, the focus on vocational driving licence applications
to support the HGV driver shortage has been successful with routine vocational applications
now being processed within normal turnaround times of five working days. The remaining
queues are reducing, and customers will continue to see an improving picture in terms
of turnaround times.</p><p> </p>
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