Cancel a NSW driver or rider licence voluntarily

Introduction

You can surrender your NSW driver or rider licence and return it to a Service NSW Centre if you:

• are moving interstate or overseas
• have decided to stop driving because of a medical condition or personal choice
• no longer need it for some other reason.

You can also hand in a driver or rider licence for a licence holder who has died.

NSW Photo Card

You can use a NSW Photo Card to prove your identity in most places a driver licence is recognised.

When you apply for a NSW Photo Card you can use your NSW Driver Licence as proof of identity if it:

• is current or
• has been expired for less than 5 years.

You do not have to pay to get a NSW Photo Card when you cancel a NSW Driver Licence that:

• is current or
• it expired within the past 2 years.

Find out how to apply for a NSW Photo Card.

What you need

To hand in a driver or rider licence you will need:

• your proof of identity
• your driver or rider licence (if available)
• the completed PDF form 'Change of Records – Road and Maritime Products'.

If you're handing in the licence for one of the following reasons you will also need the relevant document.

• Returning a licence for someone else – the representative will need proof of their identity and one of the following:
  • completed section 5 – 'Representative authority' of the PDF form 'Change of Records – Road and Maritime Products'
  • Power of Attorney appointing the representative to perform transactions and sign for the person they represent without obtaining that person's signature
  • letter of authority from the licence holder giving authority to their representative to return the licence on their behalf that includes:
    • name, address and licence or customer number of the applicant for cancelling a NSW Driver Licence
    • name, address and licence or customer number of the representative
    • purpose of the letter of authority (cancel a NSW Driver Licence)
      Note: authority letters are for single use only
    • date the authority is given
    • signature of both the applicant and representative.
• The licence holder has died – confirmation of death such as a
  • death certificate
  • newspaper death notice
  • link to an online newspaper notification
  • letter from a solicitor or
  • letter from the NSW Trustee and Guardian.

How to return a licence

1. Download and complete the PDF form – Change of Records – Road and Maritime Products.
2. Gather the required documents.
3. Take the completed form, documents and the NSW Driver Licence to a service centre.

Refunds

If you return a licence before the expiry date you may be eligible for a refund for the time remaining on the licence.

If a refund is payable a cheque will be issued in the name of the licence holder. Refunds of less than $6 will be available as a credit you can use as payment for another transaction.

If the licence holder has died any refund payable will be issued in the name of their estate. A refund cheque cannot be issued in the name of a beneficiary, executor or administrator.

Other services you may need

Vehicle registration

• Transfer a vehicle registration
• Transfer a vehicle registration as the carer or guardian of a registered operator
• Apply for a vehicle registration as the carer or guardian of the registered operator

Licence changes

• Cancel a general boat driving licence
• Apply to downgrade a driver licence
• Apply for a restricted journey licence
• Change conditions on a driver licence
• Apply for a licence to be reissued after being surrendered on medical grounds

After someone has died

• Notify Transport for NSW that a customer has died
• Transfer an E-Toll Account after someone has died
• Close an E-Toll Account after someone has died