The DVLA has warned people to avoid being charged for services that are completely free.

Websites have been asking drivers to pay for services which are free on the DVLA website including V5C vehicle registration certificates or renewing a driving licence from the age of 70.

These can all be done for free on the DVLA website.

Swindon Advertiser: The DVLA has issued an urgent warning to every single driver in the UKThe DVLA has issued an urgent warning to every single driver in the UK

Even if the DVLA does charge for a service, copycat websites will often ask for even more.

For example, it costs £14 to renew a driving licence on the DVLA website, but up to £60 by third-party organisations.

Speaking previously, MoneySavingExpert deputy editor Guy Anker said: "These copycat sites aren’t illegal, but they dress up like legitimate webpages, and use clever tricks to appear higher on search engines.

"They get you to fill in forms, which requires no more work on your part than if you’d done it yourself via the official sites, and then they overcharge you for ‘administration’ or ‘services’ – which is really just passing it to the relevant body, with no extra work involved."

If a website offering DVLA-related services doesn't have "gov.uk" in the address bar, it means it may charge these extra fees.

Another sign is that you are being asked for money for something that was previously free for you - like updating your car's log book when you move house.

DVLA chief executive Julie Lennard said: "Gov.uk is the only site where customers will find our official services, many of which are free.

"You may be charged a premium when using other websites offering services that are not connected to DVLA."