Updated 22 October 2026.
If you’ve married, entered a civil partnership, divorced or changed your name by deed poll, you need to change the name on your driving licence. It’s free, it’s done by post, and you can keep driving while you wait. This guide explains exactly what to send to the DVLA, and the other record you must update at the same time: your car’s V5C logbook.
Driving licence change of name at a glance
- Cost: free. It’s £17 if you also change your photo, and £20 if you’ve lost your old licence.
- Form: D1 “Application for a driving licence” (D2 for a lorry or bus licence), from most Post Offices.
- Send: the form, your old licence, and original documents showing your new name.
- Where: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN (lorry and bus licences: SA99 1BR).
- Driving: you can keep driving while you wait for your new licence.
- Also: update the name on your car’s V5C logbook. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t.
Can I change my name on my driving licence online?
No. A name change has to be done by post, because the DVLA needs to see original documents proving your new name. The process is the same for a full or provisional licence, and the same if you’re changing your gender or your title. You don’t need evidence to change a title, such as Ms to Dr, unless it’s a hereditary title.
Documents you’ll need
- Marriage or civil partnership: your marriage or civil partnership certificate.
- Divorce or dissolution: your decree absolute or final order, with any certificate showing the name you’re going back to.
- Deed poll or statutory declaration: the signed and dated original.
Send originals: the DVLA won’t accept photocopies or laminated certificates, and any certificate must be signed and dated. They’re returned to you.
How to change the name on your driving licence
- Get form D1 from a Post Office (or D2 for a lorry or bus licence).
- Fill it in with your new name.
- Include your current licence, photocard or paper, and the original document showing your new name.
- If you have a paper licence, include a recent printed passport-type photo: you’ll get a photocard.
- If you want a new photo, include the photo and a £17 cheque or postal order payable to DVLA. There’s no fee if you’re over 70 or have a medical short period licence.
- If you’ve lost your licence, say what happened on the form and include £20.
- Post it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN, with the right postage.
You’ll get a new licence by post, and your documents back. You can keep driving in the meantime, as long as you’re otherwise entitled to.
Don’t forget your V5C logbook
If you own a car, you must also change the name on its V5C logbook. GOV.UK says you can be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t tell the DVLA when your name changes. It’s usually free:
- Write your new name in section 3 of a new-style logbook (the one with coloured numbered blocks on the cover).
- Send the whole logbook to the DVLA address in section 3, with proof of your name change, such as your marriage certificate.
- If the car needs taxing in the next 4 weeks, tax it online first, or take the logbook to a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax.
GOV.UK’s guide to changing your name or address on your V5C covers older logbooks. Our V62 guide explains what to do if you’ve lost the logbook.
Who else to tell
- Your car insurer: your policy should be in your current legal name.
- Your bank and HMRC, and your passport if you travel abroad: some countries expect the names on your licence and passport to match.
- Your breakdown cover, and any finance company if you’re paying for a car.
In Northern Ireland, the process is different: apply to the DVA.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to change the name on my driving licence?
Yes. It only costs money if you also change your photo (£17) or have lost your old licence (£20).
Can I drive while the DVLA has my licence?
Yes, you can keep driving while you wait for your new licence, as long as you’re otherwise entitled to drive.
Do I have to change my name on my driving licence after getting married?
You should update it when you start using your new name, and you must update your V5C logbook if you own a car. Keeping the names on your licence, insurance and logbook the same avoids problems with claims and car hire.
What form do I need to change my name on my driving licence?
Form D1 for a car or motorbike licence, or D2 for a lorry or bus licence. Most Post Offices have them.
Can I change my name and photo at the same time?
Yes. Include a recent printed passport-type photo and a £17 cheque or postal order payable to DVLA.
- GOV.UK: change the name or gender on your driving licence
- GOV.UK: change your name or address on your V5C
- Driving licence codes: how to read yours
- UK driving licence rule changes
- V62 form: how to get a replacement V5C
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