Whether you’ve recently got married, divorced, or legally changed your name, a driving licence change of name is an important legal step. Updating your driving licence ensures your details are correct with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency), helping you avoid problems when hiring cars, applying for insurance, or proving your identity. It’s a straightforward process if you follow the correct steps and send the right documents.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about changing the name on your UK driving licence.
Why You May Need to Change the Name on Your Licence
There are several common reasons you might need to update the name on your driving licence:
- Marriage or civil partnership – Taking your partner’s surname or a double-barrelled name.
- Divorce or separation – Reverting to your previous name.
- Legal name change – Using a deed poll or statutory declaration to adopt a new name.
- Spelling corrections – Fixing errors or inconsistencies on your licence.
It’s free to change your name on your driving licence, but you must send the correct documents.
Documents You’ll Need
To update your driving licence, you’ll need to provide original documents (not photocopies) as proof of your new name. This can include:
- Your current driving licence
- Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate
- Decree absolute (for divorce)
- Deed poll or statutory declaration (for a legal name change)
- A recent passport-style photo (for paper licences or if your appearance has changed significantly)
How to Change Your Name on Your Driving Licence (UK)
1. For Photocard Driving Licences
- Fill in the D1 application form – available at most Post Office branches or online from the DVLA.
- Include:
- Your current photocard licence
- Supporting documents (such as your marriage certificate)
- A passport-style photo if needed
- Send your application to:
DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN
You’ll usually receive your new licence within one to three weeks, though it can take longer if documents need extra checks.
2. For Paper Driving Licences
If you still have the older paper driving licence:
- Complete the D1 application form.
- Include:
- Your paper driving licence
- Original documents showing your new name
- A recent passport-style photo
- Post everything to the DVLA address above.
How Long It Takes
The typical processing time is two to three weeks.
Delays may occur if DVLA needs to check your identity further or if documents are missing.
You can continue driving while your application is being processed as long as you meet the standard driving rules.
Important Things to Remember
- You can’t change your name online — you must apply by post.
- Always send original documents, not copies.
- Make sure your vehicle log book (V5C) and insurance are updated too.
- If you hold a provisional licence, the process is the same as for full licences.
- There’s no fee unless you’re also renewing your photo at the same time.
After You Receive Your New Licence
Once your new driving licence arrives:
- Check all the details carefully.
- Destroy your old licence.
- Inform your car insurance company, bank, and any other relevant organisations of your name change.
Bonus Tip: Check Your Vehicle History Too
If you’ve changed your name because of buying or selling a vehicle, it’s smart to check its history first. You can do this through trusted UK services like Total Car Check. Buy a full vehicle history check to make sure there are no surprises with outstanding finance, mileage, or previous write-offs.
Final Thoughts
Changing your name on your UK driving licence is straightforward, but it’s important to get the details and documents right. By following the correct process and sending everything to the DVLA, you’ll have your updated licence in no time.
Staying on top of this small admin task keeps your records legal, avoids complications, and ensures your identity is consistent across all documents.
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