How to Change Your Name on a UK Driving Licence (2026)
Got married, divorced, or changed your name by deed poll? If you want to change name on driving licence UK records, the process is refreshingly simple — and free. But it is strictly done by post (there’s no online service), and sending the wrong documents is the most common reason applications get delayed. This guide walks you through the exact 2026 process, verified against GOV.UK.
The Short Answer: By Post, and It’s Free
To change the name on your UK driving licence you must send DVLA your old licence, a completed application form, and original documents proving your new name. The name change itself costs nothing. There is no online option — anyone telling you otherwise is wrong. (Official guidance: GOV.UK — change the name on your driving licence: https://www.gov.uk/change-name-driving-licence)
What You Need Before You Start
Gather these before you touch the form:
- Your current photocard (or paper) driving licence
- Form D1 — “Application for a driving licence” (for car/motorbike licences). Lorry/bus licence holders need form D2 instead. Order forms from DVLA or pick one up at a Post Office.
- Original documents confirming your new name — not photocopies, not laminated certificates. Certificates must be signed and dated.
Which documents count depends on why your name changed:
- Marriage: your marriage certificate (or civil partnership certificate)
- Divorce: your decree absolute (final order)
- Deed poll: your deed poll document
- Gender change: your Gender Recognition Certificate
- Title change (e.g. Ms to Dr): no evidence needed, unless it’s a hereditary title
Step by Step: Changing Your Name
- Fill in form D1 (or D2 for lorry/bus). Complete the name-change section carefully — the name must match your supporting documents exactly.
- Enclose your old licence — photocard, or paper licence. (Lost it? See the costs section below.)
- Enclose your original documents from the list above. DVLA returns originals, but never send anything you can’t afford to be without for a few weeks.
- Add a photo and payment only if needed (see costs).
- Post everything to DVLA at the address below, with correct postage. Consider tracked delivery — you’re sending original identity documents.
Where to Send Your Application
- Car or motorbike licence: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN
- Lorry or bus licence: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BR
Double-check the postcode for your licence type — they’re different, and the wrong one slows everything down.
How Much Does It Cost?
- Name change alone: free. DVLA charges nothing to update your name.
- Changing your photo at the same time: £17 — send a recent printed passport-style photo plus a cheque or postal order for £17 payable to “DVLA”. (Free if you’re over 70 or hold a medical short-period licence.)
- Lost your old licence: £20 — if your licence was lost, stolen, or destroyed, say so on the form and include a £20 cheque/postal order instead of the licence itself.
- Paper licence holders: you must always include a recent printed passport-type photo.
Damaged or altered cheques are not accepted — write them carefully.
How Long Does It Take?
DVLA typically takes around 3 weeks to process a name change, though it can vary at busy times. Send originals you might need (like your marriage certificate) only when you can spare them for a few weeks.
Can You Drive While You Wait?
Yes. GOV.UK is explicit: “You can still drive while you wait for your new licence.” Your driving entitlement doesn’t pause because the name on the photocard is being updated. Keep a copy of what you sent, and your proof of posting, just in case.
Don’t Forget: V5C Logbook and Insurance
Your driving licence isn’t the only document with your name on it:
- V5C logbook: update the registered keeper details with DVLA (free, can be done alongside).
- Car insurance: tell your insurer about the name change — your policy must match your licence, and mismatches can cause problems at claim time.
- Related: moved house too? That’s a separate update — see Change Address on Driving Licence UK.
Northern Ireland: Different Process
The process above covers Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales). Northern Ireland has its own system — check nidirect.gov.uk for the NI name-change process.
What Happens If You Don’t Update Your Licence?
Failing to keep your licence details up to date can mean a fine of up to £1,000. It’s the same principle as the address rule: DVLA must be able to reach you, and your licence must reflect who you are. There’s no reason to risk it when the update itself is free.
More on licence penalties: Penalty Points on a Driving Licence.
Conclusion
To change name on driving licence UK records in 2026: fill in form D1, post it to DVLA Swansea (SA99 1BN) with your old licence and original name-change documents, and pay nothing — unless you’re updating your photo at the same time (£17) or replacing a lost licence (£20). There’s no online shortcut, so don’t waste time looking for one. Do it by post, keep copies of everything, and you can keep driving while DVLA processes it.
