Changing the name on your UK driving licence is completely free, but you cannot do it online. The DVLA needs to see physical proof of your new identity, so you’ll need to send a paper application by post. Many people change their name for various reasons, including marriage and civil partnership, divorce and personal reasons. It is important that your driving licence shows your legal name.
1. Get the Right Form
Pop into a local Post Office and pick up a paper application form:
Car and motorbike drivers – Ask for a D1 Application for a Driving Licence. GOV.UK confirms that D1 is the correct form for car and motorbike licences and D2 is used for lorry and bus licences. It also confirms that changing your name is free and requires the old licence and original supporting documents.
Lorry and bus drivers – Grab a D2 Application form instead.
Fill out the name-change section with your new details.
2. Gather Your Original Documents
You need to send the DVLA original proof showing how your name changed. They reject photocopies, printouts, and scanned copies. Include one of the following:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Deed poll or statutory declaration
- Decree absolute or final order
3. Post Everything to the DVLA
Put your filled-in form, your current photocard licence, and your original legal document into an envelope and post it to the DVLA address printed on the form.
It usually takes three to four weeks for your new licence to arrive. The DVLA posts your original documents back separately. You can still drive legally while you wait for the new card to turn up.
Remember the Log Book
Updating your driving licence does not automatically change the registration papers for your car. You will need to update the V5C log book separately to keep your vehicle records correct. Updating your driving licence does not automatically change the registration papers for your car. You will need to update the V5C log book separately to keep your vehicle records correct.
Read more information on how long deed polls take, marriage and civil partnerships and what a deed poll can do for you.
You can reach out to the UKDP team at 020 8017 2216.
To change your name...
- Fill in our online application form
- Receive your Deed Poll in the post
- Sign and date your Deed Poll
- Update records into your new name
We help thousands change their name and receive Excellent Feedback.
020 8017 2216 Start Your Application