Go To A-Z Index

You are in: DVLA Guide > Drivers Licence and ID > Change Name

DVLA GUIDE - Unofficial Guide to the DVLA Change Name

For helpful and convenient driving licence and vehicle advice:

Telephone : 0904 194 5599

Calls cost £1.50 per minute plus network extras


Advice provided is available free of charge from DVLA

Advice you can trust, when you need it
We provide helpful and convenient advice regarding United Kingdom driving licence, vehicles, MOT, SORN and tax disc including advice on the following:

  • Change of address of UK driving licence
  • Renewals of UK driving licence
  • Lost or stolen of UK driving licence
  • Learner and new driver information
  • Register a vehicle
  • Who to notify when you buy or sell a vehicle
  • Making changes to your registration
  • Taxing your vehicle
  • MOT Certificates
  • SORN a vehicle
  • Locations and Hours

Helping you make the right choice
Please ensure that you are fully versed with the website Terms of Use and Disclaimer before using the DVLA Guide Information service. Calls cost £1.50 per minute when called from a BT landline. Calls from mobiles and other networks may cost more. Network extras may apply. Please ensure that you have the permission of the bill payer.

If you need to apply for, renew or replace a licence, or have any other vehicle enquiry, you may also contact Drivers' Customer Services, Correspondence Team, DVLA, SA6 7JL or the Vehicle Customer Services, DVLA, SA99 1AR. You also may be able to use the vehicle and licensing services at a Post Office®.

You are in the Drivers License & ID. If you are looking for Drivers License & ID information dvlaguide.com is the right site for you. In this section you’ll find out how to apply, renew and replace your drivers license, how to update any name or address changes, how to apply motorcycle license, or what medical rules apply to drivers

This site, dvlaguide.com, also covers the specifics for learners and new drivers, vehicle registration, taxing your vehicle, MOTs, how to SORN a vehicle, what forms you need and DVLA hours and locations.





Making a Name Change to Your Driving Licence

In this section dvlaguide.com features everything you need to know about making a name change to you your UK licence.

You have to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) immediately of any changes to your name, address or both.  You can update your driving licence online or post it to DVLA for amendment.

A new licence will be issued free unless your photograph’s due for renewal, which costs £17.50. DVLA aims to get your new driving licence to you within three weeks of receiving your application. It’ll take longer if they have to check your health or personal details.

The most important reason for keeping DVLA up to date of your changed details is that ensures all future driving licence reminders are sent to your correct address. Don’t forget, if you permanently move to another country, you can’t register your new address on your British driving licence. You’ll need to contact the driving licence authority in your new country of residence.

Photocard Driving Licence

When changing your address you’ll need to:

  1. complete the ‘changes’ section on your paper counterpart, sign and date it
  2. send both parts of your driving licence ie photocard and counterpart document to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN

When changing your name with or without a change of address you’ll need to:

  1. complete a D1 or Application for a Driving Licence available from the DVLA form ordering service or from any Post Office branch
  2. provide original identity documents confirming your new name
  3. enclose your photocard driving licence and paper counterpart (there’s no need to supply a new photograph)
  4. send all your documents to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN

Changing a Photocard Driving Licence

When changing your address you’ll need:

  1. To complete the changes section on your paper counterpart, sign and date it send both parts of your driving licence (photocard and counterpart document) to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN.

When changing your name with or without a change of address you’ll need:

  1. To complete a D1 or Application for a Driving Licence available from the DVLA form ordering service or from any Post Office branch.
  2. To provide original identity documents confirming your new name and include your photocard driving licence and paper counterpart (don’t supply a new photograph)
  3. Send all your documents to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN

Need to Renew Your Photograph

You can renew your photo at anytime. If your photo’s expiring within the next two months it’ll need to be renewed right away. You won’t be able to renew your photo using the online service. The fee is £17.50. Photograph criteria.

Changing a Paper Driving Licence

When changing your name or address (or both) you will need:

  1. To complete a D1 (application for a driving licence) available from the DVLA form ordering service or from any Post Office® branch.
  2. Supply original documents verifying your identity.
  3. Include a passport type photograph and your driving licence
  4. Send all your documents to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN or use the premium checking service at selected Post Office branches or DVLA local offices.