How to Change Name on Driving Licence: UK DVLA Name Change Guide
How to change name on driving licence after marriage (or for other reasons): In our DVLA name change guide we explain how to update driving licence name & more.
How to change name on driving licence after marriage (or for other reasons): In our DVLA name change guide we explain how to update driving licence name & more.
With so many companies to notify about your new name, your driving licence can sometimes be overlooked. The DVLA is the only company which requires you, by law, to have your driver’s licence match your new name so it’s an important one to prioritise! This guide will help you if you need to change the surname on driving licence documents in the UK.
You’ll often be asked for your passport or drivers’ licence as formal ID and if you don’t hold a valid passport, failing to change your name on your licence could lead to some serious road blocks.
Thankfully, the process to change name on your driving licence, is a lot simpler than you might imagine – and it’s something we can help you with too.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of changing name after divorce, marriage, or for any other reason on your driving licence as well as your vehicle registration certificate.
If you want extra help with getting your name updated, officially, everywhere - why not check out our award-winning NameSwitch toolkits.
One of the first questions you might have, is what documentation do I need to submit to change my name on my driving licence? We’re here to help!
First things first, if you’re changing your name on your driving licence, you can’t apply online. Applications must be sent using the paper D1 or D2 application forms.
Both forms can be picked up from larger post offices. The D1 pack is also available in Welsh, and if you purchase a NameSwitch Printed Package, or Deed Poll Premium Printed Package, a D1 application form will be included in your pack to save you a trip to the post office.
Once you’ve filled in the form, send it back to the DVLA along with your photocard or paper driving licence and your document/s that show your legal entitlement to change your name.
Pro tip! Remember that original certificates must be provided as proof of your name change. The DVLA can’t accept any type of copy - whether that’s a photocopy or even a certified copy. It must be the original.
You should expect a wait of 3-4 weeks before your new driver’s licence is delivered, although your original documents will normally be posted back to you before that.
In the meantime, it’s a good idea to take a photo or photocopy of your current driving licence before you post the original, so you have a record of it should you need it.
You are allowed to drive whilst your licence is being renewed as long as you don’t have any driving convictions, medical or any other restrictions.
If the process of changing your name feels too time consuming and or slightly overwhelming, we’re here to help with our name change services By purchasing the NameSwitch Printed Package, or the Deed Poll Premium Printed Package, a D1 application form will be included in your pack along with all the letters, forms and personalised instructions needed to let other crucial government bodies and companies know if your new legal name.
NB: *If you have a BRITISH passport (in either your old or new name) then complete Section 5 - you will not need to check anything in 5B or send anything off as evidence of your identity (i.e. do not send your passport), your passport number will be enough.
Your driving licence and your identity documents will be sent back to you at different times via second class post.
We recommend including a self-addressed special delivery envelope which you can get from the post office for extra peace of mind that your original documentation will be returned. Keep note of the tracking number.
If you don’t update your vehicle registration document (V5C or commonly known as a log book), then you’ll risk a £1000 fine. But it’s easy to do, so don’t panic.
Write your new name in full in section 6 of your vehicle’s logbook (careful not to tick the “new keeper” box), and add a separate note to explain that you’ve changed your name. You should submit a copy of your legal document to show your right to adopt your new name. Note this department of the DVLA do not need to see an original.
If you’ve purchased a NameSwitch toolkit , we will provide you with a pre-populated cover letter to include when you send everything off to the DVLA.)
If you’ve lost your V5C form you will need to provide the DVLA replacement V62 form It costs £25 to do that so it’s worth hunting out your V5C.
Pro tip! The addresses for the driving licence and for the V5C are different so you will need to send off each application separately. You can send your V5C with a photocopy of your marriage certificate/ civil partnership registration/ decree absolute/ deed poll – unlike the driver’s licence, the DVLA do not need an original document to change the name on your log book.
If you want to be super-organised, get what we call the ‘Trilogy of Driving Paperwork’ in order! This means aligning the following three documents:
Making an insurance claim is painful enough, without the extra stress of the names not matching.
And don’t forget, we’re here to make your name change easier if you want to fast-track through your name change.
We’ve got loads of useful FAQ’s, blogs and name change guides on our website and the NameSwitch team can help you with specific questions.
The average person has 24 government bodies and companies they need to notify of their change in name. Figuring out who needs what can be daunting and takes hours of tedious stop, start research, letter writing and form filling.
With over 700 UK companies already mapped on our systems – and more added each week- we offer a range of packages at affordable prices. Our packages help you in notifying the relevant government bodies and companies in less time, with much more ease. You’ll have peace of mind that you’ve got it right first time.
Choose your preferred NameSwitch toolkit , and we’ll provide you with personalised letters and forms that can be accessed via our secure online portal ready for you to sign and send.
The process for a provisional license name change is exactly the same as changing your UK driving license and this is something we can help you with.
The good news is that it doesn’t cost anything to change name on driving licence. You’ll only be charged if your photocard has been lost or stolen.
Unfortunately, if you want to do a change of name on online, the answer is no. The application documents can be collected from most large post offices or we will include them inn your NameSwitch toolkit.
If you want to change your name with the DVLA, you will need a D1 Form for a car or motorbike or a D2 Application Form for a lorry or bus licence.
If you’ve already got a photocard licence then no, you won’t need a new photo. If you haven’t got a photo card licence already then yes, you’ll need to send in passport-style photos.
Yes! You can update the DVLA with your name and address changes on both the D1 drivers licence application form and on your vehicle registration.
Normally it would be three weeks to receive your licence with your new name. During peak season (summer) it could be more than four weeks before your new driver’s licence is delivered, although your original documents will be posted back to you before that.
It’s worth checking if there are any backlogs due to peak demand or strike action here: DVLA Service Update.
The process can be slowed down if the DVLA checks your personal or medical details.
It can take up to six weeks to receive your new logbook, so if your vehicle needs taxing before then, make sure that you tax your vehicle online or at your local post office before you send it off to the DVLA.
It is, yes. Residents of Northern Ireland will need to check to NIDirect.gov.uk website.
It is, yes. There are a number of differing processes to follow depending on your name change reason. For further information please visit: National Drivers Licence Service website.
Absolutely! We have more than 700 UK companies and governing bodies mapped within our system. We can help you to change name on passport documents, or even land registry and your pensions and investments, we will equip you with your personalised NameSwitch toolkit.
The average name changer notifies approximately 24 different government bodies, local authorities, and companies. Figuring out who needs what can be daunting and takes 14 hours on average! Most name changers find this process tedious and overly complicated.
NameSwitch has created a UK first and only award-winning namechange toolkit to help simplify this process. Change your name with speed and ease saving you so much time and with peace of mind that you’ll get it right first time.
In just 3 easy steps you can select who you need to notify from 700 government bodies, local authorities, and companies. You only need to enter your details once. You’ll have instant access to download your pre-populated name change letters, forms and personalised instructions ready for you to print and sign.
Need our expert advice? Why not check out our FAQs or Get in touch with our UK-based support team for a human response - we are here to help.
Dive into our practical Nameswitch guides.
Learn how to change your name on your drivers licence, on your Facebook account and how to handle updating your COVID pass along with your passport
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