What You Need
- Your current driving licence
- Your signed Deed Poll or marriage/civil partnership certificate
- Your National Insurance number
- A valid UK passport (if applying online)
Option 1: Apply Online (Recommended)
- Visit the DVLA's online service at gov.uk/change-name-driving-licence
- Sign in with your Government Gateway account (or create one)
- Enter your current driving licence number
- Provide your new name
- Upload or post your evidence (Deed Poll)
- Your new licence will arrive within 1-3 weeks
The online application is completely free if you're only changing your name.
Option 2: Apply by Post
- Fill in a D1 form (available from Post Offices or by calling 0300 790 6801)
- Send the completed form along with your old licence and your original Deed Poll to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN
- The DVLA will return your Deed Poll after processing
Important Notes
- You must update your driving licence within a reasonable time after changing your name — it is a legal requirement for your licence to show your current name.
- You can continue driving while you wait for your new licence.
- If you also need to change your address, you can do both at the same time.
- If you also need a new photo, there will be a charge of £17.
How to Fill In the D1 Form for a Name Change
If you're applying by post, you'll need to complete the D1 form (also known as "Application for a driving licence"). Here's what to fill in:
- Section 1 — Enter your new name (the name you are changing to)
- Section 2 — Your date of birth and gender
- Section 3 — Your current address
- Section 4 — Tick "change of name" as the reason for your application
- Section 6 — Your current driving licence number
- Section 8 — Sign with your new name
Post the completed D1 form with your old driving licence and your original Deed Poll to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN. The DVLA will return your Deed Poll after processing.
Provisional Driving Licence Name Change
If you have a provisional driving licence, the process for changing your name is exactly the same as for a full licence. You can apply online at gov.uk or by post using the D1 form. The name change is free of charge.
Changing Your Driving Licence Photo and Name Together
If you need to update your photo at the same time as changing your name, you can do both in a single application. The name change is free, but the photo update costs £17. You'll need a new passport-style photo to submit with your application.
What to Update Next
After updating your driving licence, you should also change your name on your bank accounts. For a complete list of everything you need to update, see our full UK name change guide.
Need a Deed Poll First?
Generate your legally compliant Deed Poll in under 5 minutes, then update your DVLA records.
Create My Deed Poll — £14.99Frequently Asked Questions
Is it free to change your name on a driving licence?
Yes, changing your name on your driving licence is free of charge when done online or by post. You will only pay if you also need to update your photo.
How do I change my name on my driving licence online?
Go to the DVLA's online service at gov.uk, enter your current licence details, provide your new name, and submit your Deed Poll or marriage certificate as evidence.
Can you change your name on your driving licence online?
Yes. The DVLA allows you to change your name on your driving licence entirely online through their gov.uk service. You will need a valid UK passport and your current driving licence number.
How long does it take to get a new driving licence?
The DVLA typically processes name changes within 1-3 weeks. You can continue driving with your old licence in the meantime.
Do I need to send my old licence?
If you apply online, your old licence will be cancelled automatically. If you apply by post, you must include your old licence with the application.
What is the D1 form for driving licence name change?
The D1 form is the DVLA's application form for changing details on your driving licence by post. You can get it from any Post Office or by calling the DVLA on 0300 790 6801.