DVLA Name Change: Update Your Driving Licence & V5C

How to change your name on your driving licence

Pick up form D1 from any Post Office, or download it from GOV.UK. Fill it in, attach a certified copy of your deed poll, and enclose your current photocard licence. Post the lot to the DVLA in Swansea. They issue a new licence in your new name and destroy the old one, so it will not come back to you. There is no DVLA fee for a mid-cycle change; you pay only for the deed poll and postage. If your licence is due to be renewed anyway, you can do both at once.

Updating your V5C logbook

Own a vehicle? The name on your V5C (the logbook) needs changing too, and it is a separate application from the licence. Update the V5C section for a change of name, enclose a certified copy of your deed poll, and send it to the DVLA. They issue a new V5C in your new name. Keep this consistent with your insurance, which you should also update straight away: a mismatch between your logbook, licence and insurance can cause problems with a claim or when you sell the car.

Changing your driving licence name after marriage

The process is identical. If you married or formed a civil partnership and took your spouse's surname, the DVLA accepts your marriage or civil partnership certificate in place of a deed poll. For any other change, including a double-barrelled surname, reverting to a maiden name, or a new first name, send the deed poll instead.

How long does it take, and can you drive meanwhile?

Allow two to four weeks. There is no fast-track service for name changes, so plan ahead if you need the new licence for car hire or ID by a certain date. You can keep driving the whole time. Your entitlement does not lapse just because the physical card is with the DVLA, so note your licence number down before you post it. If you hold an HGV or bus licence, or your licence carries endorsements, the process is the same, but it is worth confirming with the DVLA that every record is updated together. Foreign and international licences are not changed by the DVLA; contact the issuing country for those.

What is your new name?

Who is this deed poll for?

MyselfAged 16 or over — £14.99 My childUnder 16 — £19.99

Name you are changing from

First name

Middle name optional

Last name

Name you are changing to

First name

Middle name optional

Last name

A few details about you

Email address

Only used to retrieve your deed poll if you lose it. No marketing emails.

Date of birth

Day

Month

Year

Your current address

Address line 1

Address line 2 optional

Town / City

Postcode

Date of deed

Your witnesses

A UK deed poll requires two witnesses. They must be adults, not related to you, and present when you sign. They do not need to be a solicitor.

Legally recognised across the UK Secure payment via Stripe Instant PDF download No account needed

Add the letter pack All 9 letters written for you and filled in with your details — ready to print, sign and post. £6.99

See the 9 letters

Address included, ready to post

HMRC — tax and National Insurance
DVLA — driving licence

You add the address

HM Passport Office
Bank or building society
GP surgery / NHS
Employer — HR and payroll
Local council — council tax and electoral register
Utilities & broadband
Pension provider

Being straight with you: the DVLA and passport letters are cover letters — a driving licence is changed with the free D1 form, and a passport needs a new application. The letters make the paperwork easier, not different.

Post me printed copies 2 copies on heavyweight 100gsm paper, 1st class next working day — as well as your instant download. £7.99

Deed poll £14.99

Make your deed poll — £14.99

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Common questions

Can I change my name on my driving licence online?

No. The DVLA requires a postal application on form D1 for a name change. You can renew online, but you cannot change your name online, because the DVLA needs to see evidence such as your deed poll.

How long does a DVLA name change take?

Usually two to four weeks. The DVLA does not offer a fast-track service for name changes, so allow time if you need the new licence by a particular date.

Is there a DVLA fee to change my name?

No. There is no DVLA fee for a mid-cycle name change on a driving licence or V5C. Your only costs are the deed poll itself and postage.

Do I need to update my V5C logbook as well?

If you own a vehicle, yes. The V5C and driving licence are separate applications. Update both to keep your records consistent, which matters if you sell the vehicle or make an insurance claim.

Can I drive while my new licence is being processed?

Yes. You stay legally entitled to drive in the period between posting your old licence and receiving the new one. Keep a note of your licence number in case you need to produce it.

Do I need to update my car insurance too?

Yes. Tell your insurer about the name change; keeping insurance records accurate matters, as a mismatch could affect a claim. Most insurers update the name without changing your premium.

How to Change Your Name on Your Driving Licence (DVLA)

Can you change your name on a driving licence online?

How to change your name on your driving licence

Updating your V5C logbook

Changing your driving licence name after marriage

How long does it take, and can you drive meanwhile?

What is your new name?

A few details about you

Your witnesses

Common questions

Can I change my name on my driving licence online?

How long does a DVLA name change take?

Is there a DVLA fee to change my name?

Do I need to update my V5C logbook as well?

Can I drive while my new licence is being processed?

Do I need to update my car insurance too?

How to Change Your Name on Your Driving Licence (DVLA)

Can you change your name on a driving licence online?

How to change your name on your driving licence

Updating your V5C logbook

Changing your driving licence name after marriage

How long does it take, and can you drive meanwhile?

What is your new name?

A few details about you

Your witnesses

Common questions

Can I change my name on my driving licence online?

How long does a DVLA name change take?

Is there a DVLA fee to change my name?

Do I need to update my V5C logbook as well?

Can I drive while my new licence is being processed?

Do I need to update my car insurance too?

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