You change the name on your driving licence by post, using DVLA form D1 and a certified copy of your deed poll. There is no online option and no fee for a mid-cycle change. The DVLA issues a new licence in your new name and destroys the old one. If you own a vehicle, the V5C logbook is a separate job.
Can you change your name on a driving licence online?
No. This is the one many people get caught out by. The DVLA lets you renew a licence online, but a name change has to go by post on a paper form, because they need to see evidence of the new name. There is no way around it and no online shortcut.
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.