How to Change the Name and Address on Your UK Driving Licence

Whether you have recently moved to a new home or changed your name due to marriage or a legal process, it is important to update these details on your UK driving license. If you do not add the details, it will lead to fines, penalties, and other complications. To avoid them, you must update your driving license before the due date given to finish the process. If you are unclear about the process, we will walk you through the steps to change your name and address on your driver’s license.

Importance of Updating Your License 

Updating your driver’s license is essential for several reasons: 

Legal Requirement: It is a legal requirement to keep your information up to date on your driver’s license. Failure to do so can result in penalties and fines. It could also create complications in legal situations, such as traffic violations or accidents. 

For Proper Communication: Updated information helps authorities send important notices, reminders, or information about vehicles to the correct address. 

Insurance Purposes: Insurance companies use the information on your driver’s license to assess your risk situation. Incorrect information might affect your insurance claims. 

Identification purposes: Your driver’s license is also used as a primary form of identification for various purposes. Therefore, it is important to update your details to maintain accurate information on documents.

How to Change Your Name on Your Driving License? 

Changing your name can be due to several reasons, such as marriage, civil partnership, divorce, or personal reasons. However, you need to update your driving license to reflect your new name to avoid legal issues and ensure your documents are accurate. 

Get the Form: You can order the D1 form online or pick up a paper copy from a large post office. 

Fill out the Form: Complete Section 1, then tick the box that says, “To change my name on my license.” In section 2, enter your new name and previous name in the main boxes. If you have a British passport, complete Section 5. 

Gather Supporting Documents: You must provide original documentation that confirms your name change, such as a marriage certificate, decree absolute, or Deed Poll document. 

Send the Documents: Send the completed form along with your current driving license and supporting documents in an envelope to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN. 

Get Your New License: Your new driving license will be sent to you within approximately three weeks. 

Fees: There is no fee to change your name on your driving license. However, if you must change your name and photograph simultaneously, you must pay a £17 fee. 

How to Change Your Address on Your Driving License?

Whenever you change your address, it is important to inform the DVLA. This ensures that all correspondence, including reminders about license renewals, reaches you at your current address. 

Changing Address Online

Necessary Documents: Provide your driving license and proof of residency to change your address on your driving license. 

Visit the Website: Access the DVLA’s online service for changing personal details. 

Fill out the Form: Enter your new address along with the addresses of where you have lived in the past three years. 

Submit Your Application: Review the details filled in and confirm it to submit your application. You will receive a confirmation email from the DVLA after finishing your application. 

Get Your New License: Your new, updated driving license will be sent to you within one week of your online application. 

Changing Address by Post

Get the Form: You can change your address by using the D741 form, which comes along with your license, or by ordering a D1 form from the post office or the DVLA website. If you have a bus or lorry driver’s license, you must fill out the D2 form. 

Fill out the Form: The D1 form contains four sections, such as basic details, questions related to your eyesight, details about your current license, and details about your previous license. You must fill the form in block capitals using blank ink. 

For Paper Driving License: If you hold a paper driving license, fill out the D1 or D2 form, whichever is applicable, and send it to the DVLA along with your paper driving license and other necessary documents. 

Post it to DVLA: Once you have gathered all the documents, post it to DVLA at DVLA Swansea SA99 1BN. 

Get Your New Driving License: Your new, updated driving license will be sent to you within three weeks after posting the application. 

Additional Considerations

Updating Address When Disqualified: If you are changing addresses while you are disqualified from driving, you must write to the DVLA with your old and new addresses, date of birth, and driving license number. 

Update Your Vehicle Documents: When updating your name and address on your driving license, you must also update these details on your vehicle’s logbook (V5C), vehicle tax direct debit, and any personalized number plate documents. 

Changing your name and address on your UK driving license is a simple process, ensuring you can easily update your details within a few steps. Always remember to update the change to save you from legal trouble and ensure that your documents are always accurate. Whether you choose to apply online or by post, go through the above steps to easily follow them without any hassle. If you have any questions about a UK driver’s license, visit our DVSA Theory Test Practice platform for all the information. If you are a first-time driver seeking a new driving license, we provide driving theory test practice to help you easily prepare for your knowledge test.