Change of name or Address

These pages include extracts from the DVLA's D100 leaflet called "What you need to know about driving licences". You can download the original document by following this link.
This leaflet and these pages gives general information. It is not a statement of law.
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information reproduced is correct, Select All cannot not be held responsible for any inaccuracies.

You could be fined up to £1000 if you do not tell us about a change in your name or address.

Paper driving licences

We no longer issue paper driving licences. If you still have a paper licence and your personal details have changed you should apply for a photocard licence as follows.

• Fill in the changes section on the back of your old-style paper licence.

• Fill in a form D1, application for a photocard licence (available on the website at www.direct.gov.uk/motoring or from us, Post Office® branches, Traffic Area Offices or any DVLA local office).

• Send form D1 and your paper licence, proof of your identity, and a passport size photograph to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB.

If your application is correct we will send you a photocard driving licence. There is no fee for a change of details licence.

Photocard driving licences

If you already have a photocard licence, write your new address in the changes section on the counterpart document and send both the counterpart and your photocard licence to DVLA. If you are telling us about a change of name, also fill in form D1 (you will need to give us evidence of the change of name).

Evidence if your name has changed

If your name has changed from that shown in the document you are sending to prove your identity, send us written evidence of your change of name. We will accept a marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, decree absolute, change of name deed or a legal declaration.

Note: the evidence must show a clear link between the name on your identity document and your current name.

How long will it take to get my new licence?

We aim to deliver your driving licence to you within 15 working days of receiving your application. It might take longer if we have to check on your health or personal details. Please allow at least 15 working days for your licence to arrive before you contact us.

Can I drive while my licence is with you?

When we have received your valid application, you can drive before you receive your licence as long as:

• you have a GB or Northern Ireland licence issued since 1 January 1976, or another that can be exchanged from within the EC/EEA or a designated country (see section 14b for a list of designated countries);

• you are not disqualified from driving (there are different rules for medium or large vehicles, minibuses or buses – the traffic commissioner for your area will decide to grant your entitlement to drive these vehicles);

• you have not been, and would not be, refused a licence for medical reasons; or

• you keep to any special conditions which apply to the licence.

Plastic Wallets

We no longer issue plastic wallets with photocard driving licences and we cannot return old plastic wallets sent in to us.