Updating your licence with the DVLA is free, but it's paper-based and there are a couple of traps worth knowing about. Here's the whole process, start to finish.
Get your deed poll from £9.99 →Unlike most name updates, changing your driving licence isn't optional. The DVLA requires your licence to show your current legal name, and driving with out-of-date details can lead to a fine of up to £1,000. The good news is the update itself costs nothing.
Evidence of your name change. For most people that's a deed poll; a marriage or civil partnership certificate works for a straightforward move to your spouse's surname. If you don't have a deed poll yet, create one with our free deed poll generator or order a professionally printed version from £9.99.
You'll also need your current photocard licence and, unlike a passport application, a paper form. Name changes can't currently be done through the DVLA's online service.
In front of an independent adult witness. Your name change is legally effective from that moment.
Pick one up at most Post Office branches or order it from gov.uk. Lorry or bus licence holders need form D2 instead.
Send the completed form, your current licence and your original deed poll or certificate to the DVLA. Original documents are required and will be returned to you.
Your updated photocard normally arrives within around three weeks. There's no fee for a name change alone.
Usually, yes. Provided you meet the DVLA's conditions, broadly that you haven't been disqualified and your application isn't for medical reasons, you can continue driving while your licence is being updated. Check the current conditions on gov.uk if you're unsure.
Two things catch people out. First, your deed poll goes off in the post, so if you're updating your passport around the same time, you can't send the same original to both. Order certified copies with a printed deed poll, or stagger the applications. Passport first is usually the better order, since a passport in your new name makes every other update smoother.
Second, your licence isn't the only DVLA record. Update your vehicle log book (V5C) separately, and remember your insurance too. Insurers want your certificate or deed poll, and a mismatch between your licence and policy can cause real problems in a claim.
Once your photo ID matches your new name, the rest gets easier. Work through your bank, employer, HMRC and the rest with our free name change checklist so nothing slips through.
Nothing. The DVLA doesn't charge for a name change on its own. You only pay if you're also renewing or replacing the licence for another reason.
Not at present. Name changes require the paper D1 form (or D2 for lorries and buses), available at most Post Office branches or by ordering from gov.uk.
Yes. A correctly worded, signed and witnessed unenrolled deed poll is accepted, whether you made it yourself with our free generator or ordered a printed version. It doesn't need to be enrolled or prepared by a solicitor.
Passport first, in most cases. It's the stronger form of ID, and holding a passport in your new name makes updating banks and other organisations smoother. Both applications require your original deed poll, so do them one after the other or order certified copies.
Yes. Update your insurer as soon as your name changes, along with your V5C log book. A name mismatch between your licence, policy and DVLA records can complicate any claim.
Important note: We are an independent document provider specialising in unenrolled deed polls. We are not affiliated with HM Government. We do not offer Enrolled Deed Polls. If you need an Enrolled Deed Poll, visit the UK Government website. This page is general information, not legal advice.