How to Change Your Name on Driving Licence in 2026
If you've changed your name after getting married, divorced or by deed poll, you'll need to update your driving licence with DVLA. This is important because the DVLA could fine you £1,000 if you fail to notify them.
For a car or motorcycle licence, you'll need to complete a D1 form and apply by post. You'll also need to send your current driving licence and original documents confirming your new name.
Changing your name is free if you can return your existing licence. If your licence has been lost, stolen or destroyed, you can still change your name, but you'll need to pay £20 for the replacement.
You must also update your V5C vehicle registration certificate (logbook) if you change your name.
Table of Contents
- How to Change Your Name on Your Driving Licence
- What You Need to Send to DVLA for a Name Change
- How Much Does It Cost to Change Your Name?
- What If You've Lost Your Driving Licence?
- Can You Drive While You Wait?
- Don't Forget to Change Your Name on Your V5C
- FAQ
- A Final Note
How to Change Your Name on Your Driving Licence
You cannot change the name on your driving licence online. For a car or motorcycle licence, you'll need to apply by post using form D1, Application for a Driving Licence, which is available at most post offices.
To apply:
- Complete the D1 form with your new details.
- Include your current photocard or paper driving licence.
- Include original documents confirming your new name.
- Send your application.
If you have a lorry or bus licence, you'll need to use form D2 instead, but the process is broadly the same.
If you have an old-style paper driving licence, you'll need to send this instead of a photocard and include a recent passport-style photo because DVLA will replace your paper licence with a photocard licence.
You do not normally need a new photo just because you've changed your name. However, if you want to update your photo at the same time, you can include a new passport-style photo with your application.
If you need more information about completing the form, see our guide to the UK driving licence form.
Practical tip: Get your evidence together before you start the form. Applications can be delayed if you send the wrong documents, provide copies when originals are required, or forget to update your other vehicle documents.
What You Need to Send to DVLA for a Name Change
The documents you need depend on how your name changed. Use the table below to check what evidence to send with your application.
| Evidence | What you need to provide |
|---|---|
| Marriage or civil partnership certificate | Your marriage or civil partnership certificate if you've changed your surname. If your GB passport has already been updated to your new name, you can provide the 9-digit passport number instead. |
| Divorce or end of civil partnership document | Your decree nisi, decree absolute, conditional order or final order, plus your birth or adoption certificate or UK certificate of naturalisation. |
| Deed poll | Your deed poll, plus another document showing your new name. |
| Statutory declaration | Your statutory declaration from a solicitor, a magistrate or a commissioner of oaths, plus another document showing your new name. |
If you're using a deed poll or statutory declaration, the additional document showing your new name can include:
- a UK bank statement or utility bill
- an HMRC letter or other tax record
- an official letter from your employer
- an education record
- a letter from a government department or local council
- a visa or residence permit
- a medical or health card
- a voter card
For these types of evidence, the document must have been issued within the last 12 months. It must also have been issued after your deed poll or statutory declaration and, if you already have a GB driving licence, after your most recent licence.
DVLA also accepts certain valid identity documents showing your new name, including a non-GB driving licence, UK passport number, non-UK passport or national identity card.
If you are unsure what evidence applies to your circumstances, check the current GOV.UK guidance before sending your application.
Important: Where you're sending documents, DVLA requires the originals. Do not send photocopies, certified copies or laminated certificates. Any certificates must be signed and dated.
How Much Does It Cost to Change Your Name?
Changing your name on your driving licence is normally free.
There are fees in some circumstances:
| Situation | Fee |
|---|---|
| Change your name and return your existing licence | Free |
| Change your name, but your licence is lost, stolen or destroyed | £20 |
| Change your name and photo at the same time | £17 |
There is no £17 photo fee if you're over 70 or have a medical short-period licence.
What If You've Lost Your Driving Licence
You can still change your name if your old driving licence has been lost, stolen or destroyed.
Complete the D1 form and state what happened to your old licence. You'll also need to send the original documents confirming your new name.
Because DVLA is replacing a missing licence as well as changing your details, you'll need to include a cheque or postal order for £20, payable to DVLA.
For more information about replacing a missing licence, see our lost driving licence form guide.
Can You Drive While You Wait?
Yes. DVLA says you can continue driving while you wait for your new licence.
Don't Forget to Change Your Name on Your V5C
Changing your name on your driving licence does not automatically update your V5C logbook. If you're the registered keeper of a vehicle, you must update the name on your V5C separately.
If you still have your V5C, changing your name is usually free. You'll need to update the relevant section of the logbook and send it to DVLA. Depending on the reason for the change, you may need to include supporting evidence.
If you've lost your V5C as well, see our guide to what to do if you've moved and lost your V5C for the correct V62 process.
Need Help With a V62 Application?
If you need to apply for a replacement V5C using form V62, CarForms can handle the paperwork for you. Complete your details online, and we'll prepare, print and post the V62 application to DVLA, including handling the DVLA fee payment.
Ready to Submit Your V62 Form?
CarForms lets you complete your application details online. We prepare and print the V62 and post it to DVLA for you.
FAQ
Can I change my name on my driving licence online?
No. A driving licence name change must be made by post. For a car or motorcycle licence, use form D1. Lorry and bus licence holders use form D2.
Is it free to change my name on my driving licence?
Yes, if you're changing your name and can return your existing licence, there is no fee. If your existing licence has been lost, stolen or destroyed, the replacement costs £20.
Do I need to send my old driving licence?
Yes, if you still have it. Send your photocard or paper licence with your application. If it has been lost, stolen or destroyed, state this on the application and include the £20 replacement fee.
Do I need to send original documents?
Yes. DVLA requires original documents confirming your new name. Do not send photocopies or laminated certificates.
Can I drive while DVLA changes my name?
Yes. DVLA says you can continue driving while you wait for your new licence.
Do I need to update my V5C as well?
Yes. If you're the registered keeper of a vehicle, you must update your V5C separately when your name changes.
A Final Note
Changing your name on your driving licence is straightforward: complete the correct form, send your existing licence and original supporting documents, and post the application to DVLA.
The name change itself is free. You'll only need to pay if you're also replacing a lost, stolen or destroyed licence or changing your photo.
CarForms does not process driving licence name changes or D1 applications. We are an independent service that helps motorists complete and submit selected DVLA paperwork, including V62, V890 and V888 applications.
Sources
- GOV.UK – Change the name or gender on your driving licence
- GOV.UK – Driving licence fees
- GOV.UK – Change your name on your vehicle logbook (V5C)
Related articles
- Provisional licence D1 form guide
- UK driving licence form explained
- UK car registration document guide
- Lost driving licence form help
If you've changed your name and also need to sort out a missing or replacement V5C, CarForms.co.uk makes the logbook side much easier. You complete a simple online form, and the service handles the paperwork, printing, postage and DVLA fee payment for the V62 application, so you don't need to print forms or visit the Post Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my name on my driving licence?+
How much does it cost to change your name on a driving licence?+
How long does a driving licence name change take?+
Do I also need to update my V5C logbook after a name change?+
Can I drive while waiting for my updated driving licence?+
Sources
The information in this article is based on official DVLA guidance and UK government publications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
The information in this article is based on official DVLA guidance and UK government publications.
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