Provisional License D1 Form: Your 2026 Guide

You can apply for your first provisional driving licence by completing a D1 form, available from most Post Offices.

A postal application currently costs £43. If you are eligible to apply online instead, it costs £34, and DVLA says your licence should usually arrive within one week, although it can take longer if additional checks are needed.

Table of Contents

• What Is a D1 Form?
• Can I Apply for a Provisional Licence Online?
• What Do You Need to Apply for a Provisional Licence
• How to Fill in the D1 Form Correctly
• Photo and Signature Requirements
• Submitting Your Application Fee and Form
• FAQ
• A Final Note

What Is a D1 Form?

The D1 form is used for car and motorcycle driving licence applications, including applying for your first provisional licence by post.

You can get a D1 application pack from most Post Offices. Unlike many DVLA forms, you cannot download and print a D1 form from GOV.UK.

If you are eligible to apply online, it is worth comparing the two options before using the paper form.

Application method	Cost	What you need to know	Best for
Online	£34	Usually the quickest option	Straightforward applications
D1 form by post	£43	Form available from most Post Offices	Applicants who prefer paper or need extra document handling

 

Can I Apply for a Provisional Licence Online?

Yes. You can apply for your first provisional driving licence online instead of using a D1 form.

To apply, you must:

• be at least 15 years and 9 months old.
• be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away.
• have permission to live in Great Britain for at least 185 days.

You do not need a UK passport to apply online. When you sign in, you will be told if you need to provide additional proof of your identity and what you need to do.

Apply by post using the D1 form if you cannot or prefer not to use the online service.

 

What Do You Need to Apply for a Provisional Licence?

The exact documents you need depend on how you prove your identity. 

Before completing the D1, make sure you have the information and documents required for your application. This may include:

• your personal and address details.
• your UK passport number, if you are using your UK passport to prove your identity.
• a share code from your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, if you are eligible to use one to prove your identity.
• an accepted original identity document if you cannot use a UK passport or share code.
• a passport photograph.
• the application fee.

Non-passport applications usually need a little more care, as you may need to provide a combination of original identity documents and additional evidence.

If you have a valid UK passport, you can write the nine-digit passport number on the application form. You do not need to send the physical passport. If you do not have a passport number or share code, you may need to send an original identity document with your application. DVLA does not accept photocopies, laminated certificates or certified copies in place of the original documents it requires. 

Before you start filling in the form, make sure you have the right ID and supporting documents ready. Missing or incorrect documents can delay your application. 

How to Fill in the D1 Form Correctly

Follow the instructions supplied with the D1 form and make sure the information you provide matches your supporting documents.

The D1 form is used for several types of driving licence application, so not every box will apply when you're applying for your first provisional licence. Read the notes supplied with the form and complete the sections relevant to a first application.

Work through the form carefully:

• Select what you're applying for. Make sure you choose the option for a first provisional driving licence rather than another D1 service, such as renewing or replacing a licence.
• Enter your personal details. Give your full name, date of birth and current address exactly as required. If your name differs from the identity documents you're providing, check whether you need evidence of the change.
• Complete the identity section. If you're using a valid UK passport, enter the requested passport details. If you're proving your identity another way, follow the instructions for the documents you need to provide.
• Add your photograph where required. Make sure it meets DVLA's photo requirements and check whether you need someone else to verify your identity and sign the form and photo.
• Answer the health questions carefully. You must tell DVLA about certain medical conditions that could affect your ability to drive. If you're unsure whether a condition needs to be reported, check GOV.UK's medical conditions guidance rather than leaving the question unanswered.
• Complete the declaration. Check the information you've entered before signing and dating the application. An unsigned form can prevent DVLA from processing it.
• Check what needs to go in the envelope. Include any identity documents and other supporting evidence required for your particular application, along with the correct payment.

Be especially careful with the photo and the final declaration. Make sure you sign the declaration where required and check that your photo meets DVLA requirements before posting your application.

Important: Medical disclosure is not an area for guesswork. If a condition needs to be declared, leaving it out can create bigger problems than a delayed application.

Photo and Signature Requirements

Your photo should be a recent, colour, passport-style photograph that clearly shows what you look like. Follow the photo instructions supplied with the D1 form carefully, as an unsuitable photograph may mean DVLA needs further information before it can process your application.

If you need someone to verify your identity, they may also need to sign your form and photograph. This isn't necessary if you prove your identity using a UK passport or share code.

If another person does need to verify your identity, DVLA says they must:

• hold a valid GB photocard driving licence.
• live in the UK.
• know you personally.
• not be related to you.
• not live at the same address.

Check the current GOV.UK driving licence identity and photo requirements for the circumstances that apply to your application.

 

Submitting Your Application Fee and Form

Once you've completed the D1 form, follow the instructions in the application pack for payment and posting. For postal applications, payment should be made by cheque or postal order payable to DVLA.

Send the completed form with any required identity documents and supporting evidence to the address shown on the D1 form. The address can vary depending on the type of application, so use the one provided with your application rather than an address found elsewhere.

Before posting, make one final check that you've included everything the D1 instructions require. If you're sending original identity documents, it's particularly important to check the envelope carefully before sealing it.

What to check before posting	Why it matters
All sections completed	Missing information will delay your application
Correct fee included by cheque or postal order	Wrong payment can stop processing
All required documents enclosed	Missing ID or photo creates delays
Declaration signed	Unsigned forms are a known rejection point
Photo meets requirements	Non-compliant photos are commonly rejected
Correct postal address	Address can vary depending on the type of application

FAQ

Can I download a D1 form online?

No. GOV.UK says D1 application packs are only available from Post Offices that offer DVLA services. You can apply for your first provisional licence online instead if you are eligible.

How much does a D1 provisional licence application cost?

A first provisional licence costs £43 when you apply by post using form D1. Applying online costs £34.

Is it quicker to apply for a provisional licence online?

DVLA says an online provisional licence should usually arrive within one week, although it can take longer if additional checks are required.

Do I need to send my passport with a D1 form?

Not if you have a valid UK passport and use its nine-digit passport number to prove your identity. Other applicants may be able to use a share code. If neither option is available, you may need to send an accepted original identity document.

Does someone need to sign my D1 form and photo?

Not always. You do not need someone else to sign your form and photo if you prove your identity using a valid UK passport or a share code. Different requirements apply if you need someone else to verify your identity.

Where do I send my D1 form?

Send it to the address given on the D1 form. GOV.UK specifically tells first provisional applicants using the postal route to use the address shown on the form.

 

A Final Note

CarForms.co.uk is an independent third-party service and is not part of DVLA or the UK Government.

CarForms currently specialises in V62 applications for V5C logbooks rather than provisional driving licence applications. If you need a provisional licence, you can apply directly through GOV.UK or use a D1 form from a Post Office.

 

Sources

• GOV.UK: Apply for your first provisional driving licence
• GOV.UK: Identity documents needed for a driving licence application
• GOV.UK: Driving licence fees
• GOV.UK: Track your driving licence application

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