How To Change Your Name On Your Driving Licence

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Whenever you move, you are required to update the address on your full or provisional UK driving license with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Generally, it's free to update your address, unless you want to also submit a new photograph. You can change your address by post or online. Be aware that if you fail to notify the DVLA when your address changes, you could face fines of up to £1,000. If you move to a temporary address, such as for school, you don't have to change your address on your driving license provided the DVLA can still contact you at your permanent address.^[1]

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Confirm that you are eligible to change your address online. You can change your address online if you're a resident of Great Britain and not banned from driving. If you need to change your name as well as your address, you'll have to apply through the post.^[2]
- You'll also have to provide all addresses where you've lived for the past 3 years. Make sure you have this information ready when you go to apply.
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Complete the online application and submit it. Once you've confirmed your identity, you'll be taken to the page where you can update your address with DVLA. Double check the information you've entered and make sure it's correct before hitting the button to submit.^[4]
- You'll receive an email confirming that your application has been received. Keep the confirmation for your records until you get your updated driving license in the mail.
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Submit your photo if you want to update the photo on your driving license. If your driving license is valid for at least another 2 years, you can update your photo at the same time that you update your address if you want. You'll have to pay a fee of £14 to update your photo.^[5]
- You can pay your fee with a major credit or debit card. When you submit your online application, you'll receive instructions on how to submit your photograph.
Check your driving license expiration date! If your driving license will expire in less than 2 years, you have to renew it to update your photo. You can't simply submit a new photo when changing your address.
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Receive your new driving license in the post. When you apply online you should get your updated license within a week, unless you also wanted to update your photo. You can continue to drive on your old license while you're waiting for your new one.^[6]
- If you haven't gotten your new driving license within 3 weeks of the date of your application, contact the DVLA at 0300 790 6801. The phone line is open on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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Complete the "changes" section of letter D741. When you got your license, you received a copy of letter D741. You can use this letter to update your address by post. If you lost your letter D741, you can order the form online.^[7]
- Go to https://www.gov.uk/dvlaforms to order the form you need. If you have a car or a motorcycle, choose the D1 pack. If you drive a lorry or bus, choose the D2 pack. Click the "Start now" button, then enter your name and address. The correct form will be sent to you.
Tip: If you are making additional changes, or want to update your photo, you must submit a completed D1 form.
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Send your forms to the DVLA. Once you've filled out the form, mail it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN. You might want to make a copy of everything you send for your records. Keep your copies until you get your new driving license.^[8]
- If you are also changing your name, you will need to submit an original copy of the document that caused the name change, such as a marriage or civil partnership certificate or a divorce decree.^[9]
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Include a photo and payment of the fee to update your photo. As long as your driving license has at least 2 years of validity remaining, you can also update your photo if you want. Although updating your address is free, you'll have to pay a fee of £17 if you want to update your photo. You can send a personal cheque or postal order.^[10]
- You can also opt to use the photo on your passport if you've updated your passport since you last updated your driving license photo. You'll still have to pay the fee.
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Wait for your new driving license to arrive in the post. Typically you'll receive your updated driving license within 3 weeks of the date you sent your application to the DVLA. If you haven't received it after 3 weeks, contact the DVLA to find out the status of your application.^[11]
- If you need to contact the DVLA, call 0300 790 6801. The phone line is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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Write your new address in the appropriate section of your log book. If you have a new style log book with multi-colored numbered blocks on the front cover, fill in section 3 with your new address. For older style log books, fill in section 6.^[12]
- If you have the older style log book, make sure you don't tick the "new keeper" box or fill in your name. Just enter the new address.
- If your vehicle taxes are due within the next 4 weeks, pay your vehicle taxes online before sending your log book into DVLA. You can also pay your vehicle tax and send your log book at the same time at the post office.
Tip: If you need to change your name as well as your address, you might need to submit proof of your name change. If your name changed because of a marriage, civil union, or divorce, you don't need to submit additional documentation.
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Apply for a replacement log book if you've lost your log book. To apply for a new log book, go to https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-a-vehicle-registration-certificate and download the V62 Form. Fill it out and submit it to the DVLA to get a replacement log book.^[13]
- If you need a new log book, you must pay a fee of £25 pounds. You can send a personal cheque or postal money order. Make it payable to "DVLA, Swansea."
- Send your application to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DD.
Tip: It may take up to 6 weeks to receive a new log book from DVLA if you lose your original one.
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Call DVLA to update your address if you pay tax by Direct Debit. If you pay your vehicle taxes through Direct Debit, you also have to update your address there. Updating your address on your driving license doesn't update your address on Direct Debit.^[14]
- You can call DVLA for tax enquiries at 0300 790 6802. This number is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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