Changing your name? Learn exactly how to complete your DVLA driving licence name change deed poll process quickly, legally, and without any stress.
Procedure for altering your name on your DVLA driving licence name change deed poll
Changing your name is a super exciting milestone. Whether you've recently married, divorced, transitioned or just decided your birth name isn't who you are any longer, it's a new beginning. But let's be honest, after the party, the administration’s paperwork begins.
One of the most important updates you will need to do is your driver’s licence. For most of us in the UK your licence is not just proof that you can parallel park, it is your main form of photographic identification. Trying to buy a house, open a bank account or even collect a parcel with an ID that does not match your current legal name can be a major headache.
If government forms make you feel like you’re drowning, take a breath. At Deed Poll Services we are here to help you through the DVLA driving licence name change deed poll process. We’ll tell you exactly what you need to do, what forms to complete and how to avoid the common pitfalls that cause delays to applications.
The Importance of Keeping Your Driving Licence Updated
You might be thinking: “Can I just wait until my licence naturally expires and then update it?” The quick answer? Not at all. You must tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) your personal details. It is not optional, it is a legal obligation.
The Legal Requirement (Don’t want to get that £1,000 fine!)
You are committing an offence if you fail to notify the DVLA of a change of name or address. DVLA needs your details to be kept up to date at all times. If you are stopped by police or involved in a traffic incident and your licence does not show your current legal name you could be fined up to £1,000.
No reason whatsoever to risk a hefty fine just to avoid filling out a form! It’s free to submit a simple DVLA driving licence name change deed poll application,
How to change your name on your driving licence with the DVLA Step by Step: The DVLA driving licence name change deed poll Process
The good news is, once you know precisely what is needed, updating your driving licence is fairly straightforward. Pour yourself a cup of tea and let’s take a step by step DVLA driving licence name change deed poll journey.
Step 1: Get Your Deed Poll Certified
You need the legal documentation proving your name has changed before you even think about contacting the DVLA. If you are changing your name because of marriage or civil partnership, generally your marriage certificate will be sufficient. But for pretty much any other circumstance, you will need a valid deed poll.
Deed Polls for the DVLA – Enrolled and Unenrolled
One of the most common questions is whether the DVLA needs a ‘enrolled’ deed poll (one registered with the Royal Courts of Justice) or whether a ‘unenrolled’ deed poll will do.
The great news is the DVLA fully accept unenrolled deed polls so long as they are drafted correctly and executed (signed and witnessed) correctly. When you receive your deed poll from Deed Poll Services you can be confident that your document is legally valid and fully guaranteed to be accepted for your DVLA driving licence name change deed poll application.
Step 2: Obtain the Correct DVLA Forms
Changing your address can often be done online but changing your name on a DVLA driving licence deed poll update needs a paper application. You’ll need to send physical proof of your new name to the DVLA so they can verify it.
You will have to obtain the correct forms from the Post Office or order them online from the DVLA website to be sent to your home.
Form D1, Form D2
Form D1: The standard form for licences for cars and motorbikes. This one most people will need.
Form D2: If you have a lorry or bus driving licence you’ll need this form.
Complete the sections relating to a change of personal details, reading the notes attached and taking the appropriate form.
Step 3: Collect Your Documents
You will need to have the right documents to make your DVLA driving licence name change deed poll application successful. The most common reason applications are rejected and sent back is because they are missing one of these.
You will need:
The D1 or D2 form you completed.
Your current driving licence (photocard and paper counterpart if you have an old-style paper licence).
Your deed poll (original copy)
Original Documents Do I Need to Send
Yes! The DVLA will not accept copies of your deed poll. You need to send the original paper. This is why we always recommend you get extra original copies of your deed poll from Deed Poll Services. This means you can send one to the DVLA, one to your bank and one to the passport office all at the same time, speeding up your whole name change process. The DVLA will send your original deed poll back to you when your application is processed.
Step 4: Send it away!
Once your envelope is stuffed with your form, your old licence and your deed poll, time to send it off to the DVLA in Swansea.
Because you are sending a very important legal document (your original deed poll) we strongly recommend that you take your application to the Post Office and send it by Royal Mail Special Delivery or Signed For. This gives you a tracking number so you can check your DVLA driving licence name change deed poll documents arrive safely.
Remember your V5C (Vehicle Register)
Many people successfully complete their DVLA driving licence name change deed poll application but totally forget about their vehicle!
If you have a car, you'll also need to update your V5C vehicle registration certificate (the log book). Good news, it doesn't need a D1 form. Just fill in your new name in the ‘new details’ part of your V5C, sign it and send it, with a covering letter and your original deed poll, to the DVLA.
Important: Do not send your V5C with your driving licence application in the same envelope. These are handled by separate departments at the DVLA and posting them together will probably cause considerable delays to both.
DVLA driving licence name change deed poll questions and answers
Still have some questions left? Below are some of the most frequent questions we are asked about the DVLA at Deed Poll Services.
How Much Will It Cost?
Changing your name on your driving licence is free! DVLA driving licence name change deed poll update administration fee DVLA does not charge an administration fee.
But there is a catch. If you want to update your photograph at the same time (maybe your appearance has changed along with your name, or your existing photo is near expiry), you will have to pay the standard photo renewal fee (currently £17) and include a new passport-style photograph with your application.
How long will it last?
Generally, the DVLA is able to process paper applications within 3 to 4 weeks. However it can take longer during busy periods.
A common question is: Can I still drive if my licence is with the DVLA?
You can generally continue to drive while the DVLA is processing your DVLA driving licence name change deed poll application, under Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act, provided you meet certain criteria (for example, you previously held a valid licence, you are not disqualified from driving and you meet the medical standards for fitness to drive).
What if I want to use a nickname only?
Your driving licence must show your real, legal name, according to DVLA. Your driving licence cannot have a nickname or an unverified 'known as' name. You need the DVLA driving licence name change deed poll route because if you want a new name on your licence then you are going to have to legally change it.
Updating your ID is a vital step in embracing your new identity, but tackling administrative tasks is rarely anyone's idea of a fun weekend. Select the correct D1 form and be sure to send your original documents securely and your DVLA driving licence change of name deed poll process will be smooth and trouble free with a legally drafted document from Deed Poll Services.
Ready to make your new name official on the road? Order a few extra original copies for your peace of mind, get that driving licence updated and apply for your legally recognised deed poll today at Deed Poll Services.
