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Changing your name or address on your licence

Instructions on the paper licence on how to change your name and, or address on your driving licence no longer apply. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) no longer issue paper driving licences. If your personal details have changed you will need to replace it for a photocard driving licence. Current holders of photocard driving licences must also notify DVLA if their personal details have changed.

Paper driving licence holders

If you need to notify DVLA of a change of name or address (or both), you must complete a D1 application form that is available from DVLA's form ordering service and Post Office® branches. You will need to enclose original documentation confirming your identity and a passport style colour photograph. Send your completed application to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN or you may be able to use the Post Office® checking service. There is no fee required for your new licence.

Photocard driving licence holders

If you need to notify DVLA of a change of address only, you must complete the appropriate section on your D740 paper counterpart stating the new postal address, sign and date it and send both your photocard and D740 paper counterpart to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN.

If you need to notify DVLA of a change of address and or name you will need to complete a D1 application form that is available from DVLA's form ordering service and Post Office® branches. You must also send original identity documents showing proof of your change of name and your photocard and D740 paper counterpart to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN. There is no fee required for your new licence.

How long will my licence take to be returned?

DVLA aim to deliver your driving licence to you within three weeks of receiving your application. It might take longer if DVLA have to check on your health or personal details. Please allow at least three weeks for your licence to arrive before contacting DVLA.

Can I drive while my licence is with DVLA?

When your valid application has been received at DVLA, the law allows you to drive before you receive your licence back as long as:

  • you have held a GB or Northern Ireland licence issued since 1 January 1976 or another exchangeable licence
  • you are not disqualified from driving (there are different rules for medium or large vehicles, minibus or bus drivers - the traffic commissioner for your area will decide whether to grant your entitlement to drive these vehicles)
  • you have not been, and would not be, refused a licence for medical reasons
  • you keep to any special conditions which apply to the licence

Plastic wallets

Please note that DVLA no longer issues plastic wallets with photocard driving licences. This decision was taken primarily to help minimise the costs of issuing licences to the public. The agency has also received numerous complaints from members of the public about the size of the plastic wallet. Consequently many drivers discard the wallet and use a different way of protecting their licence. Old plastic wallets sent in to the agency cannot be returned.