# Change name on driving licence UK — free DVLA D1 update

> Family & care · Last updated 22 August 2026

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## Quick answer

To change name on driving licence in Great Britain, post form D1 (car or motorcycle) or D2 (lorry or bus) with your current licence and original wet-ink [change of name deed](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-of-name-deed/) — or a marriage certificate if you only took a spouse’s surname printed on it. There is no DVLA fee. You can still drive while you wait. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA about a name or address change. Official: https://www.gov.uk/change-name-driving-licence

## Who should skip this

Skip a deed poll if a marriage or civil-partnership certificate already shows the exact new surname. Northern Ireland uses the DVA, not DVLA. Instant Deed Poll is a document service — not HM Government and not a law firm.

A driving-licence name change is free and is usually the fastest name-in-use document for a later [passport](/family-life/change-name-on-passport-uk/). Do it before you post the passport pack. Partner walkthrough: [change name on driving licence](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-name-driving-licence/).

## Key facts

- No fee to change name or gender on a GB driving licence (GOV.UK, checked August 2026)
- Car and motorcycle: form D1 to DVLA Swansea SA99 1BN with the old licence and original evidence — not photocopies
- Lorry or bus: form D2 to SA99 1BR
- You can keep driving while DVLA processes a valid licence
- Fine of up to £1,000 for not telling DVLA about a name or address change; also update the V5C log book

## What do I send to DVLA?

Get D1 or D2 from a Post Office. Enclose your photocard or paper licence and original documents that prove the new name: a wet-ink signed [deed poll](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/what-is-a-deed-poll/) or, for a straight spouse surname, the marriage or civil-partnership certificate. Do not send laminated certificates or photocopies of a signed deed.

Print and sign three or four [adult deed poll](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/adult-deed-poll/) originals (typically £14.99 once from Instant Deed Poll, or the [free template](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/free-deed-poll-template/)) so you can post one and keep spares. Paper licences need a passport-style photo. Changing the photo at the same time costs £17 unless you are 70+ or on a short medical licence. A lost licence adds £20.

*Name change: driving licence vs passport (fees checked August 2026)*

|  | Driving licence | Passport |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fee | Free (name only) | £102 adult online / £66.50 child online |
| Form | D1 or D2 posted | New passport application |
| Evidence | Original deed or marriage certificate | Original deed plus name-in-use |
| Fine if you ignore it | Up to £1,000 | Old book stays valid until you renew |

## Why update the licence before the passport?

HMPO wants name-in-use evidence. A licence issued after the deed counts even if it is older than 12 months. Sequence: sign the deed, post D1, then [change name on passport](/family-life/change-name-on-passport-uk/). Partner passport guide: [change name on passport](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-name-passport/).

Then bank, HMRC, employer and NHS. Order: [who to notify after a name change](/family-life/who-to-notify-after-name-change-uk/). Partner checklist: [who to notify](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/who-to-notify/). Update every V5C if you keep a vehicle. Northern Ireland: nidirect DVA process, not Swansea.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does DVLA accept a home-printed deed poll?

Yes if you then sign it in wet ink in both names with witnesses. A photocopy of an already-signed deed is not an original. [Change of name deed](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-of-name-deed/).

### Do I need to enrol the deed?

No. DVLA accepts a correctly executed unenrolled deed. Enrolment is optional and public.

### Is Instant Deed Poll the DVLA?

No. It is an independent document service, not HM Government and not a law firm.

## Primary source

https://www.gov.uk/change-name-driving-licence

## Related

- [How to change name on a driving licence](https://moneyguide.org.uk/how-to/change-name-on-driving-licence-uk/)
- [Deed poll name change](https://moneyguide.org.uk/family-life/deed-poll-name-change-uk/)
- [Change name on passport](https://moneyguide.org.uk/family-life/change-name-on-passport-uk/)
- [Who to notify after a name change](https://moneyguide.org.uk/family-life/who-to-notify-after-name-change-uk/)
- [Change name on driving licence — Instant Deed Poll](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/change-name-driving-licence/)
- [Who to notify — Instant Deed Poll](https://instantdeedpoll.co.uk/who-to-notify/)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.