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Getting a new driving licence

What is a new driving licence?

Updating the name, photo, or gender on your full or provisional driving licence.

What does a new driving licence do?

How long does a new driving licence last?

The change of name or gender is permanent. It remains in effect unless you apply to update your name or gender on your driving licence again

How do I get a new driving licence?

You do not need a GRC to change the name or gender on your passport, driving license, or any other identification other than your birth certificate. You can update the name or gender on your driving license regardless of if it is a full or provisional license.

The procedure for updating a driving licence varies between UK nations:

  • In England, Wales, and Scotland, you can update the name, title, and photo on your driving licence with a D1 form. You can’t update your licence online. You can get D1 forms at a post office or have DVLA send one to you.

  • In Northern Ireland, you can update name, title, and photo on your driving licence with a DL1 form. You can’t update your licence online. You can get DL1 forms at a post office or an MOT test centre.

To update your name on your licence you will need to send your deed poll or statutory declaration. Photocopies are not accepted, so you must either send the original document or a certified copy.

UK driving licences do not have a gender marker but gender is encoded in your driver number 1. You may want to write a covering letter asking for the gender of your licence to be changed.

You do not need a doctor’s letter to change the gender of your driving licence.

What else might I want?

If you own a vehicle, you will also want to update its vehicle registration certificate to list your new name. You can find information on how to do this on the GOV.UK website.

How much will it cost?

The cost of updating your driving licence can vary depending on what you are changing - there are full details of costs on this DVLA page.

Where can I learn more?

You can learn more about applying for and updating driving licences on the DVLA website.

References

  1. 1.
    White, Robin Moira and Newbegin, Nicola (2021) A Practical Guide to Transgender Law, Law Brief Publishing. Link

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