Change of Name
If you notify a change of name this licence is issued free of charge unless the licence has been lost, stolen or destroyed, then you must apply for a duplicate with the appropriate fee. Details of Fees.
LICENCES ISSUED PRIOR TO 1ST APRIL 1999
From 1st April 1999, DVA have been issuing new photo card driving licences.
Therefore the instructions on your licence on how to change your address no longer apply.
If you hold a licence issued prior to 1st April 1999 and you need to notify a change of name you must now complete a DL1 application form (available from DVA by calling 0845 402 4000 to notify the change. There are two ways of sending your application:
You can either send your completed DL1, with original identity documents and passport sized colour photograph to Driver Licensing Division, DVA, County Hall, Castlerock Road, Coleraine, BT51 3TB.
(full list of acceptable identity documents and photograph criteria)
or, alternatively if you have a current UK or ROI passport you can take it with your DL1 application form, and current driving licence to be checked at a selected Local Vehicle Licensing Office. How to find your nearest participating Local Office or contact DVA by calling 0845 402 4000.
Please note Local Offices can only identity check UK or ROI passports.
The benefit to you is that the Local Office staff will hand your passport back as soon as they have checked your application. Your application will then be sent to Driver Licensing HQ for processing. A new photo card licence will then be issued free of charge. If the licence has been lost, stolen or destroyed, you must apply for a duplicate with the appropriate fee for a duplicate licence.
Licences issued after 1st April 1999
Please complete a DL1 application form and send both your photo card and paper counterpart to (see reverse of paper counterpart):
DVA,
County Hall,
Castlerock Road,
Coleraine,
BT51 3TB
You must provide documented evidence to show a clear link between the name on your identity document and your current name.
