Change of name and address on your driving licence
Your must tell the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) immediately of any changes to your name, address or both. You can update your driving licence by sending it to DVA for amendment. A new licence will be issued free of charge.
Please note that making changes to your Driving Licence does not automatically effect change to your Vehicle Record/s. Please use the link below to find out how to change your name and address details on your Vehicle Records.
Vehicle Record Change of Name and/or Address
You can only notify a change of address in Northern Ireland. An address outside Northern Ireland cannot be entered on your licence.
Keeping your details correct
Informing DVA of your changed details will ensure your record's up to date and all future driving licence reminders are sent to your correct address.
Remember, if you permanently move to another country, you can't register your new address on your Northern Ireland driving licence. You'll need to contact the driving licence authority in your country of residence.
When changing your address you'll need to:
- complete the 'changes' section on your paper counterpart, sign it and date it
- send both parts of your driving licence i.e. photocard and counterpart document to DVA, Driver Licensing, County hall, Coleraine, BT51 3TB
When changing your name with or without a change of address you'll need to :
- complete a DL1'application for a driving licence' available from main Post Office® branches, Local Vehicle Licensing Offices or MOT Centres
- provide original identity documents confirming your new name
- enclose your photocard driving licence and paper counterpart (there's no need to supply a new photograph)
- send all your documents to DVA, Driver Licensing, County Hall, Coleraine, BT51 3TB
Lost or stolen licence
If you've have lost your licence, or you don't have one or both parts of your photocard driving licence you'll need to apply for a replacement and notify any change at the same time.
When to expect your driving licence
DVA aims to deliver your new driving licence to you within three weeks of receiving your application. It'll take longer if they have to check you health or personal details. Allow a least three weeks for your driving licence to arrive before contacting DVA.
Driving before your licence is returned
You can drive before you receive your licence as long as you:
- have held a Northern Ireland or Great Britain licence issued since 1 Jaunary 1976 or another exchangeable licence
- have made a qualifying application for a licence
- aren't disqualified from driving
- haven't been refused a licence for medical reasons or for faililng to comply with medical enquiries
- wouldn't be refused a licence for medical reasons (if in doubt, check with your doctor)
- keep to any special conditions which apply to the licence
