Updating your driving licence

In Northern Ireland, driving licences are issued by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA), not the DVLA.

You must keep the details on your driving licence up to date. If you change your name, you need to tell the DVA. There is no fee.

How to update your licence

You need to apply by post. You cannot update your name online.

Send the DVA:

• your current driving licence
• your original deed poll
• a completed DL1 application form

You can get a DL1 form from Post Office branches and MOT test centres in Northern Ireland.

Send your application to the DVA in Coleraine. Use tracked post, as you are sending original documents.

After you apply

The DVA will send you a new licence in your new name, and return your deed poll.

You can keep driving while your application is being processed.

Provisional licences

You update a provisional licence in the same way. Send your provisional licence, your deed poll and a completed DL1 form to the DVA.

Vehicle registration

If you own a vehicle, you also need to update the name on your vehicle log book (V5C). This is handled separately by the DVLA in Swansea. There is no fee.

Using your new licence

Your new licence is photo identification in your new name. You can show it alongside your deed poll when you update other records.

It can also be used as evidence that you are using your new name when you update your passport. Find out more about updating your passport.

Apply for a deed poll

It costs £25 to apply for a deed poll with the NI Deed Poll Office. You can pay by debit or credit card.