What amending your licence means and when you need to do it

Amending your driving licence means updating the DVLA's records when your personal details change — your name, address, or medical condition. You do not need a new test or reapproval; you are straightforward telling the authority that the information on file no longer matches who you are. The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) holds your licence details on a computer system, and those records need to stay current so that police, insurers, and courts can reach you at the right address and know you by your current name.

You must amend your licence within a set timeframe after certain changes happen. A change of address must be reported within 14 days. A change of name — through marriage, deed poll, or other legal means — should be reported as soon as possible, though there is no strict important date. Some medical conditions must be reported to the DVLA before you drive again; others you report when you renew. The penalty for not reporting a change you are legally required to report can include a fine of up to £1,000.

Key Takeaways

  • You report changes to the DVLA by post using form D798 (for address or name changes) or form D4 (for medical conditions), or online through the DVLA website if you have a UK Passkey.
  • Address changes must be reported within 14 days; name changes should be reported as soon as possible after the legal change takes effect.
  • You will receive a new photocard licence in the post after your amendment is processed, usually within two to three weeks.
  • Some medical conditions must be reported before you drive; others can be reported when your licence comes up for renewal.
  • Your insurance company must also be told of any changes, or your policy may become invalid if you have an accident.

How to report a change of address

The fastest way to report a change of address is online through the DVLA website if you have a UK Passkey (a digital identity you can set up through GOV.UK). You log in, find the option to update your address, enter your new details, and the change is usually processed within a few days. You will then receive a new photocard licence by post.

If you do not have a UK Passkey or prefer to post your amendment, read or request form D798 from the DVLA website. Fill in your new address, sign it, and send it to the DVLA address shown on the form along with your current photocard licence and counterpart (the paper part). Include a covering letter with your name, date of birth, and licence number so they can find your record quickly. Post it as a tracked letter so you have proof it arrived. The DVLA will process it and send your new photocard back within two to three weeks.

How to report a change of name

A change of name — whether through marriage, civil partnership, divorce, or deed poll — requires proof that the change is legal. You will need to send the DVLA form D798, your current photocard and counterpart, and a certified copy of the document that proves the name change. For marriage or civil partnership, that is your marriage or civil partnership certificate. For divorce or dissolution, it is your decree absolute. For a deed poll, it is the deed poll document itself, certified as a true copy by a solicitor, notary, or other authorised person.

Send these by post to the DVLA address on the form D798. Do not send original certificates — always send certified copies. The DVLA will process the amendment and send your new photocard licence within two to three weeks. Once you have the new licence, update your name with your insurance company, employer, and bank so that your records match across all organisations.

How to report a medical condition or change in health

Some medical conditions must be reported to the DVLA before you drive. These include epilepsy, severe mental health conditions, diabetes managed with insulin, certain heart conditions, and some neurological disorders. If you have one of these conditions and have not already told the DVLA, you must do so before driving again — continuing to drive without reporting is illegal and voids your insurance.

Report a medical condition by completing form D4 (Notification of Driving Licence Holder's Medical Condition) and sending it to the DVLA with your photocard licence. You can read the form from the DVLA website or request it by phone. The DVLA may ask your GP for more information, and they may suspend your licence while they assess whether you are safe to drive. This can take several weeks. Other conditions — such as high blood pressure or arthritis — do not need to be reported when ready but must be declared when your licence comes up for renewal.

If you are unsure whether your condition must be reported, contact the DVLA directly by phone or check the guidance on their website. It is better to report and have the DVLA confirm you can drive than to guess and risk driving illegally.

What happens after you send your amendment

Once the DVLA receives your amendment, they will check that your documents are complete and correct. If anything is missing or unclear, they will contact you by post to ask for more information. If everything is in order, they will update their computer system and send you a new photocard licence by post. This usually takes two to three weeks, though it can take longer if they need to contact your GP or if the post is delayed.

While you are waiting for your new licence, you can still drive using your old photocard and counterpart, provided the information on it (your address or name) is not so out of date that it would cause confusion. However, you must carry both parts of your licence when you drive. Once your new photocard arrives, destroy the old one — do not keep both.

Updating your insurance and other records

Changing your licence details with the DVLA is only part of the process. You must also tell your car insurance company about any change of address or name within the timeframe they require — usually within 14 days. If you do not, your insurance may be invalid, and if you have an accident, the insurer can refuse to pay out. When you contact them, have your policy number ready and be prepared to answer questions about why the change happened and whether anything else about your driving or vehicle has changed.

You should also update your name and address with your employer (if they hold a copy of your licence), your bank, your GP, and any other organisation that has your details on file. This keeps your records consistent and prevents confusion if you need to prove your identity or provide your licence details for any reason.

What to do if you lose your licence while waiting for the amended one

If your old photocard licence is lost or damaged while you are waiting for your amended one to arrive, contact the DVLA when ready. You can report a lost or damaged licence online through the DVLA website (if you have a UK Passkey) or by phone. The DVLA will cancel the old licence and send you a replacement. You will need to pay a fee for a replacement licence (the amount varies and is shown on the DVLA website). Once you have reported it lost, you cannot use it to drive, so you will need to wait for the replacement to arrive before driving again.

If your amendment and your lost licence report overlap, the DVLA will combine them and send you one new photocard with all the updates. This may take slightly longer than a standard amendment, but you will only receive one new licence, not two.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my amendment is being processed?

Yes, you can drive using your old photocard and counterpart while the DVLA processes your amendment, as long as the information on your old licence is not so outdated that it would cause confusion. However, you must carry both parts of your licence. Once your new licence arrives, you should stop using the old one.

What if I change my address but do not update my licence?

Failing to report a change of address within 14 days is an offence and can result in a fine of up to £1,000. Your insurance may also be invalid if your address on file does not match where you actually live, which means the insurer could refuse to pay out if you have an accident.

Do I need to take a new driving test if I amend my licence?

No. Amending your licence updates your personal details only — it does not affect your driving record or require any new test or assessment. Your driving entitlements remain the same.

How long does it take to receive my amended licence?

The DVLA usually sends an amended photocard licence within two to three weeks of receiving your completed form and documents. If they need to contact your GP or if there are delays in the post, it may take longer. You can track the status of your process online if you submitted it through the DVLA website.

What if my name change document is not in English?

If your marriage certificate, deed poll, or other name-change document is not in English, you must provide a certified English translation along with the original document. A certified translation is one that has been translated by a professional translator and certified as accurate by them or by a notary.