Drivers could face a £1,000 fine if they fail to update their licence details after getting married
(Picture: Divine Day Photography)Drivers could face a £1,000 fine if they fail to update their licence details when they change their names after getting married, divorced or widowed.
You must inform DVLA about the change and make sure your V5C log book is updated. The V5C is a vehicle registration document issued by the DVLA to the registered keeper of a vehicle.
To amend your driving licence, send over a D1 form Application for a Driving Licence if you have a car or motorbike, along with your old driving licence.
For your V5C log book, update the information if it is wrong and send it to DVLA. Current waiting times are up to six weeks; however, DVLA guidance suggests you can still drive while you wait for your new licence.
The procedure is the same if you want to change your title, for example from Ms to Dr. However, you do not need to send evidence unless it’s a hereditary title.
There is no need to include proof of your name change if you’re changing it because you got married, divorced, or because it was spelt incorrectly in the logbook. But those who have legally changed their name will have to include proof when sending it off.
The DVLA said: “You must update your vehicle log book (V5C) if you change your name. It’s usually free to update it. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA when your name changes. You can also update information if it is wrong by mistake, for example if your name is spelt incorrectly.”
You must also declare common health conditions, which may affect your driving to the the agency such as epilepsy, blackouts, fainting, loss of consciousness, diabetes, neurological conditions or changes to eyesight.
