Changing Official Documents

1. What You’ll Need to Change Your Name on Your Driving Licence

• Your Current Driving Licence: Whether you have a photo card or a paper licence, you’ll need to submit it.
• Proof of Name Change: This can be a: Deed Poll(if you legally changed your name through a deed poll) OR Statutory Declaration or other official documentation that proves your name change.
• D1 Form (Application for a Driving Licence): You’ll need to complete this form to request a new licence. You can get the D1 form online by downloading it from the UK Government website OR physically at any Post Office.

2. How to Change Your Name on Your Driving Licence

• Complete the D1 Application Formto apply for a replacement driving licence. In the form, you'll be asked for your new name, address, and other personal details.
• Ensure that your new name is clearly written, and all fields are correctly filled.
• There is no gender on a UK driving licence however you can change your title - make sure to do this in the name section.

• Along with the completed D1 form, you’ll need to send proof of your name change.
• Accepted documents include:
  • Deed Poll: If you’ve changed your name by deed poll, include the original or a certified copy. An unenrolled deed poll is sufficient; you do not need an enrolled deed poll.
  • Statutory Declaration or Affidavit: If you didn’t use a deed poll, you can submit one of these legal documents.

Step 3: Send Your Current Driving Licence

• If you have a photo card driving licence, send both the licence and the completed D1 form along with your deed-poll or Statutory Declaration.
• If you still hold a paper-only driving licence(issued before 1998), you must send that.
• Make sure your licence is sent along with your other documents, as the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) will not issue a new one without receiving the old one.

Step 4: Submit Photographs (if needed)

• If your appearance has changed significantly, or your licence is very old, you may be asked to submit new passport-sized photographs. In this case:
  • The photo should be 45mm x 35mm.
  • It must be taken in the last monthand clearly show your face without glasses or headwear (unless for religious or medical reasons).
  • This can be done at the same time as changing your name on the same D1 form.

3. How to Submit Your Application

You must apply by post as the DVLA does not currently offer online name changes. Here’s how:

• Place the D1 form, your current driving licence, your proof of name change, and any additional photographs (if required) in an envelope.
• Send your documents to:DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN
• Use signed-for delivery or another traceable service to ensure your documents reach the DVLA safely.

4. Fees

• If you are only changing your name, there is no feefor updating your driving licence. The DVLA will issue your new licence free of charge.
• If you are updating your photograph at the same time, a fee of £14will apply. Payments can be made via cheque or postal order, made out to "DVLA."

5. Processing Time

• The typical processing time for updating your name on your driving licence is around 3-4 weeks.
• If additional information is required, or there are delays due to the DVLA’s workload, it may take longer. However, you should receive a confirmation once your documents are processed.

6. Receiving Your Updated Licence

• Once your application is processed, the DVLA will send your new driving licence reflecting your updated name.
• If you submitted your photo card licence, they would return your old licence cut in half for security purposes, but it will still come back to you with your new one.

7. What Happens If You Don’t Update Your Driving Licence?

It is a legal requirement in the UK to keep your driving licence up to date, including your name and address. If you fail to update your driving licence after a name change, you could face the following consequences:

• A Fine: You could be fined up to £1,000for failing to update your driving licence details.
• Issues with Identity Verification: You may encounter problems using your driving licence as proof of identity when dealing with banks, government agencies, or other institutions.

8. Additional Information:

    

• Changing Other Documents: Once your driving licence is updated, you may wish to use it as proof to change your name on other documents such as your passport, bank accounts, or utility bills.
• Address Change: If you’re changing your name and have recently moved, you can update both your name and address on your driving licence in the same application. Simply include your new address details on the D1 form.
• Paper-Only Licence Holders: If you still hold a paper-only driving licence, you will receive a new photo card licence once your application is processed.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

1. What You’ll Need to Change Your Name and Gender on Your Passport

To change your name and/or gender on your UK passport, you'll need several documents. Here’s a list of the required items:

Documents Required:

• Your Current Passport: This will need to be submitted as part of the application process. If it is still valid, it will be returned to you after processing.
• Proof of Name Change: You need an official document that proves your name change. This could be: Deed Poll(unenrolled or enrolled) OR a Statutory Declaration.
• Proof of Gender Change: To change your gender on your passport, you will need either: A Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC)(if applicable); or A Doctor’s Letter confirming that your gender transition is intended to be permanent, or that you are in the process of transitioning. This must be from a registered medical professional on official letterhead.
• Application Form (Passport Application): You’ll need to complete a passport application form.
• Photographs: You’ll need to provide recent passport-sized photographs that reflect your current appearance, particularly if you are transitioning.

2. How to Change Your Name and Gender on Your Passport

Step 1: Fill Out the Passport Application Form

1. Online Application:

• Visit the UK Passport Office website to fill in the online application.
• Provide your new name and select your updated gender marker (M for Male or F for Female).
• Pay the relevant fee for passport renewal or replacement online.
• Non-binary identities are not currently accepted on UK passports currently.

   

2. Paper Application:

• You can fill out a paper form, which you can pick up from your nearest Post Office. In the form, provide your new name and updated gender marker.
• Include any additional documents and send the form by post to the Passport Office.

Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents

1. Proof of Name Change: Include your deed poll or other official documents like a statutory declaration to prove your name change.
2. Proof of Gender Change: If you don’t have a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC), provide a doctor’s letter. This letter must be from a registered medical practitioner or consultant and confirm that your gender change is intended to be permanent or that you are undergoing gender reassignment.
3. Old Passport: Include your current passport with your application. It will be returned to you after processing, but it may be cancelled if it is replaced.
4. Photographs: Provide recent passport photographs (typically 2), which reflect your current appearance. Ensure they meet the passport photo guidelines (clear, in colour, no filters, plain background, no glasses or head coverings unless for medical or religious reasons).

Step 3: Submit Your Application

1. Online Submission:

• If applying online, once the form is completed and the fee paid, you will be instructed to send in your supporting documents, including your old passport and proof of name and gender change.
• You’ll need to send them to the HM Passport Office by post, even if you applied online.

2. Postal Submission:

• If you’ve completed the paper form, send it along with all your supporting documents to the Passport Office: HM Passport Office, PO Box 767, Southport, PR8 9PW, United Kingdom.
• Use signed-for delivery or a trackable service to ensure your documents are received safely.

   

3. Fees and Processing Time

Fees:

• The cost of a new adult passport is £93if applying online.
• For postal applications, the cost is £85.
• Expedited services, like the Fast Track or Premium service, are available at an additional cost.

Processing Time:

• Standard processing times for passport applications are 3-6 weeks.
• If you need your passport more urgently, you can use the Fast Track (1-week service)or the Premium (same-day service) at additional costs. However, these services require an in-person appointment.

4. What Happens Next?

• Once your application is processed, you will receive a new passportwith your updated name and gender.
• Your old passport, if submitted, will be returned to you but will be cancelled (usually with a hole punched through it).

5. Important Considerations

Gender Marker Options:

• The UK allows you to select one of two gender markers on your passport: M (Male) OR F (Female).

Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC):

• A GRC is not mandatory to change your gender on your passport, but having one simplifies the process.
• If you do not have a GRC, a doctor’s letter confirming the permanence of your gender change, or your ongoing transition will suffice.

Medical Letter Requirements:

• If submitting a doctor’s letter, ensure it is signed by a registered medical professional and printed on official letterhead.
• The letter must explicitly state that your gender change is permanent or that you are undergoing treatment related to gender transition.

6. Next Steps After Receiving Your New Passport

Once you’ve received your updated passport with your new name and gender, it’s important to:

• Update your details with other agencies and organisations, such as your bank, healthcare providers, and any other official records that may need to reflect your new name and gender.
• Travel considerations: Make sure to check with the embassy or consulate of any country you plan to visit, as not all countries recognise non-binary or X gender markers on passports.

By following these steps, you can successfully update your UK passport with your new name and gender, ensuring your identification documents reflect your identity.