The D1 form is the DVLA application for all UK driving licence matters in England, Scotland, and Wales.

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The D1 is the standardized application form issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency for all driving licence applications, renewals, and updates.

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Use the D1 form for first provisional licences, photocard renewals, name/address changes, category additions, medical declarations, and licence replacements.

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For postal applications, using the D1 DVLA form is mandatory. It ensures all necessary information is provided to process your licence application securely.

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Download PDF instantly: Visit GOV.UK, download the form, print it at home, and complete in black ink. Available 24/7.

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Free pre-printed forms: Visit any Post Office branch and collect a D1 form. No appointment needed, completely free.

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Delivered to your door: Contact DVLA to request a form be mailed to you. Allow 5-7 days for delivery.

Use the D1 form for these common driving licence applications

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Apply from age 15 years 9 months for cars (Category B), age 16 for mopeds. Requires identity proof, photo, and £34 fee.

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Your photocard must be renewed even if your entitlements don’t expire. DVLA sends reminders 56 days before expiry.

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Changed your name after marriage? Moved house? Update your licence within 3 years. Free online, £17 by post.

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Lost your licence? Report if stolen, then apply for replacement. Fee: £20, processing 2-3 weeks.

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Passed motorcycle test? Want to add trailer entitlement? Apply to add new vehicle categories to your licence.

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New medical diagnosis? Over 70 renewal? Declare conditions affecting driving ability. Legal requirement.

Follow these step-by-step instructions to fill out your D1 form correctly

1

Select Application Type

At the top of the form, tick ONLY ONE box for your application type (first provisional, renewal, name change, etc.). Ticking multiple boxes or the wrong box will delay processing.

2

Personal Details

Enter your full legal name in BLOCK CAPITALS using black ink. Include all forenames (no initials), surname, and title. Names must match your identity documents exactly.

3

Birth Information

Provide date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY), town and country of birth. If born outside UK, write full country name. This information is cross-referenced with official records.

4

Current Address

Enter your residential address where you’ve lived for at least 185 days in the last 12 months. Include full postcode. PO Box addresses not accepted.

5

Address History (3 Years)

If at current address less than 3 years, provide previous addresses covering full 3-year period. List in reverse chronological order with dates. No gaps allowed.

6

National Insurance Number

Enter your 9-character NI number (format: AB 12 34 56 C). Essential for identity verification. Find on payslips, P60, or HMRC letters.

7

Vehicle Categories

Tick the vehicle categories you’re applying for (A for motorcycles, B for cars, etc.). Check age requirements for each category. For provisional, you can select multiple.

8

Medical Declarations

Answer ALL medical questions honestly. Declare any conditions affecting driving (epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, vision problems, mental health issues, etc.). Legally required.

9

Identity Documents

Tick boxes for documents you’re including (passport, birth certificate, etc.). Send ORIGINALS only – photocopies rejected. DVLA returns documents separately.

10

Photograph

Attach ONE recent passport photo (45mm × 35mm, within 1 month). Plain background, neutral expression, no glasses. Write your name on back.

11

Sign and Date

Sign in BLACK INK in the declaration box. Date with today’s date (DD/MM/YYYY). By signing, you confirm all information is accurate. False declarations are criminal offences.

12

Payment

Include cheque or postal order payable to “DVLA” for correct amount (£34 provisional, £17 renewal, £20 replacement). Write your name and DOB on back.

13

Final Checks

Review entire form for errors. Include all documents, photo, and payment. Make copies for your records. Post to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD. Use recorded delivery for tracking.

Check you meet all requirements before applying

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  • Moped (AM): 16 years
  • Car (B): 17 years (16 with PIP)
  • Motorcycle (A1/A2/A): 17-24 years
  • Medium goods (C1): 18 years
  • Large goods (C): 21 years
  • Bus (D): 24 years

Apply up to 3 months before minimum age

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  • Resident in United Kingdom
  • At current address 185+ days in last 12 months
  • Not a Northern Ireland resident
  • Non-UK nationals need residence proof

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  • No uncontrolled epilepsy
  • No severe mental health issues
  • Controlled diabetes acceptable
  • Non-UK nationals need residence proof
  • Declare all relevant conditions

Everything you need to include with your D1 application

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  • Size: 45mm × 35mm (standard UK passport)
  • Taken within last 30 days
  • Face forward, neutral expression
  • No glasses (except medical need)
  • Your name written on back
  • Plain light background (cream/grey)

Attach with paper clip, not staples

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  • UK passport (current or expired within 2 years)
  • Full UK birth certificate (with registration number)
  • UK adoption certificate
  • UK travel document (Home Office issued)

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Dated within 3 months:

  • Utility bill (gas, electric, water)
  • Council tax bill
  • Bank/building society statement
  • Mortgage statement
  • Home insurance renewal

Not accepted: Mobile bills, emails, PO Box

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  • Cheque payable to “DVLA”
  • Postal order payable to “DVLA”
  • Correct amount for application type
  • Write name + DOB on back
  • Ensure sufficient funds

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Essential for verification:

  • Format: AB 12 34 56 C (9 characters)
  • Found on: Payslips, P60, tax letters
  • Lost? Check Personal Tax Account
  • Or call HMRC: 0800 731 0175

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If renewing/updating:

  • Original photocard licence
  • Paper counterpart (if you have one)
  • Must surrender with application
  • DVLA returns it separately

Application Type

Postal Fee

Online Fee

Processing Time

First Provisional Licence

£34.00

£34.00

3 weeks

Photocard Renewal

£17.00

£14.00

3 weeks / 1 week online

Name/Address Change

£17.00

FREE

3 weeks / Immediate online

Lost/Stolen Replacement

£20.00

£20.00

2-3 weeks

Medical Renewal (70+)

FREE

FREE

3 weeks+

Vocational (C, D)

£50.00

N/A

4-6 weeks

Complete timeline from posting to receiving your licence

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Average: 3 weeks

  • Application received: Days 1-3
  • Document scanning: Days 3-5
  • Identity verification: Days 5-10
  • Licence production: Days 15-17
  • Postal delivery: Days 18-21

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Can take up to 8 weeks

  • Busiest: May-August (summer)
  • Busy: December-January
  • Quieter: Sept-Nov, Feb-Apr
  • Apply early if you have deadlines
  • Allow extra time for holidays

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Much faster: 1-2 weeks

  • Photocard renewal: 1 week
  • Address change: Immediate
  • Name change: 3-5 days
  • No postal delays
  • Instant confirmation email
1

Receipt & Logging

Your application arrives at DVLA Swansea and is logged into the system. Documents are scanned and your application receives a reference number. Initial checks verify all required items are present.

2

Identity Verification

DVLA cross-references your details with multiple databases: HMRC (NI number), Passport Office, Electoral Roll, and Credit agencies. This multi-layer check prevents fraud and confirms your identity.

3

Document Review

All information on your D1 form is verified against your supporting documents. Photo quality is assessed. Any discrepancies trigger additional verification checks.

4

Medical Assessment

If you declared medical conditions, specialist medical staff review your case. They may contact your doctor for reports or request additional information. Assessment determines if you’re fit to drive.

5

Approval & Production

Once approved, your licence is produced with your photo, signature, and entitlements. Quality checks ensure accuracy. Your details are updated on the national driver database.

6

Dispatch

Your new licence and original documents are posted separately (for security) via Royal Mail 2nd class. Both typically arrive within 3-5 days of dispatch, often on different days.

Get answers to common D1 form questions

The D1 form is for United Kingdom (processed by DVLA Swansea). The D1NI is for Northern Ireland residents (processed by DVA Belfast). Using the wrong form results in rejection.

No, the D1 form must be printed and completed by hand in black ink. However, for many applications (renewals, address changes), you can apply entirely online through GOV.UK without needing a D1 form, which is faster and often cheaper.

Standard processing is 3 weeks, but can extend to 8 weeks during busy periods (summer, New Year). Medical cases take longer (3-6 months). Online applications process faster (1-2 weeks).

You can use your original full UK birth certificate instead. If you have neither, contact DVLA on 0300 790 6801 for alternative verification options. Processing takes longer without standard ID.

Yes, DVLA returns all original documents (passport, birth certificate, etc.) separately from your new licence, usually within the same 3-week timeframe but at different times.

If renewing a valid licence, you can drive until the new one arrives. If your photocard expired or you’re applying for your first licence, you cannot drive until you receive your new licence.

Send to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD. Use recorded delivery for tracking. Keep proof of postage. Some specific applications may have different addresses – check form guidance.

You must declare epilepsy, diabetes (if medicated), heart conditions, strokes, vision problems, mental health conditions, neurological disorders, sleep disorders, and substance dependencies. When in doubt, declare it. Withholding information is a criminal offence (£1,000 fine).