Skip to content Accesskeys Newsroom

Keeping your driving licence up to date

You must tell Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) immediately of any changes to your name, address or if you have had or currently suffer from a medical condition. You can update your driving licence by sending it to DVA for amendment. A new licence will be issued free-of-charge.

Keeping your details correct

Informing DVA of your changed details will ensure your records are up-to-date and all future driving licence reminders are sent to your correct address. Remember, if you permanently move to another country, you can’t register your new address on your Northern Ireland driving licence. You’ll need to contact the driving licence authority in your country of residence.  

When changing your address you’ll need to:

When changing your name with or without a change of address you’ll need to:

  • complete a DL1 'application for a driving licence' available from main Post Office® branches, local vehicle licensing offices or MOT centres
  • provide original identity documents confirming your new name
  • enclose your photocard driving licence and paper counterpart (there's no need to supply a new photograph)
  • send all your documents to DVA, Driver Licensing, County Hall, Coleraine, BT51 3TB
  • Identity documents and photograph criteria  
  • Checking service  

Please note - you can only notify DVA of Northern Ireland address changes. An address outside Northern Ireland cannot be applied to a Northern Ireland driving licence.

Also, making a name or address change to your driving licence does not automatically make a change to your vehicle registration certificate or your vehicle record. To find out how to change your name and address details on your vehicle registration certificate and record, please use the link below.

Informing DVA of medical condition

If you've had, or currently suffer from, a medical condition or disability that may affect your driving, you must tell DVA. For further information please use the link below:

Lost or stolen licence

If you’ve lost your driving licence, or you don’t have one or both parts of your photocard driving licence, you’ll need to apply for a replacement and notify any changes at the same time.

When to expect your licence

DVA aims to deliver your new driving licence to you within three weeks of receiving your application. It’ll take longer if they have to check your health or personal details. Allow at least three weeks for your driving licence to arrive before contacting DVA.

Driving before your licence is returned

You can drive before you receive your licence as long as you:

  • have held a Northern Ireland or Great Britain licence issued since 1 January 1976 or another exchangeable licence
  • aren't disqualified from driving
  • haven't been refused a licence for medical reasons or for failing to comply with medical enquiries
  • wouldn't be refused a licence for medical reasons (if in doubt, check with your doctor)
  • keep to any special conditions which apply to the licence

Updating your registration certificate (V5C)

Remember that you may also need to change your name and address on your registration certificate.

More Useful Links

Do it online

Contacts