Identity documents and photograph criteria

When applying for a photocard driving licence you may need to provide identification and a photo. Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) can’t issue a driving licence until it's satisfied that it can confirm your identity.

Do I need a photo?

Yes

- if you are applying for a:

provisional
renewal
optional renewal or
exchanging your licence from another country*

you must provide a recent colour passport size photograph which you may need to have certified, see below.

*You will also require proof of residency; see information below for further details.

No

- if you are applying for a:

change of name and/or address *
replacement **(i.e. anything other than a Provisional, a Renewal, an Optional Renewal, or Exchanging your licence from another country).

* If your appearance has changed since your existing photo was taken you must provide a new photograph which you may need to have certified, see below.

** A replacement is a copy of your existing licence, if your appearance has changed you will need to apply for an optional renewal instead and provide a new photograph which you may need certified, see below.

Certifying your photograph

You must have your photograph certified, unless you are required to provide, or choose to submit, a valid UK, or other EEA passport along with your application, or, are providing a valid GB photocard licence for exchange. Passport holders from other countries must provide an authenticated photograph.

If you are in doubt about whether you need to provide a certified photograph with your application, you can contact DVA on 0845 402 4000 (lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)

The photo criteria

The photo you send will need to meet specific standards before it can be accepted for use on your driving licence. Your photo may also need to be authenticated by having an authorised person sign the back.

The photo for your driving licence

Do I need identity documents?

If you currently hold a NI or UK photocard licence, identity documents are not normally required. If this is your first Northern Ireland licence, or, you are changing your name or correcting your date of birth on your existing licence, valid identity documents must be provided.

Please see the list below for the documents which are accepted.

Identity documents accepted

If you need to provide identity documents, you must provide original documents only. DVA won't accept photocopies or laminated certificates.

This is the preferred documentation accepted by DVA as confirmation of your identity:

full valid current passport in your current name
UK or IRL birth certificate

Please note: You should not send your passport if you are likely to need it for travel purposes in the near future, DVA cannot guarantee return for a specific date or event.

However, in some instances DVA will accept:

certificate of registry of birth (provided your name is present on the certificate)
adoption certificate
ID card issued by a member state of the EEA (ID cards issued by the UK Passport Agency are not accepted by DVA as confirmation of your identity)
travel documents issued by the Home Office
certificate of naturalisation or registration (with supporting documentation)
proof of entitlement for the State Retirement Pension

Please note:

If your name is now different from that shown on your passport or identity card, you must have your passport or identity card updated to show this change. If your name is now different from that shown on your birth certificate you must also supply original documentary evidence to confirm your change of name e.g. marriage certificate, decree absolute or decree nisi papers, deed poll or statutory declaration. The evidence you provide must show a clear link between the name on your identity document and your current name.

If you are in any doubt as to the identity documents you need to supply, you can conatct DVA on: 0845 402 4000 (Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm)

Return of your identity documents

DVA will normally return your documents within 10 working days, separate from your licence. If you don’t receive them within this time, contact DVA customer enquiries. If you would like DVA to return your identity documents by special delivery, please include a prepaid self-addressed special delivery envelope. Keep a note of the serial number for your own reference. DVA can't guarantee to return your documents by a specified date e.g. a holiday.

DVA contact details

Proof of residency

If you are exchanging a licence other than a licence issued in Great Britain, or, you have previously been resident outside Northern Ireland and have taken a driving test and now wish to upgrade your licence from provisional to full, you must provide DVA with appropriate proof of residency.

In order to prove you are resident in Northern Ireland at least two of the acceptable documents listed below are required:

Utility Bill e.g. gas, electric, telephone (not mobile)
Bank or Building Society statement (not credit card statement)

Please note - your document must be an original copy, not a photocopy.

One of your documents must be dated between 6 months and 12 months, and the other dated within the last three months, immediately preceding the date of your application for a full driving licence. They must also be in your name and show your Northern Ireland address.