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Identity documents needed for a driving licence application

You must send in an identity document with your application unless you have a valid UK biometric passport (where the photograph and signature are on the same page).

You don’t need to send your biometric passport in with your application, use the 9-digit passport number instead.

There are different rules in Northern Ireland.

Other types of identification

You must send the following identity documents if you don’t have a biometric passport:

You must send the original document with your driving licence application.

If you don’t have an EU or EEA passport, you’ll need to send in a visa that proves you have permission to live in the UK.

You can’t use:

Don’t send in your passport if you need it within the next month - consider delaying your driving licence application until after you’ve travelled.

If you’re a pensioner

If you’ve reached State Pension age, you can send an original of one of the following in your name:

  • recent (within 3 months) bank or building society statement showing your pension payment and National Insurance number
  • BR2102, BR2103 or BR5899 letter confirming your eligibility for the State Pension

UK birth, adoption and naturalisation certificates

You can use a UK birth, adoption or naturalisation certificate, but you must send it with one of the following:

  • National Insurance card or a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) showing your National Insurance number
  • photocopy of the front page of a benefits book or an original benefits claim letter
  • P45, P60 or pay slip
  • marriage certificate or divorce papers (decree nisi or absolute)
  • a gender recognition certificate
  • college or university union card, education certificate or PASS proof of age card (issued after June 2014)

If your name or gender has changed

You’ll need to provide evidence if your name or gender has changed since your identity document was issued.

If you’ve changed your name, send DVLA one of the following:

If you’ve changed your gender, send your gender recognition certificate.

Who can sign your form and photo

The person signing the form and photo must:

  • be resident in the UK
  • know you personally
  • not be a relative
  • not be living at the same address as you

Suitable people include:

  • local business person or shopkeeper
  • librarian
  • professionally qualified people, eg a lawyer, teacher or engineer
  • police officer
  • bank or building society staff
  • civil servant
  • minister of religion
  • magistrate
  • local councillor
  • Members of Parliament, Assembly Member, Member of the Scottish Parliament or Member of the European Parliament

DVLA will contact the person who signs your application.

You don’t need someone to sign your photo if you’ve agreed to have DVLA check your identity by:

  • contacting HM Passport Office
  • providing an up to date passport, travel document or BRP
  • providing your EU or EEA national identity card (except for ID cards issued by the Swedish Post Office)

You don’t need someone to sign your photo if you’re renewing your licence with a new photo.

Get your documents back

You’ll get your driving licence and identity documents separately.

Include a stamped self-addressed special delivery envelope if you want your identity documents returned by special delivery.

Contact DVLA if you don’t get your identity documents back within 3 weeks of receiving your driving licence.