Everything you need to know about Form D1

What is Form D1?

Form D1 is the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) application form for a UK driving licence covering cars, motorcycles, mopeds, and other standard vehicle categories. It's used to apply for a first provisional licence, exchange a provisional for a full licence after passing the driving test (although the pass certificate is normally sufficient), renew a licence after age 70 (which must be renewed every three years), replace a lost, stolen, or damaged licence, or update the licence following a name change, address change, or medical condition disclosure. Bus and lorry licences use Form D2 instead.

Who can use Form D1?

Anyone applying for a UK driving licence for the first time, renewing after 70, replacing a lost licence, updating personal details, or exchanging certain foreign licences must complete D1 (or apply online, which is available for many D1 use cases). The applicant must be a UK resident, meet the minimum age for the category of licence (17 for cars, 16 for mopeds, 21 for larger vehicles), meet DVLA's minimum eyesight and health requirements, and disclose any relevant medical conditions.

What documents do you need with Form D1?

For a first application, you need original identity documents (typically your passport, or your full birth certificate plus additional ID); a passport-quality photograph (unless you're providing a passport, which lets the DVLA reuse the photo); the applicable fee (which varies — free for a first provisional under 17 renewal-related reasons, otherwise around £34 by post at the time of writing; check GOV.UK for current fees); and details of your immigration status if you're not a UK national. Renewals and replacements typically don't require ID resubmission if the DVLA already holds it.

How do you submit Form D1 and how long does it take?

Send the completed D1 with supporting documents and payment by post to DVLA Swansea. Many D1 use cases (renewal, replacement, address change) can also be completed online through GOV.UK — online is faster and cheaper. Postal processing typically takes up to three weeks; online is usually within a week. Contact the DVLA if the licence hasn't arrived after four weeks. During processing, you can continue to drive on any existing valid licence.