Couples who've made life change given £1,000 DVLA driving licence alert

A motoring expert is warning couples who tied the knot this summer that failing to properly update their driving licence following a name change could result in a fine of up to £1,000 and other serious legal complications. Tim Alcock, director at LeaseCar, emphasised that a driving licence is more than just a simple form of identification - it's a legal document that must accurately reflect a person's current legal name.

When tying the knot, there are several considerations that must be made to avoid getting fined, depending on how you choose to change your name.

Tim said: "As more couples getting married are choosing to buck the trend of taking one partner's name, with some merging their names or choosing a new name together, this changes the way in which your name is legally updated, which affects the name change process through the DVLA.

READ MORE: UKHSA issues four-day symptom alert as travellers at risk of deadly virus

READ MORE: Coronation Street icon dyes hair ahead of making major comeback this week

"If you choose anything other than taking one partner's existing name, the name change must be done via deed poll, meaning you will need more documentation than just a marriage certificate. This also affects the urgency of how soon you need to tell the DVLA of your new name."

A 2025 report from the UK Deed Poll Office recently shed light on the popularity of hybrid names, sharing that 14.5% of deed poll name changes in London were being made because of marriage.

This highlights a shift in social norms as more couples look towards creating new family names for their unions.

DVLA fine and advice

The DVLA states you could be hit with a fine of up to £1,000 if you fail to notify them when your name changes. Vehicle logbooks - referred to as the V5C document - must also be amended to show your new name, as this too can result in penalties.

Tim explained: "Getting married does not automatically change a person's name. A marriage certificate is the primary evidence used to update records, but it doesn't compel a name change.

"A Deed Poll is a formal legal document that is required for significant name changes, such as creating a new 'hybrid' surname from parts of both partners' names, or moving a maiden name to become a middle name. If you change your name this way, you are legally required to inform the DVLA.

"Alternatively, using a marriage certificate to take a spouse's surname or a straightforward double-barrelled name is considered a change of 'social usage'.

"While it is highly recommended to update your licence for consistency, the law does not currently impose the same strict notification requirement and deadlines as a Deed Poll, meaning you have more time to inform the DVLA if you change your name this way."

Tim cautioned that, even without the £1,000 penalty, name mismatches can create serious issues: "If the name on your licence doesn't match your vehicle's registration or insurance policy, it could complicate things during an accident claim or a roadside check.

"The police need to be able to verify your identity accurately against all your documents. The best practice is to first update your details with HMRC to ensure your National Insurance number and tax records are correct.

"Then, use your marriage certificate or Deed Poll to update all other documents, starting with your driving licence, passport and bank accounts. A little effort up front can prevent a lot of stress and potential legal problems down the road."