Identity documents and photograph criteria
When you apply for a photocard driving licence you’ll need to provide identification and a photo. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) can’t send you a driving licence until it’s satisfied that it can confirm your identity.
Identity documents
You must provide original documents. DVLA won’t accept photocopies or laminated certificates.
United Kingdom (UK) digital passports
If you hold a digital passport (the photograph and signature appear on the same page), DVLA can confirm your identity with the Identity and Passport Service. You don’t have to send your passport to DVLA.
When applying online you’ll be asked to provide your nine digit passport number allowing DVLA to confirm your identity.
If you apply by post, using the D1 ‘application for a driving licence’, write your nine digit passport number and your signature in the ‘confirming your identity’ section of the D1 form.
Other types of identification
DVLA also accepts the following documents as confirmation of your identity. Unlike the digital passport though, you’ll need to send your identity document with your application:
* full valid current passport
* National identity card issued by a member state of the European Community/European Economic Area (EC/EEA)
* UK identity card for foreign nationals / residence permit or travel documents issued by the Home Office
* UK certificate of naturalisation
Do not send in your passport if you need it within the next month. If this is the case you should consider delaying your licence application until you can send it with your passport to DVLA.
If you’ve reached State Pension age, you can provide originals of one of the following in your name:
* recent (within three 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 and adoption certificates
UK birth and adoption certificates can also be used, however, as they are not absolute proof of identity, they must be accompanied by one of the following:
* National Insurance card or a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions containing 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)
* college or university union card or school record
If you don’t have a birth or adoption certificate, or the one that you have doesn’t show your full name or country of birth, contact your local register office.
More information on Applying for a Provisional Driving licence from the DirectGov website here
