D1 Form DVLA UK | Download DVLA Driving Licence Applicaton

UK Driving Licence Application Form

Apply, renew, or update your provisional or full UK driving licence with the official DVLA D1 form. Download it quickly and complete your application with confidence.

Form Code

D1 Form

Application Fee

£34 (Online) / £43 (Post)

Processing Time

3 weeks

Format

Fillable PDF

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What is the D1 Form?

It is an official application form issued by the DVLA for individuals applying for a UK driving license through paper submission and is commonly used when applying for a first-time provisional license, upgrading to a full license, renewing an existing photocard, or making changes that cannot be done online.

D1 driving licence form includes the necessary details, including personal, medical, and licensing information, allowing the DVLA to verify eligibility and issue a driving license. Additionally, it applies across Scotland, England, and Wales, and is suitable for new applicants and existing license holders.

⚠️ Important Note

The D1 form is used for multiple purposes including first provisional licence, full licence applications, renewals, and updates. Make sure you complete the correct sections based on your specific needs.

Common Uses of the DVLA D1 Form

First Provisional Driving Licence: It is used by new drivers who are starting their driving journey before learning to drive or booking a theory test.
Full UK Driving Application: Required after passing a practical driving test to upgrade from a provisional license to a full license.
Photocard Renewal License: Used to renew an expired or expiring photocard, which must be updated every 10 years.
Replacement of Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Licence: It allows drivers to request a replacement if their original licence has been lost, stolen, unreadable, or damaged.
Name Change: Used when a driver changes their name due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change.
Adding Vehicle Categories: It is required when you need to add new driving entitlements after passing the additional driving tests, such as a lorry or a motorcycle.

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Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, you must meet DVLA age, residency, medical, and documentation requirements for the vehicle category you are applying for.

Age Requirement by Vehicle Category

Different vehicle categories have different minimum age requirements. You can apply for your provisional licence up to 3 months before you reach the minimum age.

Vehicle Category	Description	Min. Age (Provisional)	Min. Age (Full)
AM	Mopeds (up to 50cc)	15 years 9 months	16 years
A	Large motorcycles	23 years 9 months	24 years (or 21 via A2)
A1	Light motorcycles (up to 125cc)	15 years 9 months	17 years
A2	Medium motorcycles	18 years 9 months	19 years
B	Cars (up to 3,500kg)	16 years 9 months	17 years
C1	Medium-sized vehicles	17 years 9 months	18 years
C	Large goods vehicles	17 years 9 months	18 to 21 years
D	Buses and coaches	20 years 9 months	21 to 24 years

⚠️ Special Circumstances

*Category B at 16 years 9 months only applies to those receiving Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Standard applications start at 17 years 9 months.

🏠 Residency Requirements

Must be a UK resident

Normally live in the UK for at least 185 days per year

Have a permanent UK residential address

Not hold a valid driving licence from another country

👁️ Medical Requirements

Meet DVLA eyesight standards for driving

Read number plate from 20 meters

Provide medical reports if requested by DVLA

No current driving disqualification

📄 Document Requirements

Valid identity proof (passport/birth certificate)

Recent photograph (45mm x 35mm)

National Insurance number

Proof of address if required

Required Documents

Gather all required documents and ensure they are accurate, valid, and ready to avoid delays in DVLA processing.

Identity Documents

You must provide original identity documents that prove your name, date of birth, and identity. DVLA accepts the following:

Document Type	Requirements	Notes
UK Passport	Valid or expired within the last 2 years	Preferred and quickest for identity verification
UK British Certificate	Original or certified full certificate	Short certificates are not accepted
Adoption Certificate	Original or certified copy	Must be issued in the UK
Travel Document	Current and valid	For non-UK nationals
Certificate of Naturalisation	Original document	For British citizens by naturalisation

✓ Online Application Advantage

When applying online, DVLA can automatically verify your identity using your UK passport number, eliminating the need to send physical documents and speeding up processing significantly.

How To Complete The D1 Application Form

Follow these step-by-step instructions to fill out your D1 form correctly

Download and Print the Form

Download the latest version of the DVLA D1 PDF form and print all pages on white A4 paper. Make sure the form is clear, correctly sized, and not altered or resized, as an unclear or modified form will be rejected.

Use a good quality printer

Print all pages

Use standard white A4 paper

Read the Guidance Notes

Before filling out the form, review the official guidance notes. These explain which sections apply to your application type and how each section should be completed.

Review all instructions carefully

Understand which sections apply to you

Note the specific format requirements

Complete Personal Details

Provide your personal information, including name, address, date of birth, and contact details, using BLOCK CAPITAL LETTERS and black ink only. Ensure your personal details match your identity documents exactly.

Full legal name (not nicknames)

Date of birth in DD/MM/YYYY format

Current address including postcode

Contact telephone number

Choose the Relevant License Type & Categories

Select the appropriate boxes to indicate whether you are applying for a provisional licence, a full licence, renewal, replacement, or update. Also, select the vehicle categories you are eligible for based on your age and entitlements.

Tick the appropriate boxes

Check minimum age for each category

Consider additional fees for some categories

Medical Declaration

Answer all medical questions accurately. Declare any medical condition that may affect your ability to drive.

Read each question carefully

Answer all questions truthfully

Provide details of any conditions

Include doctor’s information if required

Attach Your Photograph

Attach your recent photograph to the driving license d1 form in the designated space. The photo must meet DVLA’s strict requirements – use the photograph guidance to ensure compliance.

Use glue or tape (not staples)

Ensure photo is securely attached

Write your name on the back

Sign and Date

Sign the declaration in the designated box using your normal signature. Date the form with the current date. The signature confirms you understand you’re making a legal declaration.

Use black ink for signature

Keep signature within the box

Use current date (DD/MM/YYYY)

Include Payment and Documents

Include your payment (cheque or postal order payable to DVLA) and all required identity documents. Make copies of everything for your records before posting.

Postal fee: £43 (cheque/postal order only)

Include original identity documents

Add any supporting documents

Keep photocopies for yourself

Post Your Application

Send your completed D1 PDF form to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD using Royal Mail. We recommend using Recorded Delivery or Special Delivery for valuable identity documents.

Address: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD

Use secure postal service

Keep proof of postage

Allow 3 weeks for processing

💡 Faster Alternative: Apply Online

You can apply for your driving licence online at GOV.UK, which is faster (1 week vs 3 weeks), cheaper (£34 vs £43), and doesn’t require posting documents. Online applications also provide instant confirmation and automatic passport verification.

Ready to Apply for Your D1 Driving Licence?

Download the D1 form to apply for a UK car or motorcycle driving licence.

Download D1 Form

Processing Time & Application Tracking

DVLA processing time varies depending on how you apply and whether additional checks are required.

How Long Will It Take?

Processing times vary depending on your application method and circumstances:

Application Method	Standard Processing	Factors Affecting Time
Online (Passport Verified)	3 to 5 working days	Automatic identity verification
Online (Manual Checks)	1 to 2 weeks	Identity or document verification required
Postal Application (D1 Forms)	2 to 3 weeks	Postal delivery and manual processing
Application With Medical Review	4 to 6 weeks	Medical reports or specialist checks
Complex Application	6 to 12 weeks	Foreign licence exchange or missing details

Track Your Application

Postal applications cannot be tracked online
Keep proof of popstage for reference
Original documents are usually returned within 3 weeks
Contact the DVLA if processing exceeds standard timelines
Online applications provide confirmation and status updates

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the D1 form used for?

It is used to apply for a new, replace, or update a UK driving licence through the DVLA. This form is commonly used when applying by post for a provisional licence, renewing a photocard, or making changes that cannot be completed online.

Can I download this form online?

It can be downloaded online as a PDF and printed for completion. However, it must be signed by hand and submitted by a certified post.

Can I complete this form online instead of posting it?

Some information can be filled out electronically, but this printable d1 form must be printed, signed, and posted. If you are eligible, the DVLA recommends using the online application service for faster processing.

How much is the DVLA D1 form application fee?

For most postal applications, the fee is £43. Fee may vary depending on the type of application, such as renewal or replacement.

Where do I submit my completed form?

It should be sent to the DVLA postal address given on the form. Always double-check the address before posting.

What documents must be attached to the form?

You must include valid identity documents, such as a UK passport or birth certificate, a recent photograph, and any supporting documents.