Drivers face £1k fine if they forget to update one detail on their licences

DRIVERS could be handed a £1,000 fine if they neglect to update their licence details if they change their names after getting married.

A wedding is a big event in anyone’s life with lots of planning involved and forms to fill out but not telling the DVLA of any changes could lead to a hefty fine.

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Motorists are required to inform the DVLA of any changes, such as name, title and address.

This also applies to temporary changes, such as students moving into university accommodation.

However, many drivers forget to update their details, including when people change their name after getting married.

Comparethemarket.com last year suggested that 1.5million drivers in the UK have incorrect address information on their licence, despite it being a legal requirement.

It is free to update your information with the DVLA.

The DVLA said in a statement: “Drivers are required by law to let the DVLA know if they change their name or address. The DVLA then issue a new licence for free.

“Keeping DVLA informed ensures that drivers can be notified promptly with important information affecting them such as reminders when their licence is due for renewal.

“If a driver fails to notify the DVLA of changes they could face a fine of up to £1000.”

Updating your information can be easily done online but you may need to set up a new Government Gateway ID.

Once the application has been submitted for a new photocard licence it takes between one and three weeks to be delivered.

As well as keeping their personal information up to date, licence holders are also responsible to make sure their photo is not out of date.

Photocard licences must be updated every 10 years to make sure that the photo is up to date, and failure to do so can also land a £1,000 fine.

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