Identity documents needed for a driving licence application

    If you’ve got a UK biometric passport you can use its number for your driving licence application; otherwise you’ll need to send in an original identity document.

    UK biometric passports

    If you have a biometric passport (where the photograph and signature are on the same page) you can just use the 9-digit passport number for your driving licence application.

    You won’t need to send your passport in with your application.

    Other types of identification

    If you don’t have a biometric passport other types of identity documents are also accepted.

    You’ll need to send the original document with your driving licence application. Photocopies or laminated certificates are not accepted.

    You can send:

    • a full valid current passport
    • a biometric residence permit (formerly known as the identity card for foreign nationals)
    • a UK certificate of naturalisation

    Don’t send in your passport if you need it within the next month – consider delaying your driving licence application until after you have travelled.

    If you’re a pensioner

    If you’ve reached State Pension age, you can also send an original of 1 of the following in your name:

    • recent (within 3 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, but need to be sent with 1 of the following:

    • National Insurance card or a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions showing 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 your name has changed

    You’ll need to provide evidence if your name has changed since your identity document was issued.

    The details you give must show a clear link between the name on your identity document and your current name.

    Getting your documents back

    You’ll get your driving licence and identity documents separately.

    If you don’t get your identity documents back within 3 weeks of receiving your driving licence, contact DVLA Customer Enquiries.

    DVLA Customer Enquiries
    Telephone: 0300 790 6801
    Textphone: 0300 123 1278
    Fax: 0300 123 0784
    Fax from outside the UK: +44 (0)1792 786 369
    Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm
    Saturday, 8am to 2pm
    Find out about call charges

    Include a stamped self-addressed special delivery envelope if you want your identity documents returned by special delivery.