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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to not understand why I need to change name on drivers license?

54 replies

Sadlady1980 · 15/05/2017 19:27

My job requires me to complete a DBS check
I brought along my passport and drivers license which are both in my maiden name and my marriage certificate and a electricity letter to show change of name and address
For some reason this wasn't acceptable for me to not have updated my driving license ( I got married before getting my licence but obviously passport was in maiden so I just got the licence in that!! )
It is actually a problem when getting a DBS check?

OP posts:

slyoldfox · 15/05/2017 20:13

I used both names for years until I got
caught speeding. My driving licence was in maiden name but company car in married name. I did dispute it but they (the police) said that they couldn't prosecute me if the names didn't match and so I had to get the licence changed.

Passport is still in maiden name though, I'll only change that when it's up for renewal.

muckypup73 · 15/05/2017 20:20

Yes I read this in a newspaper the other day you can get fined £1000 if your caught.

icelolly99 · 15/05/2017 22:28

If you are happy to use and be recognised by your married name why not just get your license details updated? It'll takes a few minutes and it's free. ☺

Suze1621 · 15/05/2017 22:47

I continue too use my maiden name for work but my driving license, passport, bank account Tec are all in my married name. Haven't had an issue with my DBS - just had to submit copy of marriage certificate to prove I am one and the same person. Same for my professional registration.

runloganrun101 · 15/05/2017 22:50

You can either use your maiden name in an official capacity or your married name not both.

BollardDodger · 15/05/2017 22:52

What is a DBS check?
Proof you've not been caught doing anything naughty.

Voice0fReason · 15/05/2017 23:16

You can absolutely use both your married and maiden names at the same time as long as you are not using it for the purposes of deception. But when asked for proof of identity, you need to be able to provide evidence in the name you are using at the time.
So if you have requested a DBS in your married name, you need proof in your married name. On your DBS application it will ask for all previously used surnames and what period of time they were used for.

DarklyDreamingDexter · 15/05/2017 23:37

I think your driving license needs to be in the same name as whatever you're known as on the car insurance, otherwise you might have problems if you have an accident. Otherwise, I don't think it matters what you call yourself as long as it's not to defraud. I use three surnames - maiden name for some things, double barrelled version of maiden name and married name for others and sometimes married name only. (Or rather ex's surname, to complicate things further!) My main problem is remembering what I've called myself at any given time, i.e. Turning up at opticians and saying I'm here for my eleven o clock appointment ...I'm Mrs X...I mean Mrs XY, or possibly Mrs Y!

Piratesandpants · 16/05/2017 09:27

No, license and car owner name don't need to be the same. As stated above, the police haven't minded on two occasions for me! But I did have my marriage certificate to 'join the two'.

chickpeaburger · 16/05/2017 09:31

I tried to change my address on my driving licence from a 15 year old one (I've been living abroad for many years until 2 years ago). It's SO difficult and means sending my passport to them.

I can't do that as I travel regularly.

I've given up and will accept whatever consequences there are.

I still have my old pink and green paper driving licence. Love it :)

rightsofwomen · 16/05/2017 09:34

Oh lordy.

I am recently divorced and going back to my (much better) maiden name.

Banks and bills are mostly now in maiden name.
Passport had to be renewed shortly before divorce finalised so is in married name.
Driving licence (old paper one) is in married name.

I'll just carry my decree absolute around with me and drive carefully!

EdithWeston · 16/05/2017 09:36

Can call yourself whatever name you like, your birth name, your married name, or one you just chose at some point.

But it's a PITA to have more than one name on official documents.

So if you want to change your name, get on and do it. For documents that have an automatic expiry in a shortish time frame (like passport until next renewal) you can probably wait (though be aware that non-matching passport and credit card can trigger checks when you're travelling). But as driving licence doesn't bpneed automatic renewal until you're 70, you may as well out that into the name you want as main name going into the future.

WatchingFromTheWings · 16/05/2017 09:43

I'm currently using 3 surnames. I switched back to my maiden name a few years back after a divorce but still have one thing in my married name. Just married a second time so using that too. I'm legally entitled to use whichever name I like so long as it's not for fraudulent purposes.

treaclesoda · 16/05/2017 09:47

You don't have to pick one name or the other. For example, if that were the case then all those solicitors, doctors etc who qualified in their maiden name and then continued to practice under that name, but change their name on marriage for personal use, would be breaking the law. Which is clearly bonkers. And if, for example, you need to travel for work, and you work under your maiden name, then it makes perfect sense that your passport and driving licence would be in that name whilst your electricity bill might not be.

You are not allowed to use two different names for the purposes of fraud, but that is an entirely different issue.

Willyoujustbequiet · 16/05/2017 10:06

You can use whichever one you want. It's perfectly legal. I never changed mine.

specialsubject · 16/05/2017 10:12

Driving licences expire at some point, so difficult or not, when that happens you need to get the new version. The consequences are a fine of £1000.

BraveButShaking · 16/05/2017 10:15

Mine expires in 2040 (when I turn 70). I'm good for a while!

LurkingHusband · 16/05/2017 10:25

Mine expires in 2040 (when I turn 70). I'm good for a while!

But you know you have to update the photo every 10 years ?

HappyAsASandboy · 16/05/2017 10:26

You are allowed to use your married name and your maiden name at the same time, and a marriage certificate should be enough to explain using the 'wrong' one in any particular circumstance.

Your car stuff DOES need to be in the same name though, so if licence is maiden name then car needs to be registered in maiden name, insurance must be maiden name etc. Otherwise you risk the £1000 fine.

Notalotterywinner · 16/05/2017 10:34

I have my driving license in my maiden name so it matches my passport. Otherwise I can't hire cars abroad. No issues. Tell your company to just DBS check your maiden name

AuntieStella · 16/05/2017 10:36

Renew every 10 years? Only if you have a photo licence.

If you haven't moved house, you are still perfectly legal on the paper licence, and the first renewal point is 70.

(they were muttering about moving everyone on to photo licence, but have not yet compelled it)

TheWhiteRoseOfYork · 16/05/2017 10:39

But you know you have to update the photo every 10 years ?

Some of us oldies still have the pink paper licence. So no photo and they are valid until your 70th birthday. Perfectly legal (and it costs £20 to update paper to the new card style, so why bother if you don't need to!)

TheWhiteRoseOfYork · 16/05/2017 10:40

X Autie Stella!

BollardDodger · 16/05/2017 10:42

Surely you don't need to change your driving licence until it expires, as long as you've got evidence (i.e. your marriage certificate) that you are still you?

BollardDodger · 16/05/2017 10:44

Tell your company to just DBS check your maiden name
Exactly. Surely they have to DBS your maiden name anyway? Getting married doesn't wipe off crimes committed before you were married?

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