Passport & Driving License - which name?

[iwasagirlinavillage]

I renewed my passport in 2016 with my married name. I didn't renew my (provisional) driving license as I wasn't learning to drive at the time. I started to learn to drive last year and, as my driving license is due to expire in March, I attempted to renew it online but it couldn't pick up my photo from my passport as my driving license was in my maiden name. As I was separated at the time, I didn't want to change it to my married name knowing that it wouldn't be my name for much longer. Now the divorce has come through and I have to renew my DL as I'm having lessons. What is the best thing for me to do? Can I have my driving license and passport in different names? It would mean needing to apply by post and providing a new photo, but would it be accepted given my passport is in a different name? Even with the decree absolute as proof? Or should I renew my passport first, with my maiden name, and then renew my driving license? My concern with that is that it won't come through before my current license expires. Also, as I've only had my passport for 2 1/2 years I'd rather not lose 7 1/2 years on it. I'm not too bothered about keeping my married name on it for that reason. But I don't know if that would cause problems?

You can change your name on your passport without "losing" the validity it still has, I believe, though I don't know details.

You can definitely have drivers licence and passport in different names, though - my passport (actually two as dual citizen) is in my maiden name and my drivers licence in my married name; I use both names for work / family life. It can be helpful having photo ID for both names in fact. The main thing is to make sure any tickets are booked in the form of your name that is on your passport!

For driver's licence, I believe you are supposed to include an AKA - this used to only apply to people with stage names, etc. however, you should use if you are known by another name. E.g. you hit someone whilst driving. Someone sees you driving and tells the police - yes, it was Jane Smith, she is a teacher at the school. But, then you say, 'oh no, not me officer, as you can see from my driver's licence, I am actually Jane Bloom, so wasn't me!'. Am sure someone from the right authorities will come and tell you the actual legal status of it all, but my understanding from DVLA was if you are commonly known as another name, it should be included on your licence details - perhaps only the bit they hold.

I would just renew the driving licence. You can do it at some post offices or apply by post. Info here:

www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence