Application for provisional driving licence - return of identity documents

[thesoundofwildgeese]

Not sure this is the best place to ask this question but I didn't know where else to post it.

I'm helping a family member with a paper application for a provisional driving licence. The sheet of notes and booklet that come with the application form say that DVLA recommends including a stamped, self-addressed special delivery or signed for envelope and to keep a note of the reference number so the track and trace service can be used if the applicant's personal documents have not been returned to them within two weeks of receipt of their new photocard licence.

Today, I purchased a postal order on behalf of the applicant and also took a self-addressed envelope to buy the stamps/sticker or whatever was needed to turn the s.a.e. into a pre-paid signed for 1st class envelope.

The post office assistant in our village post office was initially confused and thought I wanted to send off the application form and the personal documents as a signed for letter.

Having explained that what I needed was 1st class signed for postage for the envelope in which DVLA would return the personal documents. So he sold me stamps to the value of £3.35 with no explanation of a sticker or tracking code. When I got home, these stamps appeared to be just ordinary stamps.

If these stamps are used on the applicants own self-addressed envelope there is no guarantee that DVLA will mailed them back as signed for and the applicant may as well put on an 1st class stamp or let them send the documents back 2nd class in a DVLA envelope.

Should the counter assistant have sold me an envelope designed for being processed as signed for with a tracking number? I've seen Special Delivery envelopes for sale but are envelopes for recorded/signed for delivery available in any post office and should he have sold me one of these instead of just giving me stamps to the value of 1st class signed for postage?

You’re over complicating things. The DVLA just send them back, no need to faff around with buying 1st class stamps or tracked postage for the return envelope. DD’s documents came back within 2 weeks, along with the provisional license.

Dvla just sent DD's documents back. We did not include a stamped addressed envelope

Thank you both for your replies.

I am aware that DVLA will just send them back 2nd class - we've done this in the past with our own driving license renewals.

My question was on behalf of an applicant who would prefer to have their documents sent back 1st class signed for.

I don't think what you're trying to do is possible.

I don't know all the ins and outs but my children have done online applications for provisional licences and it was really easy. Are you having to do this because the person doesn't have a passport?

You cannot get pre purchased signed for or tracked from the post office, they have to put postcode in and register it on their system, it’s down to the DVLA to do this their end. Was there an option to pay more when applying to get documents returned by signed/tracked by paying more.

No, there is no option for paying extra to DVLA for signed for return.

The notes that come with the application form state:

"We recommend you enclose a stamped self-addressed special delivery or signed for envelope with your application, if you have any concerns about your identity documents being returned by second class post. Keep a note of its reference number as you will need to use the track and trace service if you do not get your identity documents back within two weeks of receiving your photocard licence."

Which suggests that it is possible to buy a pre-paid, signed for, trackable envelope.

I know that it is possible to buy a pre-paid plastic envelope for special delivery but this is a more expensive option.

I've just been back to the post office. The wording on the DVLA application form is incorrect and there is no system for including an s.a.e. that is stamped and registered for trackable, signed for delivery.

The documents will just have to be sent back 2nd class untracked.

Thanks for your help and suggestions.