Query re driving license

[madmarchscare]

I am sending in my old paper license to change name and address and have provided a photo etc for the new style one.

On the form it says its free to change your name and address but then says you have to pay if you are exchanging for a photocard one.

Do I have to pay or not?

You have to pay for a new or replacement photocard, unless the only thing you are changing is your name and address. So if this is your first photo licence you have to pay.

I think if you don't have a photocard already you have to pay. It's free when they have your photo on record to issue a new one.

yes you do - did this earlier this year when I needed a duplicate but only had a paper one, cost about £20. If you don't have a recent digital passport for them to compare the pics online you can get the Post Office to certify the photo rather than send your passport away

You don't need to pay if you are just getting one because you are changing your address.

From DVLA website (my emphasis):

Paper driving licence holders:
If you need to notify DVLA of a change of name or address (or both), you must complete a D1 application form that is available from DVLA's form ordering service and Post Office® branches. You will need to enclose original documentation confirming your identity and a passport style colour photograph. Send your completed application to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN or you may be able to use the premium checking service. There is no fee required for your new licence.

There you go... two completely contradictory answers in the space of a few minutes. I hope we've been helpful

If you have a paper one and you're replacing it for any other reason apart from moving house you need to pay for a photocard, mind you.

I am only changing it because I have married and changed address.

I still think the info they give is contradictory.

From their leaflet:

Replacement
Change of name and/or address - Free

Exchange
Paper to photocard - £19

So which one is it? Grrr, I am going to have to phone and endur hours of waiting and recodred messages.

Very handily they do not give their phone number on any of their literature.

Why are things like this always a pain in the arse?

AFAIK the "exchange" fee is for the case where you wake up one morning and think "You know, I rather fancy exchanging my paper licence for one of those newfangled photocard things". You're just getting your free replacement when you move house, and it's not your fault that they only issue photocard licences now -- hence no fee.

OK, Im going to send it off without any money.

Thanks for helping me make my mind up .

They won't send a replacement paper-only one though -it has to be a Photocard ! It is contradictory.

I think it's that technically you aren't asking them for a photocard, they are insisting on giving you one when they replace your perfectly valid paper-only licence, so you don't have to pay. DH certainly didn't have to pay for his when we moved last time.

Sorry, I was wrong before. You don't need to pay according to www.directgov.co.uk.

Paper driving licence holders
If you need to notify DVLA of a change of name or address (or both), you must complete a D1 application form that is available from DVLA's form ordering service and Post Office® branches. You will need to enclose original documentation confirming your identity and a passport style colour photograph. Send your completed application to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN or you may be able to use the premium checking service. There is no fee required for your new licence.