Driving licence name differs to passport. DVLA won't renew

jaxkesa

I have recently tried to renew my photocard driving licence because it is due to expire but am having issues getting the DVLA to renew it.

The forename on my licence is a shortened version of my actual forename that appears on my passport (e.g. Chris / Christopher) and it has been this way for 20 years but something must have changed with the DVLA's system because this time it wouldn't let me renew it online.

I filled in a paper application and included my passport number as well as adding a note that my forename differs but they have returned my application and asked for proof of identity of my shortened name which of course I don't have (other than my driving licence).

I have tried phoning the number on the letter but there is an automated response saying "due to circumstances beyond our control, we are unable to take your call".

I can't find any info on the DVLA website about what to do. Has anyone else had this issue or have any suggestions?

Arunmor

Do as they ask and make sure you use your full as shown on your birth certificate (assuming that matches your passport) best using your full name on official documents.  If you aren't careful you could be kicked off flights if your ticket name doesn't match your passport name.

PRAISETHESUN

I ultimately suspect it'll be easier to just get your driver license updated to your full legal name, rather than trying to get them to retain the shortened version. 

Mildly_Miffed

You're meant to use your full name on all ID, including driving licence.

Ten years ago, when you last renewed your photocard, I suspect they didn't do the auto-check over to passport to link the photo.

jaxkesa

Arunmor said:

Do as they ask and make sure you use your full as shown on your birth certificate (assuming that matches your passport) best using your full name on official documents.  If you aren't careful you could be kicked off flights if your ticket name doesn't match your passport name.

PRAISETHESUN said:

I ultimately suspect it'll be easier to just get your driver license updated to your full legal name, rather than trying to get them to retain the shortened version. 

I have used my full name and wanted them to update it but they are asking for official proof of my 'original' name which I don't have, other than what is on the driving licence I am renewing.

Mildly_Miffed said:

You're meant to use your full name on all ID, including driving licence.

Ten years ago, when you last renewed your photocard, I suspect they didn't do the auto-check over to passport to link the photo.

Yes they must have not checked it last time. Clearly I should have used my full name originally, the issue is trying to get it corrected when the DVLA don't answer the phone number on the letter they sent me.

user1977

Not sure what "official" proof you could supply other than e.g. a statutory declaration that you're also known as X.

400ixl

Do you have a birth certificate?

DullGreyGuy

You need to call them at opening time... by at opening time you really need to be calling just before opening time so by the time you have gone through the call steering the lines have opened. 

When I had to do it a while back for a couple of time, got it to fine art and was never later than number 2 in the queue

Okell

@jaxkesa -  obviously you need to use your "official" full name for ID and other official documents.  If your "official" name is Christopher then you really do not want to start using the diminutive Chris on anything unless you want a load of inconvenience and trouble.

I'm one of those men who were named after their father and consequently were known to family, relatives and friends by my middle name, and not by my first name.

For example, I could be known to everybody as Harry Smith but my "official" name could be Michael Henry Smith. 

In that case I would always use Michael Henry Smith for any ID and other official documents, but if the option were available I would make it clear that I was usually known as Harry Smith.  If the option were not available then I become Michael Smith or Michael Henry Smith.

Looking at my own passport and DL I see that both correctly use Michael Henry Smith, but I'm a bit concerned to see that one is signed by me as Harry Smith and the other as M H Smith.  

I wonder if that is going to become an issue for me ...?


NB1  -  by "official" name I mean the one you use for all official purposes and it should be the one on your birth certificate -  but might not be...

NB2  -  for those who don't know, Harry is a widely used diminutive for Henry