How to change your driving licence address

A crucial task often overlooked during the stressful process of moving house is updating your driving licence address. Failing to do so might unknowingly lead to a violation of the law, attracting significant fines. To prevent any such predicament, it is essential to inform the DVLA about your address change.

• Is it necessary to inform the DVLA about a change of address?
• How to change the address on your driving licence
• Applying online
• Applying by post
• Changing your address on your vehicle log book (V5C)
• Frequently asked questions

This guide aims to highlight the significance of keeping your driving licence details up-to-date and provides a clear, step-by-step process on how to change your driving licence address. By following these instructions, you can ensure compliance with the law and avoid potential penalties.

Is it necessary to inform the DVLA about a change of address?

Regardless of whether you possess a provisional or full driving licence, it is essential to notify the DVLA when you change your address. While this might seem bothersome, there are compelling reasons behind this requirement.

Firstly, keeping the DVLA updated with your current address ensures they have accurate contact information to reach you when needed. Failing to do so could lead to more significant repercussions in the future.

For instance, if you ever need to make an insurance claim and the address on your licence doesn’t match their records, it could result in lengthy delays in processing your claim.

Moreover, in case you misplace your licence, having the correct address on it becomes crucial for its safe return, should someone find it.

Rest assured, you can continue driving while waiting for your new documents to arrive, so there’s no need to worry.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that temporary address changes, like living at a different residence for university, don’t require notifying the DVLA, as long as they can still reach you at your permanent home address.

What happens if I don’t update my licence?

Neglecting to update your licence could lead to serious consequences. According to GOV.UK, failure to inform the DVLA about an address change can result in a fine of up to £1,000.

That’s a substantial penalty for a simple oversight, making it imperative to treat this matter seriously. Spending a mere half an hour to fill out the necessary forms is a far more reasonable option than facing such a hefty fine.

Remember that updating your driving licence is not the only step you need to take. You must also update your vehicle log book (V5C) and ensure your Direct Debit for vehicle tax reflects the new address. By attending to these tasks promptly, you can avoid potential fines and maintain compliance with the law.

How to change the address on your driving licence

Changing the address on your driving licence is a straightforward process facilitated by the DVLA, applicable to both learner and qualified drivers. You have the option to inform the DVLA of your address change either online or by post, and both methods are free, except when updating your photograph.

For those seeking to save time by notifying the DVLA of a name change simultaneously, this can only be done by applying through the post, not online.

However, if you are moving abroad, you cannot update your British driving licence with the new address. Instead, the DVLA advises contacting the driving licence authority in your new country of residence to update your details accordingly.

It’s essential to keep in mind that updating your address with the DVLA is not only a legal requirement but also crucial for ensuring you receive important communications, such as licence renewals and official notices.

Failing to do so might lead to significant fines and complications in the future. Therefore, it’s recommended to promptly inform the DVLA whenever you change your address to avoid any potential issues.

Applying online

Requirements:

To begin your online application, ensure you have the following:

• Your driving licence
• Residency in Great Britain (note: residents of Northern Ireland follow a different process)
• Information about the addresses you have lived at in the last 3 years
• A clean driving record without any disqualifications

During the application process, you will also need to provide the following details:

• Your driving licence number
• National Insurance number, and passport number

These pieces of information are essential for verifying your identity and updating your driving licence with the correct address.

If You Want to Change Your Photograph

Are you tired of that less-than-flattering photo on your driving licence? Good news! You might have the opportunity to update it while changing your address.

However, the possibility depends on the remaining validity of your licence. If it’s still valid for two more years, you’ll have to wait until renewal to change the photo. But if it’s valid for less than two years, you can replace it right away.

Here are the options available to update your photograph:

• Use the same photo as your passport.
• Send a passport-style photo by mail. Unfortunately, this cannot be done online, so you’ll receive a letter with instructions on how to proceed.

Please note that updating your address is free of charge, but there is a £14 fee for changing the photograph. Payment options include MasterCard, Visa, Electron, or Delta debit or credit cards. However, if you are over 70 or have a medical short period licence, you will not be required to pay any fees.

How to Apply Online

To get started with your online application, follow the instructions provided in the application form, ensuring that you fill in all the necessary details accurately.

Take a moment to double-check everything before confirming your submission to avoid any unnecessary complications. Once you complete the application, the DVLA will send you a confirmation email. There might be an optional research questionnaire, and you can decide whether to participate.

Typically, your new driving licence with the updated address and photograph should arrive within one week of your online application.

However, please be aware that the processing time might be longer depending on the number of applications the DVLA is handling. If it has been more than three weeks since you applied online, it’s advisable to contact the DVLA for further assistance.

Applying by Post

Opting for the postal application method is just as straightforward as applying online; it merely involves sending a couple of forms. The process may vary depending on whether you hold a paper or photocard driving licence, as explained below.

Photocard Driving Licence Holders

Updating Address Only

If you still have the D741 form that the DVLA sent you with your photocard licence, you can use it to update your address. Simply fill in the ‘changes’ section and send it along with your photocard driving licence to the DVLA at the following address:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BN

If you no longer have the D741 form, don’t worry. You can order a licence application form online or get one from your local post office. For car or motorcycle drivers, you’ll need form D1, while form D2 is required for lorry or bus drivers.

Changing Address and Photo

If you wish to update your photo along with your address, you can do so by sending for order form D1 and filling it in. Additionally, include the following items in your application pack:

A recent passport-style photo

A cheque or postal order for £17, payable to the DVLA. However, if you’re over 70 or have a medical short period licence, you won’t need to pay the fee.

Changing Name and Address

If you recently changed your name, you can update both your name and address simultaneously. To do this, send for order form D1, and include original documents in your new name:

• A marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Your decree nisi or decree absolute, along with your birth or adoption certificate or UK certificate of naturalisation
• A statutory declaration
• A deed poll
• An identity document or driving licence showing your previous name, as required by the DVLA.

Paper Driving Licence Holders

Paper driving licences were replaced by photocard licences in 2015, and the DVLA no longer issues paper licences, except those issued before 1998. If you possess a valid paper licence and need to update the address, follow these steps:

Send the relevant form to the DVLA, depending on your vehicle type:

• Form D1 for car and motorbike licences
• Form D2 for lorry and bus licences

Include the following in your application:

• Your paper driving licence
• Original identity documents, such as your passport or UK birth, adoption, or naturalisation certificate
• A passport photograph.

Upon sending your application to the DVLA, you should receive your new and updated licence within three weeks. If you encounter delays beyond this period, consider contacting the DVLA for further assistance.

Remember, updating your driving licence address is not the only requirement. Don’t forget to update your vehicle log book (V5C) and ensure your Direct Debit, if used for vehicle tax payment, reflects the correct address.

Keeping all your records up-to-date is essential for maintaining compliance with the law and avoiding any unnecessary issues.

Changing Your Address on Your Vehicle Log Book (V5C)

So, you’ve already updated your driving licence address, but the process isn’t quite complete yet. It’s crucial to ensure that your vehicle log book (V5C) also reflects your current address; failure to do so could lead to fines and inconvenience.

Thankfully, updating your address on the log book is generally free. But why is it so important? Well, an incorrect address with the DVLA can cause you to miss your vehicle tax reminder letter (V11) and potentially miss out on vehicle tax refunds.

Steps to Change Your Address

• New Style Log Book (with multi-coloured number blocks on the front cover): In this case, you need to fill in section 3 of your log book with your new address details.

• Older Style Log Book: For older log books, you should use section 6 to update your address.

When completing the required section, make sure not to tick the ‘new keeper’ box, as this would wrongly indicate that the vehicle has changed ownership. Additionally, on the older style form, avoid filling in your name.

After filling out the necessary section, send your entire log book (along with any supporting documents, if needed) to the DVLA at the following address:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BA

Updating Your Name

If you’ve recently changed your name, you can update it in your log book along with your address. In section 3 or 6, write your new name in full—do not use initials or joint names.

You must also include a separate note informing the DVLA of your name change and provide proof of the name change, such as a deed poll. However, if your name changed due to marriage or divorce, you don’t need to include this extra step.

Lost Your Log Book?

Misplaced or can’t recall your log book? Don’t worry; you can apply for a new one. Download and fill in the DVLA’s application for a log book (V62). Once completed, send it to the DVLA along with a cheque or postal order for £25, payable to the DVLA, at the following address:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1DD

Keep in mind that it may take up to 6 weeks to receive your new log book. If it doesn’t arrive after this time, contact the DVLA for further assistance. However, remember that to receive the new log book, you must have a valid UK address.

If you’re planning to move abroad with your vehicle, you’ll need to apply for a log book before taking the vehicle out of the UK.

Frequently asked questions