How to update your driving licence address
You are legally required to update your driving licence address and log book (V5C) when you move address.
Key takeaways
When you change your address, you need to inform the DVLA immediately
After changing your address you will need to update your driving licence, log book, and personalised number plate documents
It usually takes around three weeks to receive your new driving licence
When should I change my address after I have moved?
When you change address, you need to inform DVLA as soon as possible. You can still drive while you're waiting for your new licence to arrive, but it's important to keep your old licence safe until you receive the new one.
You do not need to tell DVLA or log for a change of address if you are moving away temporarily (e.g., moving to halls or a flat for university), as long as you can be reached at your permanent address. You also need to update your vehicle log book (V5C) and vehicle tax as well.
How do I change my address on my driving licence?
There are two ways you can change your address on your licence:
You can change your address on your licence on the government website, which is run by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). There is a separate website for those who live in Northern Ireland.
Here is a list of steps you will need to complete to change your address on your driving licence online:
You need to enter your personal details including your name, gender and date of birth.
After this you will need to put in your driving licence on your existing licence as well as your previous address that you have lived at for the past three years
You will also need your National Insurance Number and your passport number
You can also change the address on your licence by post. This process is different depending on whether you have a paper driving licence or a photocard.
The government website will give you step by step instructions on how to carry out an address change by post.
Change your driving licence address online
Change your driving licence address by post
What happens if you don’t tell the DVLA about your new address?
If you move house and change your address and forget to tell the DVLA, you could be fined up £1,000.
How long will it take to get a new licence with my updated address?
Your driving licence will usually take around three weeks to arrive. It could potentially take longer if DVLA needs to verify some details. If you are waiting longer than three weeks, you should contact DVLA.
Where else do I need to change my address?
There are lots of different places where you will need to update your change of address after you have moved including:
It is a legal requirement to update your provisional or full driving licence as soon as you move address.
If you are the registered keep of your vehicle, is it mandatory to update the log book.
If you pay your vehicle tax by direct debit, you are required to tell DVLA when you change address.
If you have a private registration plate, your V750 or V778 documents will need to be updated if you move home.
Update your driving licence
Update your log book
Update your direct debit
Update your personalised number plate documents
What other changes should my insurer and the DVLA know about?
There are a few instances that DVLA must be aware of including:
Change of name
Selling or scraping your car
Change of address
Loss or theft of your driving licence or V5C
Medical conditions that could affect your driving
Your insurance provider will need to know of the following changes:
Adding or removing a named driver
Changing your name
Change in your car usage or registered address
Changes in your driving licence including acquiring penalty points
Modifications to your car (failure to disclose these could invalidate your insurance)
Medical conditions
