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Learn how to quickly and easily update your driver's licence address with the DVLA. Our guide covers online and postal options, costs, and penalties.
Moving house? Sure, you’ve got lots to think about, but make sure you update your driving licence with your new address. It’s quick, easy and free.
Keeping your driver’s licence address up to date with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is a legal requirement in the UK. Failing to do so could result in fines of up to £1,000, as well as potential issues with receiving important correspondence about your vehicle, such as MOT reminders, car tax renewals, and insurance documentation.
In this guide, we’ll cover the step-by-step process of changing your address with the DVLA, the costs involved, and the potential consequences of not updating your details.
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Updating your driving licence address isn’t just a formality, it’s a legal obligation under UK law. Here’s why it’s important:
The easiest way to change your driver’s licence address is online, on the official GOV.UK website.
Go to the DVLA website – gov.uk/tell-dvla-changed-address – and enter your details. You’ll need your driving licence number and your new UK address, and ideally your National Insurance number to help verify your identity.
Once you’ve submitted your request, the DVLA will process your application and send a new photocard licence to your updated address, usually within one to two weeks.
If you have an old-style paper driving licence issued before 1998, you can’t update it online – you’ll need to apply by post instead. More on that below.
It’s worth noting that your new licence will retain the same expiry date as the previous one.
If you’d rather update your details by post, you’ll need to follow these steps.
Got a photocard licence? You’ll need to complete the Change of Address section on the D741 form, which is the counterpart form that came with your photocard licence. If you don’t have the D741 form, you can get a D1 form from gov.uk/dvlaforms or any Post Office. Send the completed form, along with your current photocard to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN.
If you’ve got a pre-1998 paper licence, then you’ll need to fill out a D1 form. Include any original identity documents required, such as your passport, and send your completed form, your paper licence, and a passport-style photo to the same address: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN.
The processing time for postal applications is generally three to four weeks.
Online applications typically take one to two weeks, while postal applications usually take three to four weeks, but could take longer during peak periods.
You can still drive while you wait for your new licence, as long as your application is being processed and your current licence is still valid.
Updating your address on your driver’s licence is free, but if you need a replacement due to loss or damage, there’s a £20 fee.
If you don’t update your driving licence address, you could be fined up to £1,000 under the Road Traffic Act 1988, although it’s not an automatic penalty.
Do I need to update my vehicle logbook (V5C) separately? Yes! Your car’s V5C logbook is a separate thing, related to your car rather than your driving licence. It must be updated separately by filling in the change-of-address section and posting it to the DVLA. Note that this can take longer than updating the address on your licence – sometimes up to six weeks.
Will I need to provide proof of my new address? No, the DVLA does not require proof of your new address to update your licence.
Can I still drive while waiting for my updated licence? Yes, as long as your current licence is still valid.
If I’m a student, or temporarily renting, do I need to update my address? If you have a permanent forwarding address, you might not need to change it immediately. But it’s still recommended to update your licence to make sure you receive any correspondence from the DVLA.
What if I move abroad? UK driving licences are only valid for UK residents. If you’re moving abroad permanently, your UK licence may only be valid for a limited time. After that you’ll likely need to get a local licence from your new country. Some counties allow a direct exchange, while others require you to retake a driving test – check the requirements with the driving authority in your new country.
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