Change address on driving licence - the full guide
Learn how to change the address on your driving licence and what happens if you don't
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In the UK, you’re legally required to change the address on your driving licence if you move house. It’s free and easy to do, so there’s really no reason not to. And it’ll help you dodge fines and get important letters in the post.
Both your V5C logbook and driving licence need to list your current address, and you can change these details online or via post.
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When do I need to update my driving licence?
Who needs to update
Anyone with a UK licence needs to update their address if they move house. This is the same for all vehicles – whether your licence is for cars, motorcycles or lorries.
You’ll also need to change your address on a provisional driving licence if you move before you get your full licence.
It doesn’t cost anything to update your address, and you can still drive while you’re waiting for your new licence to arrive.
When to update
As soon as possible! Once you move into your new address, make it a priority to get your address switched on your driving licence, just like you would on all other important documentation.
Temporary address changes (e.g. going to university) are fine since you can still be reached at your permanent address.
Why do I need to update my driving licence?
Changing the address on your driving licence can feel like a tedious piece of life admin, and there are even more reasons to do it than staying on the right side of the law.
Legal requirements
First things first – it’s quite literally the law to have your current permanent address on your licence. That’s as good a reason as any to keep it up to date.
Insurance reasons
If you ever need to make an insurance claim, all the addresses on your documents need to match up.
If they don’t, it can take weeks to change them, slowing down your claim while it’s sorted.
Can the DVLA reach you?
The DVLA need to be able to reach you at any point. It’s important you’ll be able to receive things like any driving fines, as missing them can cost more in the long run.
Often, fines for driving offences are reduced if you pay within a certain time frame. If you miss the letter because you haven’t updated your address, this amount can increase.
Or, even worse, your car might be clamped or crushed, and you could end up in court.
Avoiding penalties
Like we said above, it might be tempting to try and dodge fines by not updating your address.
In reality, you could be fined up to £1,000 by the DVLA for not updating your address. If you’re pulled over and your licence isn’t up to date, you could be fined.
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What do I need?
Changing the address on your licence is simple – all you need is your current driving licence and your home addresses from the past three years.
This could also be a good excuse to update the photo on your driving licence if you want to. You’ll have to pay £17 and post a passport-style photo with a form to do so, though.
How to change driving licence address
Change it online
To change your address online, you’ll need to fill out all the details on the online form.
You’ll be asked for details such as your National Insurance number, UK passport number, and your address history.
It’s a relatively quick process – just make sure you double-check all the details before you confirm.
Change it by post
You’re also able to change your address by post, you’ll need the D741 form that came with you licence or a D1 form from a Post Office. For lorry and bus licences, you’ll need a D2 form.
Once you’ve filled out the form, you should send this to the DVLA. The most up-to-date address can be found on their website.
You’ll also need to send your current driving licence and original documents to confirm your identity. These can be a UK birth certificate, marriage or civil partnership certificate, or a P45, P60 or payslip.
This is also a good time to update the photo on your licence if you want to. You can just pop a passport-style photo in with the form, plus a cheque or postal order for £17 (plus the postal order fee).
Is it free to change the address on my driving licence?
It’s free to change your address on your licence if you’re not changing your photo.
How long does it take to change my driving licence address?
It usually takes up to three weeks to receive your new licence. If it hasn’t arrived by the three-week mark, you should contact the DVLA.
It might also take longer if the DVLA needs to check your identity or medical details.
Can I drive while changing my driving licence address?
Absolutely. You’re still able to drive if your licence is currently with the DVLA.
This is as long as you meet the medical standards of fitness to drive, hold a valid driving licence, are not reapplying after being disqualified, and haven’t had your licence revoked for medical reasons.
What else do I need to update?
If you’re changing your driving licence address, you’ll also need to change your car’s logbook.
Other things that won’t apply to everyone but might to you are personalised registration plate documents and car tax Direct Debit details.
Changing your address on your logbook
You can change the address on your car’s logbook online by entering details such as your registration plate and V5C reference number in the gov.uk tool.
It’s usually free to do, and it’s a simple process.
Changing your address on private registration plate documents
If your private plate is registered to your car, you just need to change the address on your logbook.
If the plate is not assigned to a vehicle. You'll need to complete a V750 or V778 certificate. You can do this online or via post.
Changing your address on a car tax direct debit
You’ll also need to change the address on your vehicle tax direct debit if you pay this way.
The gov.uk website recommends you give the DVLA a ring if you need to make these changes.
How many times can I change the address on my driving licence?
There’s no limit on how many times you can change the address on your driving licence. Feel free to change it as often as you need – it’s much better than ending up with a fine.