Moved house? Updating your driving licence address is free, takes about 10 minutes online, and you can keep driving while you wait for the new one to arrive.
We'll take you through everything you need to know.
Key takeaways
- Updating your driving licence address is free and only takes around 10 minutes online.
- The good news is that you can keep driving while you wait for your new licence to arrive, so there won't be a gap while you wait.
- Off to university? If it's temporary, you may not need to update your driving licence at all.
- Just don't forget to tell the DVLA if the move is permanent. Faling to tell the DVLA about a permanent move can result in a fine of up to £1,000, so make sure your details are accurate and honest
- Remember that updating your licence doesn't automatically update your V5C or car insurance. These are two separate processes, so you'll need to ensure you complete both
Do you need to update your driving licence address?
Whether you need to update your driving licence address depends on your personal situation. Let's take a look at 3 typical scenarios:
- A permanent move: Yes, you should update your driving licence address as soon as possible. Failing to update your address can mean a fine of up to £1,000. You'll need to update both your driving licence and V5C.
- A temporary move: You might be heading to university, living away for work, or moving to a fixed-term rental. If the DVLA can still reach you at your permanent address, you don't need to update your licence. This is why many students don't need to change their address for university.
- Moving abroad permanently: You can't register a foreign address on a British driving licence, so you'll need to contact the licensing authority in your new country of residence. Some countries allow a direct exchange of a UK licence, while others require you to take a new test.
If you're living in Northern Ireland, different rules apply. For more information, check out the DVA guidance at nidirect.gov.uk.
How to change the address on your driving licence
It's fairly easy to change your address on your licence from the comfort of your own home. You can either fill out the DVLA's online form or send your form by post.
Before you make a start, there's a few things you're going to need:
- Your driving licence
- All the addresses you've lived at during the last 3 years
- Your new address
- Your National Insurance number (if you know it)
- Your passport number (if you know it)
You'll also need to be a resident of Great Britain. If you're living in Northern Ireland there are different processes for changing your address.
To change your driving licence address in Northern Ireland, you'll need to use the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) rather than the DVLA.
Apply online
Got your laptop or phone to hand? Here's a step-by-step on how to apply online:
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Sign in or create a DVLA driver and vehicles account
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Enter personal details, including your name, gender, and date of birth
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Enter the new address and all addresses from the past 3 years
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Enter your 16-character driver number (found below the expiry date on your licence)
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Give your National Insurance number and passport number, if available
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Confirm your details and submit
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You'll receive a confirmation email from the DVLA
Your new licence should arrive within approximately one week.
It's important to note that address and name changes cannot be combined online. You'll need to submit the address change online and the name change separately by post.
Apply by post
If applying by post is more your speed, or you're unable to use the online service, you can still change the address on your driving licence by post. Here's how:
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Use the D741 form (the change-of-address slip that came with your photocard licence) or collect a D1 form from a Post Office (D2 for bus or lorry licence holders)
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Fill in block capitals in black ink
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Send the completed form plus your current photocard licence to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN
You should receive your new licence in approximately 3-4 weeks.
And here's a crucial caveat: Pre-1998 paper licence holders can't update online. If this applies to you, you'll need to apply by post.
Can I still drive while I'm waiting?
Yes! The good news is you can continue to drive while your application is being processed. Your car journeys won't need to be put on hold while you wait for the updated licence to arrive.
Once your new licence arrives, you'll need to return the old one to the DVLA. Keeping both licences is illegal, so make sure you remember to send the old one back.
How much does it cost to update my driving licence?
You won't have to pay anything to change the address on your driving licence. Renewing your driving licence comes at a cost, but simply updating your address is free.
The same goes for changing your name on your licence. If you decide to change your photo though, there's a £14 fee.
When should I tell the DVLA and my insurance provider about my change of address?
You should notify the DVLA and your insurance provider as soon as possible. If you forget to tell the DVLA of the change, you can be fined up to £1,000.
Does changing my address affect my car insurance?
Yes, changing your address will almost always affect your car insurance. Insurers weigh up risk to work out your price. So any change in circumstances, including where you live, can affect what you pay.
Local crime rates, how safely you can park overnight, and how often accidents happen nearby can all play a part. Move somewhere lower-risk, and your premium could drop. Move somewhere higher-risk, and it could go up.
It's important to tell your insurer separately. Updating your address with the DVLA doesn't update your car insurance. These are two different processes.
If you move and don't tell your insurer, they can reject a claim later. Your policy is based on the details you gave when you took it out. An outdated address could leave you without cover when you need it most.
Moving house is also a good time to compare car insurance quotes. Your new circumstances could mean a better deal is out there.
Why do I need to update my address on my licence?
It's really important that you update your address on your driving licence. If your address isn't correct, you could face a number of issues:
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You can get a fine. If you don't tell the DVLA about your change of address you could get a £1,000 fine.
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You could invalidate your car insurance. If you make a claim and your address is wrong, your claim could be rejected.
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You can be charged by the police. If you get pulled over by the police, or involved in an accident, they'll need to make note of your address. You might get a fine for having the wrong details on your licence, so make sure it's up to date.
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It could be difficult to buy car insurance in future. It can also make it much harder to find car insurance if your current provider cancels your policy. And if you can find car insurance, it's probably going to be expensive.
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What else needs updating when you move house?
When changing address, you'll also need to update the following:
- Your V5C (vehicle log book): a separate DVLA obligation if you're the registered keeper
- Vehicle tax Direct Debit: if you pay by DD, tell the DVLA your new address separately
- Car insurance: notify your insurer directly; the DVLA update doesn't do this for you
- Personalised number plate documents (V750/V778): if your private plate isn't currently assigned to a vehicle
- Trailer registration certificate: if applicable
Changing your name or gender on your driving licence
You might need to change your name or your gender on your driving licence.
This could be because you've changed your surname after getting married or have got divorced. You can also change your gender to your preferred gender identity.
The table below breaks down the cost:
| What you're changing | Change online | Change by post |
|---|---|---|
|
Name
|
N/A
|
Free
|
|
Photo
|
£14
|
£17
|
|
Photo and name at the same time
|
N/A
|
£17
|
|
Photo and address at the same time
|
£14
|
£17
|
If you lose your old licence, it costs £20 to get a replacement.
You'll also need to fill out an application form. You can't update your name or photo online, so you'll have to apply by post.
Renewing or updating your photocard is completely free if you're aged 70 or over, or if you hold a medical short-period licence.
You'll need to attach the following documents alongside the form:
- Your photocard or paper driving licence. If you have a paper driving licence, you'll need to send a recent printed passport-type photo as well.
- Any original documents that confirm your new name or gender.
You can still apply if you're unable to send your old licence. You'll need to state whether it's been lost, stolen, or destroyed when you fill in the form. You'll also need to attach a cheque, or postal order, for £20, payable to the DVLA.
Changing the address on your provisional driving licence
If you only have a provisional licence, the process to change your provisional driving licence address is almost identical to updating a full licence.
That means the same online service, the same form, the same cost (free), and the same turnaround. Simple.
You also won't need to retake any part of your test or do anything extra.
The same legal obligation applies too - you must update even if you're still learning to drive.
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