How to change your address with the DVLA?
Option #1: DVLA change of address online
To complete your DVLA change of address online, click on Start now on the DVLA website and then you simply need to follow the instructions and fill in relevant information on your online application form. You’re advised to double-check your details for mistakes before hitting the confirmation button. Otherwise, you will have to begin the process all over.
To update your address on your driving licence online, you need:
- your current driving licence
- to be a resident of Great Britain (note that there’s a different process in Northern Ireland)
- to give the addresses you’ve lived at in the last 3 years
- to not be banned from driving
You also need to provide your driving licence number, National Insurance number and passport number if you know them.
Once you have filled out and submitted your form, you will receive an email from the DVLA confirming your application. Ordinarily, your new and updated driving licence should arrive within a week of your online application. However, it may sometimes take longer depending on certain contingencies.
Option #2: DVLA change of address by post
While online applications may serve the larger populace of tech-savvy citizens, some prefer changing their DVLA address by post. Also, tech-savvy or not, if you need an additional change made to your licence such as a change of name, you must apply by post and not online.
This application is just as straightforward as its online counterpart; you simply need to post the few forms mentioned below to the DVLA. However, while the wait time is usually a week for online applications, postal applications may take up to a month. Additionally, the postal procedure varies depending on whether you hold a photocard or paper driving licence.
Photocard driving licence
If you hold a photocard driving licence, you need the D741 letter that was issued with your current driving licence to complete your change of address by post.
- If you still have this letter:
- Simply fill out the section tagged “Changes”.
- Send the D741 and your driving licence to the DVLA at Swansea, SA99 1BA.
- If you have misplaced your D74:
- You have to order a licence application form online or get one from your local post office. For cars and motorcycles, get the D1 form while lorry and bus drivers get the D2 form.
- Once this form is filled, send it with your photo card licence to the DVLA.
Note: If you also need to change your licence photograph, and you’re applying online, a photo change will cost you £14, while changing by post costs £17. However, citizens over 70 years and those with a medical short-period licence are exempt from this fee. For a change of name, send original copies of these documents containing your new name with your form.
Paper driving licence
In recent years, the DVLA replaced paper driving licences with photo card ones. The only acceptable paper licences are those issued before 1998. To update the address on your driving licence:
- Get a D1 form or a D2 form (lorry/bus). They’re available at most Post Offices.
- Complete the relevant form.
- Send the form, as well as your driving licence, original documents confirming your identity and a passport photograph to the DVLA at Swansea, SA99 1BA.
V5 change of address: update your vehicle’s log book
Your driving licence isn’t the only thing that needs changing, you must also update the address on your vehicle log book (V5C). The V5C is like your vehicle’s licence. It contains all the necessary information about your car. Although it is primarily for your car, it also contains information about the car owner, you.
You can do your V5 change of address online or by post. For either method, note that if your vehicle needs taxing within the next 4 weeks, you’ll need to either tax your vehicle online with your current V5C before changing your address or visit a post office that handles vehicle tax to simultaneously change your address and tax your vehicle.
*If you have misplaced your logbook, simply download and fill out the DVLA logbook application form and send it with a £25 cheque to DVLA. It usually takes about 6 weeks to receive a new logbook but if it takes longer you should contact the DVLA.
V5 change of address online
To update your address on your vehicle’s log book online, you simply need to enter your new address in your log book before sending it to the DVLA for an update.
You will need:
- the registration number of your vehicle
- your log book reference number
- An address in the UK
- to verify if your vehicle needs taxing in the next 4 weeks
V5 change of address by post
- On your V5C document, write your name and new address in section 3 if you have the new style log book (with multi-coloured numbered blocks on the front cover) OR in section 6 if you have the older style log book.
- If you have the older style log book, sign the document.
- Send the whole V5C to the DVLA at the following address: Swansea, SA99 1BA.
Car tax change of address
Don’t forget to update your vehicle tax Direct Debit! If you pay for your car tax by Direct Debit, you need to tell DVLA when you change address. Simply give the DVLA a call to tell them you have moved. Find out the phone number and the opening hours below:
- Call at 0300 790 6802 from Mon-Fri: 8am-7pm and Saturdays: 8am-2pm.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about driving licence change of address
I own a private number plate; do I need to update my address with the DVLA?
Yes, if you own a private (personalised) number plate for your vehicle, you’ll also need to update your address. Learn more about this procedure by reading the UK Government guide.
Is it free to change the address on your driving licence?
Except you also want to change the photograph on your driving licence, it is absolutely free to change the address on your driving licence.
How to change the photo on my driving licence when updating my address?
If you want to change the photo on your driving licence, you can do it simultaneously when updating your address. However, there’s a catch — if your licence is still valid for up to 2 years, you must renew it to change your photo but if its validity is less than 2 years, you can change your photo during your change of address.
You can either choose to use the same photograph on your UK passport or send a recent passport-style photograph to the DVLA. If you’re applying online, a photo change will cost you £14 while changing by post costs £17. However, citizens over 70 years and those with a medical short-period licence are exempt from this fee.
How long does it take to make a driving licence change of address?
After a driving licence change of address done online, it usually takes a week to receive your updated driving licence, while changing your driving licence by post takes about 3-4 weeks.
Can I still drive while waiting for my new driving licence?
As long as you have not been legally or medically banned from driving, you’re still allowed to drive pending the arrival of your updated driving licence. You can also go through these DVLA criteria to find more answers.
Conclusion
There you have it! With a process as straightforward as what the DVLA has in place and this comprehensive guide curated just for your benefit, there is no reason why you shouldn’t timely notify the DVLA of your address change. Be it online, or by post, the DVLA has effective and unproblematic procedures in place to cover whichever option you settle for. Additional updates such as a change of photograph or name can also be made at the same time.
