Moving house is exciting, but it comes with administrative tasks, like updating your driving licence and other vehicle-related documents. Here's your complete guide to ensure a smooth transition and avoid any potential fines.
If you are moving address, it is important that you update your provisional or full driving licence when you move.
You can apply online here on the DVLA's portal
You are still able to drive while you await your new licence.
To complete the process online, you will need:
If you are a resident of Northern Ireland, follow this link (as the process is different).
If you would like to apply by post, rather than online, the process is different depending on whether you have a photocard driving licence or a paper driving licence.
With your licence, you should have received a D741 letter. You will need this to change your address. If you do not have one, you can use a driving licence application form; this is a D1 form for cars and D2 form for lorries/buses. You can pick one of these forms up from an eligible Post Office - you can find your nearest branch here.
On the D741 letter, you will need to complete the section entitled 'Changes'.
Next, send the D741 letter, along with your driving licence, to DVLA's Swansea address:
DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN
To change your driver licence address on a paper licence, you will need to complete either a D1 (for cars) or D2 (for lorries or buses) form. You can pick one of these forms up from an eligible Post Office - you can find your nearest branch here.
You need to send this form, your current driving licence, original documents confirming your identity, and a passport photo to the DVLA:
DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN
You can change update your vehicle's log book (V5C) here
To use this service, you must be the vehicle's registered keeper, and have the following information to hand:
To check if your vehicle, please refer to our guide "Tax Your Car Online In Seconds: All You Need To Know"
Applying by post has a different process dependent on which style of log book you have.
The 'new style' log book is one which has multi-coloured blocks on the front cover. This is the form on the right in the image below.
The 'old' (left) and 'new' (right) V5C log book. Source: GOV.UK
With the new style, you will need to write the new address in Section 3 of the document. Please do not use a PO Box Address.
Following this, send the whole log book to the DVLA address which is also outlined in Section 3.
For an 'old' style log book (left in the image above), you will need to:
Write the new address in Section 6. Again, please do not use a PO Box Address.
Sign the log book and send it to the DVLA Address, which is in Section 8.
With either style, there is additional implications if your road tax is due within four weeks.
You must either:
If you pay your vehicle tax with Direct Debit, it is important to inform the DVLA that you have changed address.
You can call the DVLA Vehicle Enquiries service on 0330 790 6802 on Monday to Friday (8am to 7pm) or on Saturdays (8am to 2pm).
If you have a personalised or private number plate, and it is not on a vehicle, you will need to inform the DVLA. You can do this by either:
You can update your address online, but only with your V750 certificate.
Update your V750 with your DVLA personalised registration account
You can change address on V778 or V750 certificate by post.
You will need to fill the 'change of address' section in either form, sign it, and send it to:
DVLA Personalised Registrations
Swansea
SA99 1DS
You are able to change your address if you do not have either certificate.
You will need to write a letter to inform the DVLA of your new address. Sign the letter and send it to the DVLA, along with a proof of identity. This can be a copy of:
If you have a trailer, and would like to continue to be able to take it abroad, it is important to register the trailer at your new address.
You will need to change the address on your trailer registration certificate.
You can change your address on your trailer registration certificate here