Drivers in the UK are being strongly urged to update their address with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) immediately after moving. Failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £1,000.
Updating your address is free and required by law, because the DVLA uses your address for your driving licence, vehicle log book (V5C), personalised registrations, and other legal correspondence.
Why It Matters
- Your driving licence address is used for official communication, identification, and legal notices.
- The DVLA uses it to send important letters, such as reminders, penalties, tax, insurance issues, or other legal obligations.
- If your licence address is out of date, you may miss notices, get penalties redirected, or be unable to prove compliance in cases of enforcement.
Key Rules & Penalties
Here are the main rules and what could happen if you ignore them:
| Rule / Requirement | What You Must Do | Penalty If You Don’t |
|---|---|---|
| Notify DVLA of house move | Change driving licence address (online or post) | Up to £1,000 fine |
| Update vehicle log book (V5C) address | Online or by post, depending on status | Same fine / legal consequences |
| Change address on personalised registration docs | Update V750 or V778 documents if needed | Possible invalid notices, fines |
| Keep Direct Debit for tax up to date | Inform DVLA of address so tax papers arrive correctly | Missed tax, penalties |
How to Update Your Address
If you’ve moved, here’s how to ensure everything is updated properly:
Driving Licence
- Online: Use DVLA’s online service to update your full or provisional licence. No fee.
- By Post: Use form D741 for photocard licences. If lost, use D1 (cars / motorcycles) or D2 (buses / lorries). Mail all paperwork to DVLA Swansea.
Vehicle Log Book (V5C)
- Update address online unless you have lost the log book, already sent it in, or it falls under special conditions (fleet scheme, new address abroad, etc.).
Direct Debit & Tax
- If your vehicle tax is paid via Direct Debit, call DVLA to update the address so bills and reminders reach you.
Personalised Number Plates
- If your registration is assigned, just changing the V5C suffices.
- If not yet assigned, use V750 or V778 forms and send to the DVLA’s personalised registration address.
Important Details to Know
- Updating your licence address is free of charge.
- You can still legally drive while the address update is in process. It doesn’t affect your driving rights.
- You must not use a PO Box address for licence or V5C address updates; a valid residential address in Great Britain is required.
- The post-address process takes longer (often weeks) compared to the online route.
Updating your address with the DVLA may seem like a small administrative task—but it’s a legal requirement that carries serious consequences if ignored. The risk of a £1,000 fine makes it even more crucial to act promptly.
Whether your licence, vehicle log book, tax details, or personalised plates—everyone should ensure their official documents reflect their current address. It’s quick, it’s free, and doing it now can save you a lot of hassle later.
FAQs
How much is the fine for failing to update my address with DVLA?
You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell the DVLA when your address changes.
Does it cost money to change my address on licence or log book?
No. Updating your address on your driving licence or V5C is free.
Will I lose my right to drive while waiting for the DVLA to update my address?
No. You are still allowed to drive while your address change is being processed.