Motorists throughout the UK face potential fines reaching £1,000 if they fail to do one thing, the the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has warned. When moving home, it's essential to notify the DVLA as it relies on your address to dispatch vital information. Additionally, various organisations and authorities may utilise this address for verification purposes, as it will be displayed on your driving licence.
The DVLA recommends informing them of your new address without delay, noting that starting the update process won't impact your driving rights. Official DVLA guidance states: "You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA when your address changes."
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the DVLA reminded drivers: " Moved home? You must update your: driving licence, vehicle log book (V5C), Direct Debit for vehicle tax, private number plate documents."
You can notify an address change either digitally or by post. Bear in mind that separate procedures may be required for updating your driving licence, V5C, Direct Debit, personalised registration documents, and trailer registration certificate as applicable.
There's no charge for changing your address with the DVLA. To modify the address shown on either your full or provisional driving licence online, you can access the DVLA's website here.
Should you prefer to change your address via post, you'll need to complete the 'changes' section on letter D741 that came with your licence. Alternatively, you'll need to fill in a D1 licence application form, available at most Post Offices.
Once you have filled in the relevant sections, you can send it to:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BN
It is usually free to update the address on your V5C. You can change the address on your V5C through the DVLA's online service. However, you will not be able to use the service if any of the following apply:
You can also apply by post, however, this will vary depending on which style of logbook you have.
If you pay for vehicle tax via Direct Debit, you will need to inform a change of address to the DVLA by phoning them directly. You can do this by dialling 0300 790 6802.
If you have a private number plate already assigned to your vehicle, you will only be required to change the address on your V5C. However, if a number is not assigned you will need to fill in either a V750 or V778 where relevant.
If you only need to make use of a V750, you can do this with your DVLA personalised registration account online. Otherwise you can fill in the 'change of address' section on your V750 or V778 and sending it to:
DVLA Personalised Registrations
Swansea
SA99 1DS