Updating your address on your driving licence is completely free and you can still drive while waiting for your new licence to arrive. The fastest way is online through GOV.UK and most online applications are completed within 7 days. You can be fined up to ÂŁ1,000 if you do not tell DVLA when your address changes.
👉 Official DVLA link: https://www.gov.uk/change-address-driving-licence
Do I Have To Update My Driving Licence When I Move?
Yes, it is a legal requirement. Every driver with a full or provisional licence must update their address with the DVLA when they move home. This applies whether you own or rent, and even if you move temporarily.
What You Need Before You Start
Have these ready before you begin the online application:
- Your photocard driving licence: you’ll need the 16-character driver number found under the expiry date
- Your National Insurance number (if you have one)
- Your UK passport number (if you have one)
- The addresses of where you’ve lived in the past three years
- Your email address for confirmation
- Neither your NI number nor passport number is strictly required the GOV.UK service asks for them “if you know them” to help verify your identity. Having them speeds things up.
How to Update Online Step by Step
Online is the fastest and easiest method. The online service is available 24/7 and is completely free.
- Step 1: Go to gov.uk/change-address-driving-licence and click Start Now
- Step 2: Fill in your basic details: title, name, gender, date of birth and country of birth
- Step 3: Enter your new address and how long you have lived there
- Step 4: Enter all addresses from the past three years
- Step 5: Fill in your 16-character driver number found on your driving licence under the expiry date
- Step 6: Answer the security questions to verify your identity these are basic questions about you such as your birth surname and place of birth
- Step 7: Enter your National Insurance number and passport number if you have them
- Step 8: You will get the option to renew your licence — you can skip this if you just want to change your address
- Step 9: Enter your email address and review your details before submitting
- Step 10: Submit. You’ll get a confirmation email from DVLA after you’ve applied.
Your new photocard licence arrives at your new address within 7 days in most cases.
How to Update By Post
If you cannot apply online, you can update by post.
Complete the D741 form that came with your photocard licence when you first received it. If you no longer have this, get a D1 form from most Post Office branches or a D2 form if you drive a lorry or bus.
Send your completed form along with your current photocard driving licence to:
- DVLA
- Swansea
- SA99 1BN
Your driving licence will usually arrive within 3 weeks by post. Contact DVLA if it has not arrived within 3 weeks.
Important: Do not include your National Insurance number or other financial details on the postal form the DVLA specifically warns against this.
How Much Does It Cost?
It does not cost anything to change your address with DVLA. The service is completely free whether you apply online or by post. You may have to pay if you are updating for other reasons such as a lost or damaged licence.
What Else Do I Need to Update When I Move?
Updating your driving licence is only one part. When you move house you also need to update:
- Your V5C Log Book: if you’re the registered keeper of a vehicle you also need to update the address on the vehicle’s log book (V5C). These are two separate obligations.
- Your Car Insurance: inform your insurance provider as your premium is calculated based on where the car is kept overnight. Failing to update this could invalidate your policy.
- Vehicle Tax Direct Debit: if you pay for your vehicle tax by Direct Debit you need to tell DVLA when you change address.
- Personalised Number Plate Documents: if you have a private registration number that is not on a vehicle you must update your V750 or V778 documents.
Northern Ireland Different Process
This service only applies to residents of Great Britain — England, Scotland, and Wales. If you live in Northern Ireland, driving licences are managed by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA), not the DVLA, and the process for updating your address is different. Visit nidirect.gov.uk for the Northern Ireland process.
Common Problems & Fixes
- I want to change my name and address at the same time
- If you want to change your name at the same time as your address, you’ll have to apply by post you cannot do both together online.
- My licence expires soon — do I renew or update the address?
- If your licence is valid for at least 2 more years you’ll have to renew it to change your photo. If it’s valid for less than 2 years you can change your photo when you update your address.
- I’ve moved abroad permanently
- If you’re moving abroad permanently you cannot keep a UK driving licence. You’ll need to apply for a licence in your new country. If you split your time between the UK and abroad you can keep a UK licence provided you give a valid UK address.
- My new licence hasn’t arrived after 3 weeks
- Contact DVLA directly. Do not apply again this will cause delays. Use the contact number on GOV.UK: 0300 790 6801.
- I’m currently banned from driving — can I still update my address?
- No, you must not currently be banned from driving to use the online service.
