If you move house, you must notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Your new address is needed for your driving licence, vehicle log book (V5C) and Direct Debit mandate.
It will also be relevant if you have a personalised number plate or a trailer registration certificate.
You don’t have to tell the DVLA if your move is temporary and you can still be contacted at your permanent address. This means university students do not need to contact the DVLA when studying away from home, for example.
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Changing address on a driving licence
You must change your address on either your full or provisional driving licence. It does not cost anything, but is a legal requirement. You can also continue driving while you wait for your new licence.
It’s quicker and easier to change your address online. You will need your driving licence and to be a resident of Great Britain (there is a different process for drivers in Northern Ireland).
You also need to provide the addresses you have lived at during the past three years. And you must not be banned from driving, of course.
Additionally, you will need to supply your driving licence number, National Insurance number and passport number, if you know them.
Click here to access the government website and change your address online. Or click here for information on how to apply by post. You could be be fined up to £1,000 for failing to update your driving licence.
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Changing address on a car log book (V5C)
It’s usually free to update your vehicle log book (V5C) when you change address. The online service cannot be used if:
- You have already sent the V5C document to the DVLA
- You have sold or transferred the vehicle
- You’ve lost the V5C document
- The vehicle is registered as part of the DVLA fleet scheme
- Your new address is abroad, including the Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Ireland
The DVLA’s online service is available from 7am to 8pm. Again, you could be fined up to £1,000 if you fail to notify a change of address.
If you pay for Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) by Direct Debit, you need to contact the DVLA. This can be done by telephoning 0300 790 6802. The lines are open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and from 8am to 4pm on Saturdays.
Changing address for a personal number plate
You need to contact the DVLA if you have a personalised registration number that isn’t assigned to a vehicle. There are two relevant documents: the V750 certificate of entitlement and V778 retention document.
The address on the V750 certificate can be changed online using your DVLA personalised registration account. Alternatively, use the ‘change of address’ section and send the form to DVLA Personalised Registrations, Swansea, SA99 1DS. You must do the same with the V778 retention document.
Changing a trailer registration certificate
To continue using your trailer abroad, you must register it to your new address. This applies to commercial trailers over 750kg and all trailers over 3,500kg before you can drive through some European countries.
The changes can be made online and the process costs £26 when you register a trailer for the first time.
