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When you relocate, it's important to ensure your full or provisional UK driver's license reflects your new address. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) oversees this process, typically free unless you opt for a new photograph. You have the option to update your address via mail or online. Failure to inform the DVLA of address changes may result in fines up to £1,000. If you temporarily change addresses, such as for schooling, updating your license isn't necessary as long as the DVLA can reach you at your permanent residence.
Steps
Updating Your Address Online
Check your eligibility for online address updates. Residents of Great Britain without driving bans can utilize the online address update service. To change both your name and address, postal application is necessary.
- Prepare a list of all addresses you've resided at in the past 3 years; this information is essential for the application.
Visit the DVLA website to update your details. Opting for online application? Head to the DVLA website for the process. Make sure to have your old driving license ready as the application has a time limit.
- You can authenticate your driving license details on the dedicated page: https://motoring.dvla.gov.uk/service/DvoConsumer.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=COA&_nfls=false.
Complete the online application and submit it. After verifying your identity, proceed to update your address. Review your information before submitting.
- You'll receive an email confirming receipt of your application; keep it until your updated license arrives by mail.
Submit a new photo along with your address update. If your license is valid for over 2 years, updating your photo is an option for a fee of £14. Payment can be made with a major credit or debit card. Instructions for photo submission will be provided during the online application.
- Ensure your driving license expiration date allows for photo updates; if not, you'll need to renew your license.
Receive your updated driving license by mail. Upon online application, expect your new license within a week, unless photo updates are included. You can continue driving with your old license while waiting.
- If your new license hasn't arrived within 3 weeks, contact the DVLA at 0300 790 6801. Assistance is available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Applying for an Address Change via Mail
Fill out the 'changes' section of letter D741. Letter D741, received with your license, facilitates address updates by post. If misplaced, order it online.
- Visit https://www.gov.uk/dvlaforms to order the required form. Choose D1 for cars or motorcycles, D2 for lorries or buses. Provide your details to receive the appropriate form.
Pro Tip: For additional changes or photo updates, use a completed D1 form.
Mail your completed forms to DVLA. Send the filled form to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN. Keep copies for reference until your new license arrives.
- For name changes, enclose original documentation like marriage certificates or divorce decrees.
Include payment and a photo for photo updates. If your license has over 2 years validity, you can update your photo for £17. Address updates are free. Payment can be made via cheque or postal order.
- If your passport photo is recent, you can use it for your license update, though the fee still applies.
Expect your new driving license by mail. Typically, your updated license arrives within 3 weeks of your application submission to the DVLA. If not, reach out to the DVLA for updates.
- To contact the DVLA, dial 0300 790 6801. Assistance is available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Updating Your Vehicle Log Book and Direct Debit
Enter your new address in the relevant section of your log book. New style log books require filling section 3 with your updated address; for older versions, use section 6.
- For older log books, avoid ticking the 'new keeper' box or providing your name. Simply input the new address.
- If vehicle taxes are due within 4 weeks, pay them online before submitting your log book to the DVLA. Alternatively, pay taxes and submit your log book simultaneously at the post office.
Pro Tip: For name changes alongside address updates, documentation might be required. Marriage, civil union, or divorce-related name changes generally don't require additional paperwork.
Request a replacement log book if yours is lost. Visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-a-vehicle-registration-certificate to download the V62 Form for a new log book.
- For a replacement log book, a fee of £25 applies. Payment can be made via personal cheque or postal money order payable to 'DVLA, Swansea.'
- Send your application to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DD.
Pro Tip: It might take up to 6 weeks to receive a replacement log book from DVLA if your original one is lost.
Contact DVLA to update your address if you use Direct Debit for tax payments. Direct Debit users must separately update their address for tax payments. Updating your driving license address doesn't automatically update Direct Debit information.
- For tax inquiries, reach DVLA at 0300 790 6802. Operating hours are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Useful Tips
Important Notices
- This guide explains how to update your address on a UK driving license for residents of Great Britain. Northern Ireland residents can visit https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/change-address-your-driving-licence-online.
