How to Change Your Address with the DVLA: Driving Licence, V5C and Insurance

Moving house comes with plenty of jobs, but updating your address with the DVLA is one you should not miss. If you have moved, you must update your driving licence and your vehicle log book (V5C) separately.

Changing your address with the DVLA is free in most cases and can usually be done online. You could face a fine of up to £1,000 if you fail to update your details.

You should also tell your car or van insurer about your move. At Got You Covered, we can help you update your insurance details and check how your new address may affect your cover.

What Do You Need to Update with the DVLA?

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) keeps several records about drivers and vehicles.

When you move home, you may need to update:

• Your full or provisional driving licence.
• Your vehicle log book (V5C).
• Your vehicle tax Direct Debit details.
• Any personalised registration documents (V750 or V778).
• Your trailer registration certificate, where applicable.

Changing your driving licence address does not automatically update your V5C. These are separate records.

You can use the official DVLA change of address checklist to check which updates apply to you.

How to Change Your Driving Licence Address Online

The quickest way to change your driving licence address is usually through the GOV.UK website.

You can change your driving licence address online if you hold a full or provisional licence and meet the service requirements.

To complete the process:

1. Visit the official DVLA website.
2. Sign in or create an account.
3. Have your driving licence ready.
4. Follow the steps to enter your new address.
5. Check your details and submit your request.

The service is free if you are only changing your address.

The DVLA states that your replacement licence should arrive within one week of applying online.

You can continue driving while waiting for your new licence, provided you are otherwise legally entitled to drive.

Can You Change Your Driving Licence Address by Post?

Yes. You can also update your driving licence address by post.

If you have a photocard licence, complete the changes section of the D741 letter supplied with your licence. Send this with your photocard to the DVLA.

If you no longer have the D741, you can use form D1 for car and motorcycle licences or D2 for lorry and bus licences.

Postal applications usually take around three weeks, although some may take longer.

How to Change Your Address on Your V5C Log Book

If you are the registered keeper of a vehicle, you must also update its V5C log book.

You can usually change your V5C address online for free.

You will need:

• Your vehicle registration number.
• Your V5C log book reference number.
• Your new UK address.

If your vehicle tax is due within the next four weeks, you must tax the vehicle using your current V5C before changing the address online.

Changing Your V5C Address by Post

You can also update your log book by post.

For newer V5C documents, enter your new address in section 3 and send the whole document to the DVLA address shown there.

For older V5C documents, complete section 6, sign the document and send it to the address in section 8.

If you have lost your V5C, you will need to apply for a replacement. A fee may apply.

If you are changing your name and address together, you must currently complete the V5C change by post.

Do You Need to Update Your Vehicle Tax Details?

If you pay vehicle tax by Direct Debit, you must also tell the DVLA that you have moved.

You can contact the DVLA to update your vehicle tax Direct Debit address.

This is separate from updating your driving licence and V5C.

You may also need to update personalised number plate documents if your registration is not currently assigned to a vehicle.

What Happens If You Don’t Change Your DVLA Address?

Failing to update your address could result in a fine.

The DVLA states that you can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not notify it when your address changes.

You could also miss important letters about your vehicle, driving licence or other DVLA matters.

It is best to update your details promptly after moving rather than waiting until your next licence renewal.

Do You Need to Tell Your Car Insurer When You Move?

Yes. You should tell your car or van insurer when you change address.

Updating your DVLA records does not update your motor insurance policy.

Your insurer needs accurate details about where you live and where your vehicle is normally kept overnight.

As MoneyHelper explains, changing your address is one of the details you should report to your insurer.

If your details are incorrect, this could affect your policy or a future claim. The outcome will depend on your policy terms and the circumstances.

At Got You Covered, we encourage customers to keep their details up to date. Our article on why accurate car insurance details matter explains this in more detail.

Will Moving House Affect Your Car Insurance Price?

Moving house could increase or reduce your car insurance costs.

Insurers consider several factors when calculating your insurance premium, including:

• Your postcode and local claims history.
• Vehicle theft and crime risks.
• Where your vehicle is parked overnight.
• Your driving history and previous claims.

For example, moving from a street parking space to a secure garage could affect how an insurer assesses the risk.

However, a garage does not always mean cheaper insurance. Each insurer uses its own pricing rules.

You can learn more in our article on what affects your car insurance premium.

Your insurer may also charge an administration fee for changing your policy.

What Should You Prepare Before Updating Your Details?

Having your information ready can make the process easier.

For your DVLA updates, keep your driving licence, V5C reference number, vehicle registration and new address to hand.

For your insurer, you may also need to confirm:

• Your moving date.
• Where your vehicle will be kept overnight.
• Whether your annual mileage or vehicle use will change.

If you have an existing policy, check that any changes have been confirmed and your documents show the correct details.

Updating Your Car Insurance with Got You Covered

Moving house is a good time to review your insurance details.

At Got You Covered, we arrange car insurance and van insurance through our panel of insurers.

We also specialise in helping drivers who may find standard insurance harder to obtain, including those with previous claims, motoring convictions or a low no-claims bonus.

If you already have a policy with us, contact our team about your change of address. We can help you check the details your insurer needs and explain any change to your premium or terms.

If you are looking for new cover after moving, we can help you explore the options available for your circumstances.

DVLA Change of Address FAQs

Is It Free to Change Your Address with the DVLA?

Yes. Changing your driving licence address is free, and updating your V5C address is usually free. Other changes, such as replacing a lost V5C, may cost money.

How Long Does a DVLA Address Change Take?

A replacement driving licence should arrive within one week if you apply online. Postal applications usually take around three weeks.

Can I Drive While Waiting for My New Licence?

Yes, you can continue driving while waiting for your replacement licence, provided you are legally entitled to drive.

Do I Need to Update My DVLA Address If I Move Temporarily?

Not always. The DVLA does not require an update for some temporary moves, such as living away at university, if it can still contact you at your permanent address.

How Do I Change My Driving Licence Address in Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland uses a different process. You can change your driving licence address through nidirect.

Does Changing My DVLA Address Update My Car Insurance?

No. You must contact your insurer or broker separately. Your premium or policy terms may change following your move.

Keep Your Driving and Insurance Details Up to Date

Changing your address with the DVLA is usually straightforward. Just remember that your driving licence, V5C and vehicle tax records may need separate updates.

Your motor insurance also needs attention.

Whether you are updating an existing policy or looking for new cover after moving, get in touch with Got You Covered. We can help you explore your insurance options using your current details.