How to Change Your Address on Your V5C Logbook

Summary

• It's free to update: Changing your address on the V5C costs nothing.
• Do it online in minutes: Use the DVLA's online service at gov.uk.
• It's a legal requirement: You must update your V5C when you move house.

When you move house, one of the jobs on your list should be updating your V5C logbook. It's quick, free, and legally required.

Here's exactly how to do it.

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Why You Must Update Your Address

The V5C is the vehicle registration certificate. It tells the DVLA who is responsible for a vehicle and where they live.

If your address is wrong, you could:

• Miss important DVLA correspondence
• Miss MOT and tax reminders
• Have problems with parking fines and speeding tickets
• Have issues with your car insurance (wrong address could invalidate your policy)

Important: Failing to update your V5C is an offence. You could be fined up to £1,000.

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How to Change Your Address Online

The quickest way is online through the DVLA:

1. Go to gov.uk/change-address-v5c.
2. Enter your V5C reference number (the 11-digit number on your logbook).
3. Enter your vehicle registration number.
4. Follow the steps to update your address.
5. You'll receive a new V5C in the post within 2-4 weeks.

The service is available 7am-7pm every day.

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How to Change Your Address by Post

If you can't use the online service:

1. Fill in section 1 and 3 of your V5C logbook with your new address.
2. Post the entire V5C to the DVLA at: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA.
3. You'll receive a new V5C with the updated address within 4-6 weeks.

Don't send anything else — just the completed V5C. No cover letter or fee is needed.

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What Else to Update When You Move

Don't forget these other car-related address changes:

• Driving licence: Update online at gov.uk. It's free.
• Car insurance: Tell your insurer immediately. Your postcode affects your premium, and not updating could invalidate your policy.
• Breakdown cover: Update your details with your breakdown provider.
• Parking permits: Cancel old ones and apply for new ones if applicable.

For more on car documentation, read our V5C logbook guide.

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Common Questions

Can I drive while waiting for the new V5C?

Yes. You can drive normally while waiting for your updated V5C to arrive.

What if I've lost my V5C?

Apply for a replacement V5C through the DVLA. It costs £25. You can then update your address at the same time.

I've moved multiple times — do I need to update each time?

Yes. Update your V5C every time you change address. The DVLA needs your current address on file.

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Updating your V5C address takes less than 5 minutes online and costs nothing. Do it as soon as you move to keep your records accurate and your insurance valid. It's one of the easiest car admin jobs there is.

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