How to Update Your Driving Licence Address

Car Owl

Published in English •

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Summary

• Update free online: Takes about 5 minutes on GOV.UK.
• You must update when you move: It's a legal requirement.
• New licence sent free: A replacement arrives within 3 weeks.

Moved house? You need to update your driving licence. Here's how to do it and why it matters.

Why You Must Update Your Address

By law, you must tell the DVLA when you change address. Failure to do so can result in:

• A fine of up to £1,000
• Missing important correspondence
• Problems with insurance claims
• Issues when renewing your licence

How to Update Online

The quickest way is through GOV.UK:

1. Go to gov.uk/change-address-driving-licence
2. Sign in with Government Gateway or create an account
3. Enter your new address
4. Confirm the change
5. Your new licence arrives within 3 weeks

What You Need

• Your driving licence number
• Your National Insurance number
• Your new address
• A valid UK passport (for identity verification)

The online service is free.

How to Update by Post

If you can't use the online service:

1. Fill in form D1 (available from Post Offices)
2. Include your current driving licence
3. Post to the DVLA address on the form

Postal updates are also free but take longer (up to 3 weeks).

Your New Licence

After updating your address:

• A new photocard licence is posted to your new address
• Your old licence becomes invalid
• Destroy your old licence when the new one arrives
• Photo and expiry date stay the same

If You Have a Paper Licence

If you still have an old paper licence without a photocard:

• You'll need to provide a passport photo
• You'll receive a new photocard licence
• The paper licence will no longer be valid

Don't Forget Your V5C

When you move, also update the address on your car's V5C (logbook):

• Fill in section 6 of the V5C
• Post it to the DVLA
• Or update online at GOV.UK

This is also a legal requirement. Learn more in our V5C logbook guide.

Other Things to Update When You Move

Don't forget to change your address with:

• Your car insurance company
• Your breakdown cover
• Any car finance providers
• Your employer (for company cars)

Your address affects your insurance premium, so updating it is essential.

How Long Does It Take?

You can still drive while waiting for your new licence.

For more on driving licence matters, see our guide on updating and renewing your driving licence.

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