How to Update Your Driving Licence Address
Car Owl
Published in English •
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:
- Go to gov.uk/change-address-driving-licence
- Sign in with Government Gateway or create an account
- Enter your new address
- Confirm the change
- 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:
- Fill in form D1 (available from Post Offices)
- Include your current driving licence
- 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?
| Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Online | Up to 3 weeks |
| Post | Up to 3 weeks |
You can still drive while waiting for your new licence, as long as you are not disqualified and no medical issue applies.
Why Your Address Matters for Insurance
This is the part people underestimate. Your address is one of the biggest factors in your car insurance price.
Insurers look at the postcode where a car is kept overnight. Crime rates, parking and local claims history all feed into the premium. So an old address on your record is not just untidy, it can be treated as a material inaccuracy.
If your address is wrong when you make a claim, the insurer could reduce the payout or refuse it. Keeping both your licence and policy current protects you when it matters most.
Special Cases
A few situations need extra care when you move.
- Students: Use the address where you mainly live and keep the car. Not sure? Ask your insurer which counts.
- Second homes: Register the address where the car is normally kept overnight.
- No fixed address: Contact the DVLA directly, as standard online updates will not work.
Common Questions
Is it free to change my licence address?
Yes. Updating your address is completely free, whether you do it online or by post. There is no reason to delay it.
Does my photo or expiry date change?
No. An address change keeps the same photo and the same 10-year expiry date. Only the address is updated.
Can I get fined for not updating my address?
Yes. Failing to tell the DVLA is an offence that can bring a fine of up to £1,000. It is a simple, free job, so keep it current.
Do I need to update my V5C as well?
Yes. Your driving licence and your car's V5C logbook are separate. Update both when you move.
Changing your licence address is free and takes minutes, so do it the moment you move. Update your V5C logbook at the same time, and see our guide on updating and renewing your driving licence for the wider picture.