How to change the address on your driving licence

THERE are many documents that require an address change when you move houses and one of them is your driving licence.

You can still drive your car while you're in the process to change it, but make sure to start the process as fast as you can to avoid any fines.

How do I change my address with DVLA?

To change your address with the DVLA you need to be the licence holder.

To change your address you will need:

• your full or provisional driving licence
• to live in Great Britain - there’s a different process in Northern Ireland
• the addresses of where you've lived in the past three years
• to not be banned from driving

You'll also be asked for your National Insurance and passport number if you know them.

You can change the address on your provisional or full driving licence via the online form on the gov.uk website.

When you have finished the application the DVLA will send you an email to confirm they have received it.

You can also change the address by post. To do this you need to:

• Fill in the D741 form that came with your photocard driving licence, or a D1 from your Post Office (D2 for buses and lorries).
• If you have a paper licence fill in the D1 or D2 form from the Post Office.
• Send the form and your licence to the DVLA at: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN.

You must also change the address on your vehicle log book and vehicle tax Direct Debit (if that’s how you pay).

The DVLA can only help if you're moving to a new UK address.

If you are moving abroad, you should contact the licensing authority in your new country of residence.

Is changing my address on a drivers' licence free?

Yes, it is free to change the address on your driving licence with the DVLA.

It is also free to change the picture on your driving licence if you are over 70 or carry a medical short period licence.

If you don't meet that criteria, you must pay £14, or £17 to change your driving licence photo - which you can pay by credit card or debit card.

How long does it take to change an address on a driving licence in UK?

Filling out the form on the gov.uk website should take you no longer than about ten minutes, provided you are ready with all the details you need.

Once you have done this, you would typically expect your updated driving licence with your new address on it to arrive in the post within about seven days.

If you have applied by post, it usually takes up to three weeks to change the address on your driving licence.

Getting your new license can also take longer if the DVLA needs to check any of the details of your application.

You are allowed to drive without a physical licence in your possession while you are waiting for your new licence to arrive, as long as you have not been disqualified from driving.

Is it illegal not to inform the DVLA of a change of address?

Yes, it is a criminal offence to change your address without changing the address on your driving licence.

The DVLA must have your most recent address for your driving licence.

It is also illegal to hold more than one driving licence in the UK.

The address on your driving licence with the DVLA needs to be your permanent residence, although university students can keep their driving licence registered at their parents’ address.

That said, students may wish to swap it to their student address if they take their car to university.

You should also change your address for registered trailers and personalised number plates with the DVLA.

And you should also remember to change the address for your car insurance.

Can DVLA fine me for not changing my address?

Yes, DVLA can fine you up to £1,000 if you don’t tell them of a change of address.

It is always better to inform the DVLA sooner rather than later about a change of address - but, as long as you do so voluntarily, you will be able to avoid a fine.

What happens if you don't change your address?

If you haven’t changed the address for your driving licence the police will find out if they ever need to see your licence.

You can be fined up to £1,000 and you may also be cautioned or charged with a criminal office.

If you are in an accident without changing your address with your insurance company this may invalidate your cover or affect how much you may need to pay.