How to Change the Address on Your Provisional Driving Licence Online – A Step‑by‑Step Guide
If you’ve recently moved house, you’ll need to update the address on your provisional driving licence to stay compliant with the law. In the United Kingdom the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) makes it easy to do this online – no post, no queues, and usually no charge. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from the documents you’ll need to the exact clicks you’ll make on the DVLA website.
Why it matters: Driving with an outdated address is a civil offence. If you’re stopped by the police and your licence doesn’t match the address on your vehicle registration or insurance, you could face a fine of up to £1,000. Updating promptly also ensures that any important correspondence (e.g., renewal reminders, penalty notices) reaches you.
1. Who Can Use the Online Service?
| Eligibility | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency | You must be a resident of Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales). Northern Irish licences are handled by the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA). |
| Licence Type | Provisional, full, or motorcycle licence – any category. |
| Age | 15 ½ years or older (the minimum age to hold a provisional licence). |
| Digital Access | You need a valid UK‑issued passport, National Insurance number, and an internet‑enabled device (computer, tablet or smartphone). |
| No Outstanding DVLA Issues | If you have an unpaid fine, a pending renewal, or a licence that has been revoked, you’ll need to resolve those first. |
If you tick all the boxes, you’re good to go.
2. What You’ll Need Before You Start
Preparing the required information beforehand will keep the process smooth. Gather the following items:
- Your current provisional licence number – printed on the licence itself.
- Your National Insurance (NI) number – e.g., “QQ 12 34 56 C”.
- A valid UK passport – the DVLA uses the passport to verify identity.
- Your new address – full postcode, street name, house number/name, and any flat/wing details.
- A credit/debit card – for the £5 fee (if applicable; some changes are free but the DVLA often charges a small amount for processing).
- Access to a webcam or smartphone camera – for the optional photo‑upload (helpful if you want a fresh photo on the next renewal).
Tip: Keep a digital copy of your passport (PDF or JPEG) handy. The system may ask you to upload it temporarily for verification.
3. The Full Online Process – Step‑by‑Step
Below is a concise checklist that mirrors the exact flow on the DVLA site.
| Step | What to Do | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Visit the DVLA website | Go to https://www.gov.uk/change-address-driving-licence. | The page is mobile‑friendly; you can start on any device. |
| 2. Sign in with your GOV.UK Verify | Use your Government Gateway ID or sign in via GOV.UK Verify. | If you don’t have an account, create one – you’ll need your licence number and NI number. |
| 3. Verify your identity | Upload a clear photo of your passport (or use the “passport scan” option). | The photo must be in focus, all four corners visible, and not larger than 10 MB. |
| 4. Enter your new address | Fill in the fields exactly as they appear on your utility bill or council tax statement. | The system auto‑populates the postcode; double‑check spelling. |
| 5. Review and confirm | DVLA will display a summary of the changes. | Make sure the licence number, NI number, and new address are correct. |
| 6. Pay the fee (if required) | Enter your card details. | The fee is usually £5; you’ll receive a receipt by email. |
| 7. Submit | Click “Submit”. | You’ll get an on‑screen confirmation and a reference number. |
| 8. Receive confirmation | An email confirming the change is sent within minutes; the updated licence will be posted within 1‑2 weeks. | Keep the email as proof of the change. |
What Happens After You Submit?
- Immediate digital update: Your licence details are updated on the DVLA’s online database instantly – useful if you need to prove the new address to a police officer or insurer.
- Physical licence: A new licence card with the updated address is printed and mailed to you. You can continue to use the old card until the new one arrives, but remember to carry a printed copy of the email confirmation if asked for proof.
4. Common Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)
| Pitfall | Why It Happens | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong postcode | Typing errors or using an outdated postcode lookup. | Use the Royal Mail postcode finder (postcodes.royalmail.com) before you start. |
| Passport image rejected | Photo is too dark, blurred, or contains a background. | Place the passport on a plain white surface, use good lighting, and ensure the whole page is visible. |
| Fee not processed | Insufficient funds or card declined. | Verify the card’s expiry date and CVV; try a different card if needed. |
| Outstanding DVLA fines | The system blocks changes until fines are cleared. | Log into https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence-information to settle any penalties first. |
| Using a non‑UK address | Some overseas addresses are not accepted for UK licences. | You must have a UK residential address; if you’ve moved abroad, you’ll need to contact the DVLA directly. |
5. Timeline – When Will Your New Licence Arrive?
| Action | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Online submission & fee payment | Instant (minutes) |
| Email confirmation | Within 5 minutes |
| Physical licence printing & dispatch | 5–7 working days |
| Delivery (standard Royal Mail) | 2–3 working days after dispatch |
| Total (from start to finish) | 7–10 working days (average) |
If you need the new licence urgently (e.g., for a driving test the next day), you can apply for a ‘temporary licence’ – a printable PDF that is accepted as proof of a valid licence for up to 30 days. This service incurs an additional £5 fee and is only available once per licence holder per year.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are the most common queries from drivers like you. Click the headings for a quick glance.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I have to pay a fee to change my address? | Yes, the DVLA charges a £5 processing fee for most address changes. It is payable by debit or credit card at the time of submission. |
| Can I change my address for free? | Only in rare circumstances (e.g., a DVLA error). Otherwise, the £5 fee applies. |
| What if I don’t have a UK passport? | You can still change your address using a Digital Identity Verification method – a scanned or photographed driving licence combined with a recent utility bill. However, a passport is the fastest route. |
| Will my provisional licence number change? | No. The licence number remains the same; only the address field updates. |
| Can I update my address via phone or post? | Yes, but the online route is faster and cheaper. Phone or post methods may incur higher fees and take up to 3 weeks. |
| What if I move again before the new licence arrives? | You can submit another address change online. The DVLA will cancel the pending licence and issue a new one with the latest address. |
| Do I need to inform my insurance company? | Absolutely. Your insurer must have the correct address on file; otherwise, a claim could be denied. |
| Is there a way to check the status of my change? | Use the reference number from the email confirmation on the DVLA “Check your licence” page. |
| What if I’m overseas and need to update my address? | You must contact the DVLA by phone (020 8879 7650) and request a ‘Letter of Confirmation’ that you can present to local authorities. |
7. Quick Reference Checklist (Print‑Friendly)
[ ] Verify you have a UK passport, NI number, and current licence details.
[ ] Gather new address details (including postcode).
[ ] Have a credit/debit card ready for the £5 fee.
[ ] Visit https://www.gov.uk/change-address-driving-licence.
[ ] Sign in or create a GOV.UK Verify account.
[ ] Upload a clear passport scan.
[ ] Enter and double‑check the new address.
[ ] Pay the fee and submit.
[ ] Save the confirmation email and reference number.
[ ] Update your insurance and any other records.
Print this list and tick each box as you go – it’s the fastest way to stay organized.
8. Final Thoughts
Changing the address on your provisional driving licence online is a straightforward, low‑cost process that can be completed in under ten minutes. By following the steps above and keeping an eye out for common hiccups, you’ll avoid legal headaches and ensure that every piece of correspondence—whether it’s a reminder to renew, a fine, or a test booking—reaches you at your new home.
Remember, the law requires that your licence reflects your current residence, so don’t postpone the update. A quick online visit to the DVLA today will save you time, money, and potential penalties tomorrow.
Ready to get started? Click the button below to head straight to the DVLA’s address‑change portal and complete the process in a few clicks.
[Change My Licence Address Now] (Link:
https://www.gov.uk/change-address-driving-licence)
Safe driving, and congratulations on the new chapter in your life!