How to Change the Address on Your UK Driving Licence – A Step‑by‑Step Guide
Whether you’ve just moved house, changed your name, or simply need to update a stale address, keeping the details on your driving licence current is a legal requirement in the United Kingdom. Driving with an out‑of‑date licence can lead to a fine, points on your licence, or even complications if you’re stopped by the police. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from the documents you’ll need to the quickest way to get the change processed.
Why the Change Matters
| Situation | Potential Consequence if Not Updated |
|---|---|
| Moving to a new address | Police may consider the licence invalid, leading to a fixed‑penalty notice (£80) or prosecution. |
| Changing to a new postcode | Insurance premiums could be miscalculated, potentially invalidating any claim. |
| Switching to a new name (e.g., after marriage) | DVLA may reject future licence renewals until records match. |
| Updating after a change in vehicle registration | Inaccurate records can affect congestion‑charge notices and road‑tax reminders. |
Keeping your licence up to date isn’t just about staying on the right side of the law – it also helps insurers, the DVLA, and the wider road‑safety network keep accurate records.
The Three Ways to Update Your Address
| Method | How It Works | Typical Processing Time | Cost | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online via the DVLA website | Log in with your GOV.UK Verify or UK Driving Licence details, select “Change of address”, and submit. | 1 – 2 weeks (often faster) | Free | You have a valid photo ID (passport or biometric card) and a recent photo of yourself. |
| By post (paper form D1) | Complete the D1 “Application for a driving licence” form, attach proof of address, and mail to DVLA. | 2 – 3 weeks | Free (unless you request a 5‑year licence for additional £5) | You prefer a paper trail, have no internet access, or need a replacement licence at the same time. |
| In‑person at a Post Office (Check‑and‑Send service) | Take the D1 form and supporting documents to a participating Post Office. They check the paperwork and forward it to DVLA. | Same as postage (2 – 3 weeks) | Free (plus any postage fees) | You want confirmation that the form is correctly filled before sending. |
Quick tip: The online route is the fastest, but you’ll need to have a recent passport‑style photo on file with the DVLA. If you don’t, the post route is your fallback.
What You’ll Need – A Checklist
- Your current driving licence (full or provisional).
- Proof of your new address (you’ll need one of the following, dated within the last three months):
- Utility bill (gas, electricity, water, or broadband)
- Council tax statement
- Bank or credit‑card statement
- Mortgage statement or tenancy agreement (if it shows your name and new address)
- A recent passport‑style photograph – only required if you’re applying online and the DVLA doesn’t already have one on file.
- A valid form of ID (if you’re applying online):
- UK passport
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- National identity card (if issued by an EU country).
- The D1 form – available online at GOV.UK or at most Post Offices.
Remember: The DVLA will reject any application that lacks a verifiable proof‑of‑address document, so double‑check that the paper you’re sending meets the criteria.
Step‑by‑Step: Changing Your Address Online
- Visit the DVLA “Change Your Licence Details” page on GOV.UK.
- Log in using either:
- Your Government Gateway credentials (if you’ve set them up before)
- A GOV.UK Verify identity verification (you’ll need a valid passport or photocard ID).
- Select “Change of address” from the menu of available updates.
- Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof‑of‑address document.
- Upload a digital copy of your proof‑of‑address (PDF, JPEG, or PNG, max 5 MB).
- Confirm the details and submit. The system will show a confirmation number—keep this for your records.
- Wait for the DVLA to process the change. You’ll receive an email confirming the update, and a new licence will be posted to your new address.
Step‑by‑Step: Changing Your Address by Post
- Obtain the D1 form – download from GOV.UK or collect from any Post Office.
- Complete the form – fill in your personal details, licence number, and the new address in the “address” section.
- Attach a copy of your proof‑of‑address – do not send the original document.
- Include a passport‑style photo if you’re also requesting a new licence (optional for address‑only changes).
- Seal the envelope and address it to:
DVLA Swansea SA99 1BA United Kingdom - Post the envelope using first‑class service.
- Wait for the DVLA – you’ll receive a new licence within 2‑3 weeks; the old licence will be returned to you stamped “cancelled”.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
| Mistake | Why It Happens | How to Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| Submitting an old utility bill | People often keep the same bill for months after moving. | Ensure the document is dated within the last three months. |
| Leaving the address field blank on the D1 form | Overlooking the small “address change” box. | Double‑check the form before sealing; the address field is mandatory. |
| Using a scanned photo that’s too dark | Low‑quality scans can be rejected by the DVLA’s automated system. | Use a well‑lit, high‑resolution scan (minimum 300 dpi). |
| Sending original documents | It’s tempting to send the original bill for “proof”. | Send only a photocopy; keep the original safe. |
| Forgetting to update your car tax and insurance | Drivers assume licence change covers everything. | After the licence update, notify the DVLA’s vehicle tax service and your insurer of the new address. |
How Long Does It Take?
- Online: Most updates are completed in 7‑10 working days. You’ll receive a confirmation email after the DVLA processes the change, and the physical licence will follow shortly.
- Post: Expect 2‑3 weeks from the day DVLA receives your paperwork. Delays can occur during peak periods (e.g., January renewals).
If you need to drive immediately after moving, you’re allowed to carry your old licence as long as it’s still valid; however, you must have proof of the new address (e.g., a utility bill) with you, should a police officer ask.
Updating Other Records
Changing the address on your driving licence is just one part of the broader “address update” puzzle. For a smooth transition, remember to:
- Notify the DVLA of any vehicle registration changes – you can do this online at the same time as the licence update.
- Update your car insurance – most insurers require a licence address match; otherwise, a claim may be denied.
- Inform your employer (if they keep a copy of your licence for driving‑related duties).
- Change your address with the Department for Transport (if you have a commercial licence) – special procedures apply for Category C/E licences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I change my address if I’m abroad?
Yes. You can log in to the DVLA online service from overseas, provided you have a valid UK passport or biometric ID and a UK‑based proof of address (e.g., a recent UK bank statement).
Q2: What if I’ve lost my licence and need a replacement with a new address?
Select the “Lost or stolen licence” option on the DVLA website, then follow the “Change of address” steps. You’ll receive a brand‑new licence at your new address.
Q3: Do I need to pay for a new licence after changing my address?
No. The DVLA charges no fee for an address change alone. However, if you request a longer‑term licence (e.g., 5‑year instead of 10‑year) or a plastic card, a small fee may apply.
Q4: My address is on a council‑tax bill that’s older than three months. Will it be accepted?
No. The DVLA strictly requires documents dated within the last three months. Contact your local council for a recent statement or use an alternative proof (e.g., recent utility bill).
Q5: Can I change the address on a provisional licence?
Absolutely. The same process applies to both full and provisional licences.
Q6: I’ve moved to Wales/Scotland – does the address format differ?
No. Use the standard UK address format (house number, street, town, post‑code). The DVLA’s system accepts the same format across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Q7: What happens if I forget to update my address and get a parking ticket?
If the ticket is issued based on an outdated address, you can appeal the fine by providing evidence of the correct address (e.g., the updated licence). However, you may still be liable for the original offence.
Quick Recap – Your Address‑Change Checklist
- Gather a recent proof‑of‑address document (≤ 3 months).
- Decide on a method: online (fastest), post (paper trail), or Post Office Check‑and‑Send.
- Complete the D1 form (if posting).
- Upload/attach the proof‑of‑address and a photo (if required).
- Submit and keep the confirmation number for future reference.
- Wait for the new licence to arrive, then destroy or return the old one.
Final Thoughts
Changing the address on your UK driving licence is a straightforward process, but it does require a few pieces of paperwork and a bit of patience. By following the steps above, you’ll stay compliant with the law, avoid unnecessary fines, and keep your insurance premiums accurate. Keep this guide handy, and you’ll be able to update your details the next time you move—without the hassle.
Safe travels, and happy driving!