How to Change the Address on Your Provisional Driving Licence
If you’ve recently moved, you’ll need to update the address on your provisional driving licence (PDL) to stay compliant with the law. Driving with an out‑of‑date licence can lead to penalties, and an incorrect address may cause you to miss important correspondence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). This guide walks you through everything you need to know—what to prepare, how to apply, and what to expect after you submit your request.
Why Updating Your Address Matters
| Reason | What Happens If You Skip It |
|---|---|
| Legal requirement | You could be fined up to £1,000 for driving with an incorrect licence address. |
| Mail delivery | Renewal notices, penalty points, and court summons may be sent to the wrong address. |
| Insurance | Insurers often check the address on your licence; a mismatch can invalidate a claim. |
| Future applications | An outdated address can cause delays when you later apply for a full licence or a new vehicle registration. |
Keeping your details current saves you from headaches, fines, and unnecessary delays.
Step‑by‑Step Checklist
Below is a concise checklist you can print and tick off as you go.
- Gather Required Documents
- Current provisional licence (photocard).
- Proof of your new address (e.g., utility bill, council tax statement, bank statement) dated within the last 3 months.
- If you’re changing your name at the same time, a marriage or civil partnership certificate.
- Choose Your Application Method
- Online – Fastest, usually processed within 1 week.
- Post – Use the DVLA form D1 (available on the DVLA website or at post offices).
- Complete the Form
- Fill in your name, licence number, and new address exactly as it appears on your proof of address.
- Double‑check the spelling of street names and postcodes.
- Pay the Fee
- £20 for a standard address change (online or by post).
- Payment can be made by debit/credit card online, or by cheque/money order if you’re posting the form.
- Submit Your Application
- Online: Upload the scanned proof of address and confirm payment.
- Post: Enclose the D1 form, original proof of address (or a certified copy), and the payment. Send to:
DVLA Swansea SA99 1BA United Kingdom
- Wait for Confirmation
- You’ll receive an email or letter confirming receipt.
- Your new provisional licence will be mailed to the updated address.
- Check the New Licence
- Verify that the address, name (if changed), and licence number are correct.
- Keep the old licence until the new one arrives; you may be asked to show both during a police stop.
Detailed Guidance for Each Application Method
1. Updating Online (Recommended)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Immediate acknowledgment of receipt | Requires a scanner or smartphone camera for your proof of address |
| Typically processed within 5‑7 working days | You cannot use a paper copy of a utility bill older than 3 months |
| No need to mail anything | Must have a valid credit/debit card for payment |
How to do it:
- Visit the DVLA’s “Change your address on your licence” page.
- Log in using your licence number and the National Insurance number (or your GOV.UK account).
- Follow the prompts to upload your proof of address and settle the £20 fee.
- Hit Submit and you’ll receive a reference number for tracking.
2. Updating by Post
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No need for internet access or digital scans | Takes longer (up to 3 weeks) |
| Allows you to send original documents (if required) | Risk of loss in the post if not sent via recorded delivery |
| Simple form‑fill process | Requires a postage cost for the envelope (usually £2‑£3) |
Tips for a smooth postal application:
- Use a recorded delivery service to track your package.
- Write “Change of address – Provisional Licence” on the envelope to help the sorting office.
- Keep a copy of the D1 form and proof of address for your records.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving the old address on the form – Even a single missed field will cause the DVLA to reject the application.
- Submitting an expired proof of address – The DVLA only accepts documents issued within the last three months.
- Forgetting to update your car insurance – An unchanged address can affect your premium and coverage.
- Using a PO Box as your primary address – The DVLA requires a residential address, not a box.
By double‑checking these points, you’ll avoid unnecessary delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does it take to receive my new provisional licence?
A: Online applications are usually processed within 5‑7 working days. Postal applications can take up to three weeks, depending on post‑office speed and DVLA workload.
Q2: Can I change my address if I’m abroad?
A: Yes. You’ll need to use the postal route and provide a UK‑based proof of address. You can also authorize a trusted person in the UK to submit the form on your behalf.
Q3: Do I need to surrender my old licence?
A: No. The DVLA will automatically cancel the old licence once the new one is issued. However, keep the old licence until you receive the new one as a backup.
Q4: What if I’ve moved multiple times in the last year?
A: You only need to report your current address. If you have multiple recent addresses, keep a record of the most recent proof of address for future reference.
Q5: Is there a fee waiver for students or low‑income drivers?
A: The DVLA does not currently offer fee exemptions for address changes, regardless of occupation or income level.
Quick Reference Table
| What you need | Where to get it | How to submit |
|---|---|---|
| Provisional licence (photocard) | Your wallet / DVLA portal | Keep it handy; not required to send |
| Proof of new address (utility bill, council tax, bank statement) | Your utility provider, bank, or council | Scan/upload (online) or attach (post) |
| DVLA form D1 (if posting) | Post Office or DVLA website | Fill and mail with documents |
| £20 fee | Debit/credit card (online) or cheque/money order (post) | Pay during online checkout or include with post |
Final Thoughts
Updating the address on your provisional driving licence is a straightforward process, but it does require a bit of preparation. By gathering the right documents, choosing the method that suits your situation, and double‑checking the information before you submit, you’ll be back on the road with a correctly‑addressed licence in no time.
Tip: Set a calendar reminder for six months after you move to re‑check that all your driving‑related records (licence, insurance, vehicle tax) still reflect your new address. This simple habit can save you both money and inconvenience down the line.
Now that you know exactly what to do, go ahead and get that address change sorted—your future self will thank you!