How to Change Address on a UK Driving Licence
If you have moved house, you must change the address on your UK driving licence so that your driving record remains up to date. For drivers in England, Scotland and Wales, the DVLA provides a free online service to update the address on a full or provisional driving licence.
This guide explains how to change your driving licence address, what information you need, how long the process takes and which other vehicle records you may need to update.
For related information, visit our UK driving licence guidance page If you are interested in getting a fully registered driving licence
How to Change Address on a UK Driving Licence Online
The easiest way to change your address on a UK driving licence is to use the official GOV.UK service. The online process is free for an address change alone.
Follow these steps:
- Open the official DVLA change of address service.
- Sign in or create the required sign-in details.
- Provide the information requested, including your driving licence details and new address.
- Complete any identity checks required by the service.
- Review your information carefully and submit your application.
- Keep the confirmation email for your records.
You can use this service to update the address on a full or provisional driving licence, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.
Is It Free to Change Your Driving Licence Address?
Yes. Changing the address on your driving licence through DVLA is free, whether you apply online or by post.
However, an additional fee may apply if you choose to change your photograph at the same time. GOV.UK currently lists a £14 fee for changing your photo online, with exemptions for eligible drivers aged over 70 or holding a short-period medical licence.
Always check the official GOV.UK driving licence fees page before applying.
What Do You Need to Change Your Driving Licence Address?
Before starting the application, prepare your current driving licence and the details requested by the official service.
You must meet the following basic requirements:
- You must be resident in Great Britain.
- You must not be disqualified from driving.
- You must provide the new address where DVLA can contact you.
- You may need to complete identity verification.
The online service will tell you if additional identity information is required.
If you want to change your name at the same time as your address, you must apply by post rather than use the standard online address-change process.
How Long Does a Driving Licence Address Change Take?
If you apply online, your new driving licence should normally arrive within one week.
Postal applications usually take longer, generally around three weeks. Additional identity or medical checks can cause delays.
If your new licence does not arrive within the expected period, follow the instructions on the official GOV.UK address-change service.
You can still drive while waiting for your updated licence, provided you continue to meet all legal driving requirements and are not disqualified or otherwise prohibited from driving.
What Happens If You Do Not Change Your Driving Licence Address?
You must tell DVLA when your address changes. Failing to update it can lead to a fine of up to £1,000.
Keeping your address current also helps ensure that important correspondence and reminders reach you.
If you have moved recently, update your driving licence details as soon as possible rather than waiting until your licence is due for renewal.
Do You Need to Change the Address on Your V5C Log Book Too?
Yes, if you are the registered keeper of a vehicle, you must update the address on your vehicle log book, also known as the V5C.
Updating the address on your driving licence does not automatically update the address on your V5C. These are separate DVLA records and require separate updates.
You may also need to:
- Update your vehicle tax Direct Debit details if you pay by Direct Debit.
- Update your personalised registration document, V750 or V778, if you have one that is not assigned to a vehicle.
- Update any other relevant vehicle records.
Use the official GOV.UK guide to telling DVLA about an address change to check the steps that apply to you.
Can You Change Your Driving Licence Address by Post?
Yes. If you cannot use the online service, you may be able to apply by post.
For a photocard licence, follow the instructions in the relevant DVLA letter. If you do not have the required letter, you may need form D1 for a car or motorcycle licence or form D2 for a lorry or bus licence. These forms are available from many Post Offices.
The process differs for older paper licences, and you may need to provide identity documents.
Read the official GOV.UK postal application instructions before sending your application.
What If You Are Moving Abroad?
You cannot register an overseas address on your British driving licence through the standard DVLA address-change service.
If you are moving permanently to another country, contact the driving licence authority in your new country of residence to find out how its rules apply to your situation.
If you are only travelling temporarily and retain your permanent address in Great Britain, check the official guidance to establish whether an update is necessary.
What If Your Driving Licence Is Lost or Damaged?
If you have lost your licence or it has been damaged, the address-change process may not be the right application for your circumstances.
Check whether you need to apply for a replacement licence instead. You should also ensure that your personal details are correct when making the application.
Read our guide to replacing a lost, stolen or damaged UK driving licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my UK driving licence address online for free?
Yes. Eligible drivers in Great Britain can change the address on a full or provisional driving licence online through GOV.UK without paying a fee.
How quickly will my new driving licence arrive?
An online application should normally result in delivery within one week. Postal applications generally take around three weeks, although additional checks can cause delays.
Do I need to change my address on my driving licence if I move house?
Yes. You must notify DVLA when your address changes. Failing to do so can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
Can I drive while waiting for my new driving licence?
You can generally continue driving while waiting for the updated licence, provided you remain legally entitled to drive and are not subject to a disqualification or other restriction.
Does changing my driving licence address update my V5C automatically?
No. Your driving licence and vehicle log book are separate records. If you are the registered keeper, you must update the V5C address separately.
Can I change my name and address online at the same time?
No. If you need to change your name at the same time, GOV.UK instructs you to apply by post.
Final Thoughts
Changing the address on your UK driving licence is straightforward for eligible drivers in Great Britain. The DVLA online service is free, and your updated licence should normally arrive within one week.
Remember to update your V5C log book separately if you are the registered keeper of a vehicle, and check any other relevant vehicle records after moving.
Always use the official GOV.UK service to submit your application and confirm the latest requirements.