How to Change the Address on Your V5C Log Book (2026 Guide)
If you have moved house in the UK, you must update the address on your vehicle log book, also known as the V5C registration certificate, if you are the vehicle’s registered keeper. Keeping your details up to date helps DVLA contact you about your vehicle and its registration records.
The good news is that changing the address on a V5C log book is usually free, and eligible registered keepers can complete the process online. You can also apply by post if you prefer or if your circumstances require a different application method.
This guide explains how to change the address on your V5C log book, what information you need, how long it takes and which other records you should update after moving.
If you have also moved house, remember to update the address on your UK driving licence. Your driving licence and vehicle log book are separate records.
What Is a V5C Log Book?
A V5C is the vehicle registration certificate issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). It records details about a vehicle and its registered keeper.
The V5C is not the same as a driving licence, vehicle insurance policy or proof of ownership. Being named as the registered keeper does not, by itself, establish legal ownership of the vehicle.
When you change your address, you must update the V5C if you are the registered keeper. You must also update your driving licence separately.
You can start with the official GOV.UK service for changing the address on a V5C.
How to Change the Address on a V5C Log Book Online
For eligible registered keepers moving to another UK address, changing the address online is usually the most convenient option.
Step 1: Open the Official DVLA Service
Visit the official Change your address on your vehicle log book service.
Check that the service applies to your situation before starting.
Step 2: Prepare Your Details
You will generally need:
- Your vehicle registration number.
- The reference number from your V5C log book.
- Your new UK address.
- Access to the relevant vehicle and registration details.
You must be the vehicle’s registered keeper to use the online service.
Step 3: Check Whether Your Vehicle Needs Taxing Soon
Before changing your address, check whether your vehicle needs to be taxed within the next four weeks.
If it does, GOV.UK instructs you to tax the vehicle online using your current V5C before changing the address. Alternatively, you may be able to take your log book to a Post Office that handles vehicle tax and complete both tasks together.
Follow the official instructions to avoid interrupting your vehicle tax arrangements.
Step 4: Enter Your New Address
Follow the online instructions and carefully enter your new UK address.
Review the information before submitting the change. Keep any confirmation provided by the service.
Step 5: Wait for Your Updated V5C
DVLA will send an updated log book to your new address.
The official guidance says to contact DVLA if the new log book has not arrived after four weeks. If you have not received it after six weeks and have not notified DVLA, you may have to pay £25 for a replacement.
You can check the latest instructions on the official V5C address-change page.
Can You Change Your V5C Address by Post?
Yes. If you cannot use the online service, you can generally apply by post using your existing log book.
The instructions depend on which version of the V5C you have.
If You Have the New-Style V5C
If your log book has multicoloured numbered blocks on the front cover:
- Write your new address in section 3.
- Do not use a PO Box address.
- Send the entire log book to the DVLA address shown in section 3.
If You Have an Older-Style V5C
If you have an older version of the log book:
- Write your new address in section 6.
- Do not use a PO Box address.
- Sign the form as instructed.
- Send the entire log book to the DVLA address shown in section 8.
Do not complete the new-keeper section when you are only changing your address.
If your vehicle needs taxing within the next four weeks, follow the official tax instructions before posting your log book.
For the correct procedure, consult GOV.UK’s V5C address-change guidance.
Is It Free to Change the Address on a V5C?
Yes. Updating the address on your existing V5C is usually free.
However, if you have lost your log book and need to apply for a replacement, a fee may apply. The standard replacement V5C fee is currently £25 where applicable.
Before paying anything, establish whether you need to update an existing log book or request a replacement because the original is missing.
Use the official V5C address-change service or replacement log book service to identify the appropriate application.
How Long Does It Take to Receive an Updated V5C?
Processing times depend on how you apply and whether DVLA needs further information.
After changing your address, GOV.UK advises contacting DVLA if the updated log book has not arrived within four weeks.
If you have not received it after six weeks and have not contacted DVLA, you may need to pay for a replacement.
Keep your application confirmation and any relevant correspondence until the updated document arrives.
What Happens If You Do Not Update Your V5C Address?
You must tell DVLA when your address changes. If you fail to do so, you can be fined up to £1,000.
An outdated address can also cause practical problems if DVLA needs to contact you about the vehicle or send documents to your registered address.
Updating your log book is therefore an important part of moving house, even if your vehicle is taxed and insured.
Do not assume that changing your address with your bank, insurer or driving licence automatically updates the V5C. Each record may need to be updated separately.
What Other Details Must You Update After Moving House?
Changing the V5C address is only one part of updating your driving and vehicle records.
After moving, check the following:
1. Your Driving Licence
You must separately change the address on your provisional or full driving licence.
Use the official GOV.UK driving licence address-change service.
You can also read our guide to changing your UK driving licence address.
2. Your Vehicle Tax Direct Debit
If you pay vehicle tax by Direct Debit, you must tell DVLA about your change of address using the relevant process.
Do not assume that updating your V5C automatically changes the address associated with your Direct Debit.
3. Your Personalised Registration Documents
If you have a personalised registration number that is not currently assigned to a vehicle, you may need to update the address on your V750 or V778 document.
Follow the relevant official instructions for the document you hold.
4. Your Motor Insurance
Tell your insurer if your address or where the vehicle is normally kept has changed. Your policy details and premium may be affected.
5. Other Relevant Records
Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to update parking permits, finance agreements and other vehicle-related records.
Can You Change the V5C Address If You Have Lost Your Log Book?
If you have lost your V5C, you cannot use the standard online address-change service for an existing log book.
You will generally need to apply for a replacement or follow the relevant procedure for your circumstances.
The correct process may differ if you have also changed your name, purchased the vehicle recently or are dealing with a transfer of ownership.
Use the official GOV.UK vehicle log book service to determine which application you need.
Can You Change Your Name and Address at the Same Time?
Yes, but you cannot use the standard online address-change service if you need to change both your name and address on the V5C at the same time.
GOV.UK says you must apply by post and complete the relevant sections of your log book. You may also need to provide evidence of your name change, such as a marriage certificate or deed poll.
Check the instructions carefully, as the process differs from changing the address alone.
Use the official V5C address-change guidance to follow the combined name-and-address procedure.
Can You Change a V5C Address to an Address Outside the UK?
The standard online address-change service is for a new UK address.
If you are moving abroad and taking your vehicle with you, GOV.UK advises that you may need to register the vehicle in the country you are moving to. Different procedures can apply depending on whether you are exporting the vehicle permanently or moving temporarily.
Do not enter an overseas address into the standard UK address-change service. Read the official guidance for taking a vehicle out of the UK and registering it in your destination country.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is changing the address on a V5C free?
Yes. Updating the address on your existing V5C is usually free. A fee may apply if you need to replace a lost log book.
2. Can I change my V5C address online?
Yes, if you are the registered keeper, have the required V5C details and are moving to an eligible UK address. Some circumstances require a postal application.
3. How long does a new V5C take to arrive?
GOV.UK advises contacting DVLA if the updated log book has not arrived after four weeks.
4. Can I be fined for not changing my V5C address?
Yes. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you fail to tell DVLA when your address changes.
5. Do I need to change my driving licence address too?
Yes. The V5C and driving licence are separate records. You must update your driving licence address separately.
6. Can I use a PO Box as my new V5C address?
No. The official postal instructions say not to use a PO Box address when writing your new address on the V5C.
7. What if I have lost my V5C?
You need to follow the replacement log book process rather than using the standard address-change service for an existing V5C.
8. Can I change my name and address online together?
No. If you need to change both your name and address on the V5C at the same time, GOV.UK says to apply by post.
Final Thoughts
Changing the address on your V5C log book is usually free and can often be completed online. If you are the registered keeper, prepare your log book reference number, vehicle registration number and new UK address before starting the official service.
Remember to update your driving licence separately and check your vehicle tax Direct Debit, personalised registration documents and insurance details where applicable.
For related information, read our UK driving licence guide and driving licence address-change guide.
Official sources
- Change your address on your vehicle log book (V5C) — GOV.UK
- Tell DVLA you’ve changed address — GOV.UK
- Get a vehicle log book (V5C) — GOV.UK
- Change the address on your driving licence — GOV.UK