| By Chandraketu Tripathi | Updated April 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| When you move house, you must update your DVLA driving licence address. It is free, quick online, and failing to do it carries a fine of up to £1,000. Here is the complete guide including how to update your V5C logbook at the same time. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Verdict 2026 Change online: gov.uk/change-address-driving-licence | Cost: Free | New photocard: ~3 weeks | Fine for not updating: up to £1,000 | Also update V5C separately — they are different DVLA records | ||||||||||||||||||||
Is It a Legal Requirement? | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Yes. Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, you must ensure the DVLA holds your current address. Penalty notices for speeding or parking are sent to your DVLA address — if it is out of date, you may miss them and face additional fines and a failure-to-respond charge. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Fine: Up to £1,000 for failing to notify the DVLA of an address change. Update as soon as you move. | ||||||||||||||||||||
How to Change Online (Free, ~3 Weeks) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Go to gov.uk/change-address-driving-licence. You need: current UK driving licence number (16 characters), National Insurance number, and your new address. The DVLA sends a new photocard to your new address in approximately 3 weeks. You can drive using your old photocard while you wait — your licence remains valid. | ||||||||||||||||||||
How to Change by Post | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Fill in section 2 of the D1 form (available from any Post Office). Include your current photocard. Send to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN. No fee. Approximately 3 weeks. Required if you cannot access the internet. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Update Your V5C (Logbook) Separately | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Your driving licence and V5C are entirely separate DVLA records. Updating one does not update the other. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Important: Changing address can affect your car insurance premium. Where you live affects risk ratings for theft and accidents. Always notify your insurer when you move. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Does This Affect Penalty Points? | ||||||||||||||||||||
| No. Your penalty points are linked to your licence number, not your address. Changing your address does not remove, alter or reset any endorsements. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Changing Name and Address at the Same Time? | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Not online simultaneously. The DVLA requires name changes by post (D1 form with supporting evidence such as marriage certificate or deed poll) even if you are also updating your address. Address changes and name changes must be submitted as separate applications. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Verdict 2026 Changing your driving licence address is free and takes about 3 weeks online at gov.uk/change-address-driving-licence. Update your V5C logbook separately — send section 6 to DVLA Swansea by post. Failing to keep your DVLA address current carries a fine of up to £1,000 and can mean missing important legal notices. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Frequently Asked QuestionsIs it free to change my driving licence address? Yes. Changing your address on your driving licence is free. The DVLA issues a new photocard with your updated details at no charge. Do I need to update my V5C separately? Yes. Your driving licence and V5C are separate DVLA records. A change on one does not automatically update the other. Update both. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Related Guides | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Sources: GOV.UK change-address-driving-licence, DVLA D1 form guidance, Road Traffic Act 1988. Always verify. April 2026. |
How to Change Your Address on Your Driving Licence UK 2026 (Free, ~3 Weeks)
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