How to change your address on your driving licence

Find out how you can change your address on your driving licence.

Published: 21 Aug 2024 Last updated: 11 Jun 2026 5 mins read

Key points

It’s important to update your address on your driving licence as soon as you move. If you don’t, you could face a fine of up to £1,000
You can change your address online through the GOV.UK website or by post. The online option is usually the quickest and you can continue to drive while the change is being processed
You should also update your address on other car-related documents, including your car insurance log book (V5C).
Letting your insurance provider know about your address change as soon as possible is important. Some insurers may allow you to arrange this in advance, while others will ask you to update it once you’ve moved. This helps make sure you receive important information about your policy, such as renewals or changes.

Moving can sometimes be a stressful experience. From making sure everything’s packed correctly, to making sure your address is changed everywhere. There’s usually that one that you forget, but if it’s your driving licence you could be looking at a fine. The same general rules apply if you don’t change your address, you can be fined up to £1,000 and you can continue to drive while you wait for your licence to come back.

Change your address on your driving licence online

Changing your address online is generally the quickest of the two, and you do it on the Gov.uk website. It doesn’t cost you anything and you can continue to drive while the change is happening. If you don’t change your address and get caught you can be hit with a fine of up to £1,000.

To complete the online form you’ll need your personal details, like name, address, date of birth, and driving licence number.

Change your address on your driving licence by post

Changing your address by post has 2 different processes, depending on whether you have a photocard driving licence or a paper driving licence. Generally, you can pick up the forms from your local post office and send them straight back.

Find out more about how to change your address by post.

If you’re still running with a paper licence, when you change your address, you will need to upgrade to a photocard licence at the same time.

Update your address on other car documents

Make sure the relevant authorities, such as the DVLA, know you've moved house. Use our checklist below:

What I need to change	How?
DVLA (driving licence)	Online or by post at Gov.uk
Car insurance	Check with your provider, sometimes this can be done on their app or by calling them
V5C (log book)	Online or by post at Gov.uk
Road tax (only if you pay a monthly direct debit)	Online or by post at Gov.uk
Personalised number plate	Online or by post at Gov.uk

When do I need to tell my car insurance provider about my address change?

Letting your car insurance provider know as soon as possible once you’ve moved is important. Updating your address means nobody will be receiving mail that isn’t theirs, and you’ll still be kept up to date with any important changes to your policy like renewal, or new terms.

Some providers will let you tell them in advance that you’re changing address and will set up the change for the day you move into your new home. But some may ask you to just let them know once you’re in and settled.