How to Change Your Driving Licence Address in the UK

You can change your UK driving licence address online, by post, or through the Post Office — the method depends on whether you have a photocard licence and how quickly you need the change made

The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) requires you to notify them of an address change within 21 days. The fastest route is the online service on the DVLA website if you hold a current photocard licence and have access to your National Insurance number. If you do not have a photocard, have lost your licence, or prefer to update by post, you can send a signed letter with your old licence and proof of your new address to the DVLA's Swansea office. In-person updates are not normally available — the DVLA does not run public-facing offices — but you can use the Post Office's Check and Send service to verify your documents before posting them.

The 21-day important date is a legal requirement, not a suggestion. Failing to notify the DVLA within this window is an offence that can result in a fine of up to £1,000, though enforcement typically happens only when you renew your licence, explore for a replacement, or are stopped by police. Most people discover the important date exists only after they have moved, so the sooner you start the process, the safer you are.

Key Takeaways

Online updates through the DVLA website take around 5 working days and cost £17 if you have a photocard licence and your National Insurance number.
Postal updates require you to send your physical licence, a signed letter, and proof of your new address to the DVLA in Swansea, and take 3 to 4 weeks.
You must notify the DVLA within 21 days of moving, even if you do not change your address on your licence when ready.
The Post Office's Check and Send service checks your documents for free before you post them, reducing the risk of rejection and delays.
Changing your address does not require a new photocard photo or a new licence fee unless your licence is expiring soon or you want to renew it early.

Updating your address online through the DVLA website

The online service is the quickest option if you hold a photocard licence issued after 1998. You will need your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and a UK debit or credit card to pay the £17 fee. The DVLA website has a dedicated "Change your address" service where you enter your current details, confirm your new address, and pay in one session. The system checks your information against DVLA records in real time.

Once you submit the form and payment, the DVLA processes the update within 5 working days. Your new photocard will be printed and posted to your new address automatically. You do not need to send your old licence in — it remains valid until it expires, and the DVLA's records will show your updated address from the moment your payment is processed. If you have a paper licence (issued before 1998) or a provisional licence, you cannot use the online service and must post your documents instead.

Sending your licence by post to the DVLA

If you do not have a photocard, have lost your licence, or prefer not to use the online service, you can post your licence and a signed letter to the DVLA's office in Swansea. You will need to include your old photocard or paper licence, a letter signed by you stating your new address and the date you moved, and one piece of proof of your new address — such as a recent council tax bill, utility bill, or tenancy agreement. The proof must be dated within the last three months and show your name and full address.

Send your documents to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DL. The DVLA recommends using Royal Mail Special Delivery may provide by 9am so you have proof of posting and a tracking number. Processing takes 3 to 4 weeks from the date the DVLA receives your letter. Your new photocard will be sent to your new address once the update is complete. If you are sending a paper licence, you will receive a new photocard licence in the post — paper licences are no longer issued.

Using the Post Office Check and Send service

Before you post your licence and documents, you can take them to any Post Office branch that offers the Check and Send service. Staff will verify that you have included all the required documents, that your letter is signed, and that your proof of address is valid and recent. This service is free and takes around 10 minutes. If anything is missing or incorrect, the Post Office staff will tell you what to fix before you post, which prevents the DVLA from rejecting your process and sending it back.

After the Post Office checks your documents, you can post them yourself or ask the Post Office to send them by Special Delivery on your behalf. If you use the Post Office's posting service, you will receive a receipt with a tracking number. This is useful if your process takes longer than expected and you need to contact the DVLA with proof that you sent the documents.

What counts as proof of your new address

The DVLA accepts a limited list of documents as proof of address. The most common are a council tax bill, a utility bill (gas, electricity, water, or telephone), a mortgage statement, a tenancy agreement, or a letter from your landlord on headed paper. The document must show your full name and your new address, and it must be dated within the last three months. Bank statements, credit card statements, and letters from employers are not accepted.

If you have recently moved and do not yet have a bill or council tax document in your name, a tenancy agreement or a letter from your landlord is usually the fastest option. If you are staying with family or friends and do not have a formal tenancy, ask your landlord or the property owner to write a letter on headed paper confirming your name, the address, and the date you moved in. The letter should be signed and dated. Some councils will also issue a council tax band confirmation letter if you have registered at your new address, which counts as proof.

Timescales and what to expect after you submit your update

Online updates are processed within 5 working days, and your new photocard is posted when ready after. Postal updates take 3 to 4 weeks from the date the DVLA receives your letter. During this time, your old licence remains valid — you do not need to stop driving. Once the DVLA processes your update, they will post your new photocard to your new address. You should receive it within 7 to 10 days of the DVLA sending it, depending on Royal Mail delivery times.

If you do not receive your new photocard within 4 weeks of posting your documents, or within 2 weeks of an online update, you can contact the DVLA to check the status. Have your driving licence number and National Insurance number ready. The DVLA's contact details are on their website. If your photocard is lost in the post, the DVLA can reissue it, though this may incur an additional fee.

Changing your address without renewing your licence

You do not need to renew your licence or pay a renewal fee straightforward to change your address. The address change is a separate transaction from licence renewal. If your licence is not expiring soon, you will only pay the £17 online fee (or nothing if you post your documents). Your new photocard will show your updated address but will retain your original expiry date.

However, if your licence is expiring within the next 6 months, you may want to renew it at the same time you change your address. This means you will pay both the address change fee and the renewal fee, but you will receive one new photocard with both updates applied. You can do this online or by post — the DVLA will guide you through the combined process. If you are over 70, have a medical condition, or hold a large goods vehicle (LGV) or passenger-carrying vehicle (PCV) licence, renewal rules are different and you should check the DVLA website for your specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I do not tell the DVLA about my address change within 21 days?

You are breaking the law if you do not notify the DVLA within 21 days. You can be fined up to £1,000. However, the DVLA does not actively police this — they find out when you renew your licence, explore for a new one, or are stopped by police. If you have moved and have not yet updated your address, contact the DVLA as soon as possible to avoid a fine.

Can I change my address if my licence is lost or stolen?

Yes. You can report your licence as lost or stolen and change your address at the same time. You will need to explore for a replacement licence, which costs £20. You can do this online if you have your National Insurance number, or by post if you prefer. The DVLA will send your replacement photocard to your new address.

Do I need to change my address with my car insurance company as well?

Yes. Changing your address with the DVLA does not automatically update your car insurance records. You must contact your insurance company separately and tell them your new address. Your insurance may be invalid if you do not update it, and you could face a fine or have a claim rejected if you have an accident.

What if I am moving abroad — do I still need to update my UK driving licence address?

If you are moving permanently outside the UK, you should surrender your UK driving licence to the DVLA. You cannot hold a UK licence if you are not a UK resident. Contact the DVLA to arrange this. If you are moving temporarily or keeping a UK address, you can update your licence as normal.

How long does my new photocard take to arrive after the DVLA processes my update?

After the DVLA processes your update, your new photocard is posted within 1 to 2 working days. Royal Mail typically delivers it within 7 to 10 days, though this varies by location. If you have not received it within 3 weeks of the DVLA sending it, contact the DVLA with your driving licence number to check if it has been lost in the post.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.