You must notify DVLA within 14 days of moving house

When you move to a new address in the UK, you are required by law to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) within 14 days. You do not need to explore for a new licence or pay a fee — you straightforward update your address on the record they hold. The DVLA will send you a new photocard with your updated address printed on it, and your old one becomes invalid.

The address on your driving licence must match the address DVLA has on file for you. If you are stopped by police or involved in an accident and your licence shows an old address, you may face a fine of up to £1,000. More importantly, if you do not update your address and you receive a driving penalty notice or court summons, you may not receive it — which can lead to further legal consequences.

Key Takeaways

  • You must notify DVLA of your new address within 14 days of moving, or you risk a fine up to £1,000.
  • You can change your address online through the DVLA website, by post, or by phone — online is fastest and takes a few minutes.
  • DVLA will post you a new photocard licence with your updated address; your old licence is no longer valid once you receive it.
  • You will need your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and proof of your new address to complete the change.
  • If you have changed your name as well as your address, you must send your licence by post and provide a name change document.

Changing your address online

The fastest way to update your address is through the DVLA website at www.gov.uk/change-address-driving-licence. You will need your driving licence number (the 16-character code on the front), your National Insurance number, and your postcode. The process takes about five minutes and you can do it from any device with internet access.

Go to the DVLA page, select "Change your address", and enter your current details. You will then be asked to confirm your new address. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation email. DVLA will post your new photocard to your new address within one to two weeks. Your old licence remains valid until the new one arrives.

Changing your address by post

If you prefer not to use the online service, or if you have also changed your name, you must send your driving licence by post. Write to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD. Include your old driving licence, a letter stating your new address, and proof of your new address (a utility bill, council tax bill, or tenancy agreement dated within the last three months).

Do not send your licence by special delivery or recorded mail — use standard post. DVLA will process your request and post your new licence back to you within two to three weeks. Keep a note of when you posted it in case you need to follow up.

Changing your address by phone

You can also call DVLA on 0300 790 6801 to update your address over the phone. You will need your driving licence number and National Insurance number ready. The call handler will take your new address and confirm it back to you. You will then receive your new photocard by post within one to two weeks.

Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm, and Saturday 8am to 2pm. Wait times can be long during peak hours, so calling early in the week or before 10am may be quicker.

What happens if you have also changed your name

If you have changed your name as well as your address — through marriage, divorce, deed poll, or other means — you cannot use the online service. You must send your driving licence by post along with proof of your name change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or deed poll certificate.

Send your licence, proof of name change, and proof of your new address to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD. DVLA will issue a new licence with both your new name and new address. This takes slightly longer than an address-only change, usually two to three weeks.

What to do if you have lost your licence

If you have moved and cannot find your driving licence, you will need to report it lost and request a replacement at the same time. You cannot straightforward update the address. Go to www.gov.uk/replace-lost-stolen-driving-licence and follow the online process, or call DVLA on 0300 790 6801.

You will need to pay a replacement fee (currently £20) and provide proof of your new address. DVLA will send you a new licence with your updated address within one to two weeks. If you suspect your licence was stolen rather than lost, you should also report it to the police and provide DVLA with a crime reference number.

Proof of address documents DVLA will accept

If you are changing your address by post, or if you have lost your licence, DVLA needs proof that you live at your new address. The document must be dated within the last three months and show your name and full address. Acceptable documents include:

  • A utility bill (gas, electricity, water, or broadband)
  • A council tax bill or rates bill
  • A tenancy agreement or mortgage statement
  • A bank or building society statement
  • A letter from your employer on headed paper
  • A letter from a government department or local authority

Do not send original documents — DVLA will not return them. Make a photocopy or take a clear photo of the document and send that instead. If you are posting your process, include a copy with your licence and proof of name change (if applicable).

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I move again before my new licence arrives?

Contact DVLA as soon as you know your next address. You can call 0300 790 6801 or go back to the online service and update your address again. DVLA will redirect your licence to the new address if you notify them before it has been posted. If it has already been posted to your first new address, you will need to collect it from there or ask the new occupant to forward it to you.

Do I need to change my address if I am moving abroad?

If you are moving permanently outside the UK, you should notify DVLA. Your UK driving licence remains valid for driving in most countries, but DVLA needs to know your correct address for their records. You can update your address to an overseas address online or by post. Some countries have different rules about UK licences, so check the rules for your destination country before you move.

What if I do not have proof of my new address?

DVLA requires proof of address dated within the last three months. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or council tax bill in your name, ask your landlord or letting agent for a letter confirming your tenancy, or use a bank statement if it shows your new address. If you genuinely cannot obtain any document, call DVLA on 0300 790 6801 to discuss your options.

Will I get a new photocard if I only change my address?

Yes. DVLA will post you a new photocard with your updated address. Your old licence is no longer valid once the new one arrives. The new photocard will have the same expiry date as your old one, so you do not need to renew your licence early.

Can someone else change my address for me?

No. Only you can request a change to your driving licence. If you are unable to do so yourself due to illness or disability, contact DVLA on 0300 790 6801 to discuss what support they can provide. You may be able to authorise someone to help you, but the request must come from you.