You must tell DVLA within 21 days of moving house

When you move to a new address in the UK, you are legally required to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) within 21 days. This is not optional — driving with an out-of-date address on your licence can result in a fine of up to £1,000. The good news is that updating your address is straightforward and takes about five minutes online or by post.

The method you use depends on what type of licence you hold and whether you need a new photocard printed. Most people can update their address online without ordering a replacement licence, which is the fastest route. If your photocard is damaged, expired, or you straightforward want a new one with your updated address, you will need to order a replacement at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • You must notify DVLA of your new address within 21 days of moving, or you risk a fine of up to £1,000.
  • Most drivers can update their address online for free using the DVLA website, taking just a few minutes.
  • If you need a replacement photocard, you will pay £20 and wait 7 to 10 working days for delivery.
  • You can update by post if you do not have online access, but this takes longer and requires sending your licence to DVLA.
  • Your old licence remains valid until you receive a replacement or until its expiry date, whichever comes first.

Update your address online (fastest method)

The quickest way to change your address is through the DVLA website. You will need your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and postcode. Go to the DVLA's online service for changing your address and follow the steps. The process takes about five minutes and costs nothing.

When you update online without ordering a replacement photocard, your address changes on the DVLA's records when ready. You do not receive a new physical licence — your existing one remains valid with the old address printed on it, but DVLA's system shows your current address. This is sufficient for most purposes, including insurance and police checks.

If you want a new photocard printed with your updated address, you can request one during the online process. This costs £20 and takes 7 to 10 working days to arrive by post. You only need to do this if your current photocard is damaged, expired, or you prefer to have the new address printed on it.

Update by post if you cannot go online

If you do not have internet access or prefer to update by post, you can send your driving licence to DVLA along with a completed form. You will need to fill out form DL43, which you can read from the DVLA website or request by phone on 0300 790 6801. Include a letter stating your new address and sign both documents.

Post your licence and form to DVLA, Swansea SA99 1TU. Keep a record of what you send — take a photo of your licence and the form before posting. DVLA will process your change and return your licence within 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, your old licence remains valid for driving.

If you want a replacement photocard when updating by post, tick the relevant box on form DL43 and include the £20 fee as a cheque or postal order made payable to DVLA. The replacement will be sent with your returned licence.

What happens if you do not update within 21 days

Driving with an out-of-date address on your licence is a criminal offence. If you are stopped by police or involved in an accident, you can be fined up to £1,000. The offence is strict liability, meaning the police do not need to prove you knew about the requirement — only that your address was not current.

Beyond the fine, an out-of-date address can cause problems with insurance claims. If you have an accident and your insurer discovers your licence address does not match your home address, they may refuse to pay out. Insurance companies use address verification as part of their fraud checks, and a mismatch can be treated as a material misrepresentation.

If you have already moved and realised your address is out of date, update it as soon as possible. DVLA does not typically prosecute for delays of a few days, but the longer you wait, the greater the risk.

What you need before you start

To update your address online, have the following information ready: your full driving licence number (found on the front of your photocard), your National Insurance number, and your new postcode. You will also need access to an email address, as DVLA will send you a confirmation.

If you are updating by post, you will need your driving licence, form DL43, and a pen to sign the form. If you want a replacement photocard, you will also need £20 as a cheque or postal order. Do not send cash through the post.

If your name has changed as well as your address — for example, through marriage or deed poll — you will need to update your name at the same time. You can do this online or by post using the same process, but you will need to provide evidence of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or deed poll document.

Your address on insurance and other documents

Updating your DVLA address does not automatically update your car insurance, vehicle registration, or other documents. You must notify your insurance company separately of your move, usually within 30 days. Your insurer may adjust your premium based on your new postcode, as insurance rates vary by location.

You should also update your address with the DVLA's vehicle registration service (V5C registration document) if you own a car. This is a separate process from updating your driving licence. You can do this online through the DVLA website or by post using form V5C/2.

If you have a provisional licence and are learning to drive, the same 21-day rule applies. Update your address using the same online or postal methods.

If your licence is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your licence is lost or stolen, you cannot straightforward update the address — you must order a replacement. Report the loss to the police and get a crime reference number, then contact DVLA on 0300 790 6801 to report it. You will need to order a replacement photocard, which costs £20 and takes 7 to 10 working days.

If your licence is damaged — for example, the photocard is cracked or the information is illegible — you can order a replacement at the same time as updating your address. Use the online service or form DL43 and tick the box for a replacement photocard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my address change is being processed?

Yes. Your old licence remains valid for driving until you receive a replacement or until it expires, whichever comes first. If you updated online without ordering a replacement, your old licence is valid indefinitely — only the address on DVLA's records has changed.

What if I move again before my new photocard arrives?

Update your address again with DVLA. If you have already ordered a replacement photocard and move before it arrives, contact DVLA on 0300 790 6801 to update the delivery address. Do not open the envelope if it arrives at your old address — write "Return to Sender" and post it back.

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

If you are moving permanently outside the UK, you should notify DVLA. Your UK licence remains valid for driving in most countries, but you may need to exchange it for a local licence depending on where you move. Contact DVLA for information specific to your destination.

Is there a fee to update my address online?

No. Updating your address online is free. You only pay £20 if you request a replacement photocard at the same time. Updating by post is also free, but you will need to pay for postage.

What if I gave DVLA the wrong new address by mistake?

Update it again when ready using the same online or postal method. There is no limit to how many times you can update your address, and each update is free (unless you order a replacement photocard). Contact DVLA on 0300 790 6801 if you need help correcting an error.