Changing Address On Your Driving Licence: How To Update Through DVLA?

Changing the address on your driving licence is a simple and crucial process that ensures your personal records are up to date and helps you avoid potential legal issues. In the UK, keeping your driving licence information current is not only a legal requirement but also a safeguard for receiving important notices and correspondence. Whether you're moving to a new home, relocating for a job, or even just updating an address error, this process is straightforward and can be completed quickly online.

In this blog, we'll look at different scenarios where you might need to change your address on your driving licence and guide you through the steps. From first-time movers to those who move often, knowing this step-by-step process will help you handle the process smoothly, keeping your records accurate and your driving privileges safe. Let's dive into the details of how to seamlessly update your driving licence address in the UK.

Changing Address on Driving Licence

Changing the address on a driving licence is a simple process that can be completed in two ways. It ensures your driving records are accurate and that you receive any relevant correspondence from the DVLA. To make the procedure run smoothly, it's important to check that you have all the necessary documents before you begin.

Before Your Start

Before you start the process of changing the address on your driving licence, Consider these.

Current driving licence
Address Proof of you are a resident of the Great Britain
Addresses you lived in the past 3 years
New address proof
National insurance number

As mentioned above, changing of address on driving licence can be done in 2 ways including: Online and Post. Below is a detailed explanation for each.

How to Change Address on Driving Licence Online?

Changing driving licence address via online is an easy process and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has made the process quick by just following mentioned few simple steps for driver's licence address update online

Check for Eligibility: Before starting the process, you need to check the eligibility to change address on licence, and which is you must be a resident of Great Britain and legally allowed to drive.
Visit the DVLA Website: Go to the official gov.website, that will take you to official driver & vehicle licensing agency change of address application, where you can change your details.
Start the Application and Enter Your Details: Once you go to the website you can see an online application form, where you need to enter the details. Including your name, gender, date of birth, and country of birth.
Enter the Licence Details: After entering the personal information, now you need to give the additional details including driving licence number, national insurance number and new address.
Review and Confirm: Review all the details you've entered and submit your application.
Receive Confirmation: Once you submit the application, you will receive a confirmation email from DVLA, which contains a reference number of your application.

How to Change Address on Driving Licence by Post

While the online option of changing an address on a driver's licence is quick, some people prefer the traditional postal method. And following the below mentioned steps can help you change your address by post.

Get the Correct Form: The change of address on licence via post, start with visiting the local post office and picking up a D1 form for cars (D2 for bus and lorry), if you want you can even download these forms through DVLA website.
Complete the Form: Once you get the application, fill out the form with all necessary details including name, gender, current driving licence number, and new address.
Attach Necessary Documents: Here comes the next step to attach the necessary documents to change the address in licence. Below are a few documents you need to send to DVLA:

Form D1
Current driving licence
New address proof
Original ID Proof such as your UK passport
Recent passport size photo.

Send Your Application: Once attached and filling in the application. Send your form to DVLA Postal address at DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN.
Wait for Your New Licence: Once posted, you will receive a new driving licence to your new address within one to three weeks.

Why is it Important to Change My Address on Licence?

It's crucial to update your address on your driving licence for several reasons but here is why we insist.

Avoid fines of up to £1,000 for not keeping your address up to date.
Stay legal to avoid complications if stopped by the police or in an accident.
Receive essential notifications from the DVLA.
Avoid missing critical updates and facing penalties or suspension of driving privileges.
Ensure your insurance accuracy to avoid issues with claims or policy validity.
Protect yourself in case of claims by providing accurate information to your insurance and warranty company.
Keep vehicle records accurate by updating your address on your driving licence and vehicle registration.
Avoid delays in selling your vehicle or transferring ownership.
Ease of verification for legal and financial processes requiring proof of identity and address.
Prevent fraud and safeguard against identity theft and fraudulent activities.
Stay organized and reduce stress associated with moving.
Avoid last-minute hassles when using your driving licence as proof of identity or address.

When Should I Renew My Driving Licence?

It's important to keep your driving licence up to date and legally ensure your right to drive. Here are some important points to remember about renewing your driving licence:

1. Photocard Driving Licence: Renew it every 10 years. The expiry date is on the front. The DVLA will send you a reminder two months before it expires, but it's also good to keep track yourself.

2. Aging Drivers: If you are at your 70s, renew your licence every three years. The DVLA will remind you 90 days before your 70th birthday. You can renew up to three months before it expires.

3. Medical Conditions: If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, inform the DVLA. They may issue a shorter-term licence (1-5 years) that needs frequent renewal.

4. Vocational Licences: For LGV (Large Goods Vehicles) and PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicles) drivers, renew every five years until age 45. After 45, renew annually with a medical exam.

5. Address Change: Updating your address isn't the same as renewing your licence, but it's important to keep it current with the DVLA to receive all correspondence, including renewal reminders.

How Much Does It Cost to Change the Address on Driver's Licence?

It's Free of charge to change the address on a driver's licence, but updating your photo will cost you around £14 Pounds.

How Long Does It Take to Update Your Driving Licence?

Once you have sent your application form to DVLA, it will take at least 3 weeks to get your new and updated driving licence, although it may take longer if DVLA needs to verify certain details. If you have been waiting for more than three weeks, you should get in touch with DVLA.

Now you have updated your address your driving licence, you will also need to update your address in your V5 logbook and Direct debit if you are using it to pay your vehicle tax.

Can I Drive While My Licence Is Being Renewed?

Yes, you can drive while your licence is being renewed. The DVLA allows you to drive under specific conditions including:

You must have applied for the renewal of your license at the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).
Also, when you are applying for the renewal of your license, make sure that you qualify to drive again. This can mean not having conditions whereby one is prohibited from driving or has any health issues affecting their driving skills.
your previous licence must be valid that means it cannot have been expired for more than a year.
you should not have been denied a driver's license since your last application.
Ensure you're driving under circumstances that you used to when having the previous licence.

Additionally, please note the following situations when you shouldn't drive:

If you have not renewed your license for over a year.
If you have a new medical condition or a worsening of a previous one since the last license was issued.
If you have been disqualified for driving.

Conclusion

Updating the address on your driver's licence is an important process that ensures you follow legal regulations and enables you to receive essential information regarding your driving and vehicle, such as tax reminders or MOT due dates. It is essential for maintaining your vehicle's roadworthiness and validating your insurance coverage.

Having a valid address on your driver's licence is more than simply legality; it's also about remaining informed and safe. Your driver's licence is an important piece of identification, and having the proper address ensures that any official contact reaches you quickly. This ensures that you do not miss any significant updates or deadlines that may have an impact on your driving privileges or the legal status of your car.

As mentioned, keeping your driver's licence address up to date helps to guarantee that your driving records are correct and that you are in good standing with the DVLA. This easy step helps you avoid penalties and legal troubles while also ensuring a pleasant and hassle-free driving experience.