Motorists are being reminded by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of their legal obligation to update their address details, or risk facing a substantial penalty of up to £1,000.
The agency’s recent call to action across social media platforms emphasizes the importance of notifying them promptly when a change of residence occurs. As stated in a DVLA post: “New home? Congratulations! Don’t forget, you can use our online service to tell us you’ve moved. Then put your feet up and relax!”
This requirement extends beyond simply updating a driving license; it encompasses ensuring the accuracy of vehicle registration documents (V5C log book) and associated Direct Debit details for vehicle tax.
Here’s what drivers need to know:
- Address Updates: Drivers must inform the DVLA of any address changes.
- Temporary Moves: No notification is required for temporary relocations, such as students away at university, as long as a permanent address remains on file.
- Beyond Address Changes: Besides updating driving licenses and vehicle documents, motorists must also update personalized number plate records and trailer registration certificates when applicable.
The process is straightforward for most, with the GOV.UK website providing a five-step checklist to guide drivers through the online procedure.
To complete an address change via the GOV.UK portal, individuals generally need:
- Their driving license
- Residency in Great Britain
- Addresses lived at within the last three years
- Confirmation they are not currently banned from driving
Additional information like a National Insurance or passport number may also be requested.
Certain situations require alternative action. For instance, if someone simultaneously changes their name due to marriage and relocates, a postal application is necessary. Drivers moving abroad cannot update their address on their British driving license and must contact the relevant authority in their new country of residence.
Northern Ireland residents have slightly different regulations; they are required to inform the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) “immediately” of any changes to name, address, or health. Similar to Great Britain, the DVA can only be made aware of a Northern Irish address change.
The DVLA also offers a “Driver and vehicles account” service where individuals can view their license records and even apply for a provisional license.
Looking ahead, the Government’s new GOV.UK Wallet, slated for national rollout later this year, will introduce digital driving licenses, offering a potentially convenient alternative to traditional paper documents.
