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DVLA warns drivers of potential £1,000 fine for not following advice

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The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has strict rules which must be followed or you could end up with a hefty penalty

Woman leaning out car window stuck in traffic.
Not reporting a key change can result in a £1k fine(Image: Getty Images)

Motorists throughout the UK could face penalties of up to £1,000 if they ignore guidance from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Upon changing their home, it’s crucial to notify the DVLA as they will utilise this address to dispatch any vital correspondence.

Additionally, the address may be employed by other organisations and authorities for verification purposes as this address will be displayed on your driving licence. It is recommended to inform the DVLA of your new address without delay, bearing in mind that beginning the procedure of updating your details will not impact your ability to drive.

Man driving car
The DVLA needs to be made aware of changes(Image: Getty Images)

Official guidance from the DVLA states: “You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA when your address changes.” Posting on X, the DVLA also recommended: ” Moved home? You must update your: driving licence, vehicle log book (V5C), Direct Debit for vehicle tax, private number plate documents.”

How to report a change in address

You can notify a change to your address either online or by post, reports Devon Live. Bear in mind that you may need to complete separate procedures for updating your driving licence, V5C, Direct Debit, personalised number plate documents, and trailer registration certificate where relevant.

Updating your driving licence

There’s no charge to alter your address with the DVLA. If you wish to modify the address that appears on either your full or provisional driving licence online, you can utilise the DVLA’s website.

If you prefer to change your address via post, you’ll need to fill out the ‘changes’ section on letter D741 that came with your licence. Alternatively, you can complete a D1 licence application form available at most Post Offices.

Once completed, send it to:. DVLA Swansea SA99 1BN.

Updating your V5C

Young woman sitting in her car and having problem using mobile phone
Various documentation is affected by a change in address(Image: Getty Images)

Typically, updating the address on your V5C is free of charge. You can do this through the DVLA’s online service.

However, if any of the following apply, you won’t be able to use the service:

  • You’ve already sent your log book to the DVLA
  • You’ve lost your log book
  • Your vehicle is registered as part of the DVLA fleet scheme
  • Your new address is abroad, including the channel islands (Jersey and Guernsey), Isle of Man or Ireland

You can also apply by post, however, this will vary depending on which style of logbook you have.

New-style logbook with multi-coloured blocks on the front cover

  • write the new address in section 3 – do not use a PO Box address
  • send the whole log book to the DVLA address in section 3

Old-style logbook

  • write the new address in section 6 – do not use a PO Box address
  • sign and send the whole log book to the DVLA address in section 8

Updating your Direct Debit

If you pay for vehicle tax via Direct Debit, you will need to inform a change of address to the DVLA by phoning them directly. You can do this by dialling 0300 790 6802.

Updating your personalised number plate documents

If you have a private number plate already assigned to your vehicle, you will only be required to change the address on your V5C. However, if a number is not assigned you will need to fill in either a V750 or V778 where relevant.

If you only need to make use of a V750, you can do this with your DVLA personalised registration account online. Otherwise you can fill in the ‘change of address’ section on your V750 or V778 and sending it to: DVLA Personalised Registrations Swansea SA99 1DS

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