Change Address on License – Free Step-by-Step Guide for UK Drivers

Changing the address on your UK driving licence is a straightforward process that must be completed whenever you move. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) requires all licence holders in Great Britain to update their details promptly. Doing so online is free and typically takes under a week; by post the process can take up to three weeks. You are still permitted to drive while waiting for the new licence to arrive.

Whether you hold a full photocard licence, a provisional licence, or an old-style paper licence, the DVLA provides clear routes to update your address. Failure to notify the agency can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and may complicate insurance or penalty enforcement. This guide covers both online and postal methods, the documents required, and special cases such as provisional licences and paper licences.

How to change your address on your driving licence online

• Changing your driving licence address is free, whether you do it online or by post.
• Online changes are processed faster (usually within a week) than postal applications (up to 3 weeks).
• You can still drive while waiting for your new licence – your current licence remains valid.
• Failing to update your address can lead to fines up to £1,000.
• If you have an old-style paper licence, you may need to exchange it for a photocard before changing address online.
• The online service requires a UK passport; alternatives exist if you do not have one.
• Northern Ireland residents use a separate service via nidirect.gov.uk.
• You can also update your vehicle log book (V5C) at the same time.

To start the online process, visit GOV.UK – Change the address on your driving licence. You will need your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and UK passport number (if available). The service asks for addresses lived at over the last three years and a few security details. After submission you receive an immediate email confirmation and the new photocard is posted within about seven working days.

How to change your address on your driving licence by post

If you prefer not to use the internet, need to change your name as well as your address, or have an old-style paper licence, the postal route remains available. It costs nothing, but takes longer – up to three weeks.

What form do I use for a postal change?

For a photocard licence, use the D741 notification letter. For a paper licence, you need a D1 application form (available from the Post Office) together with a passport-style photo and your old licence. The D1 form also serves if you are upgrading from paper to photocard at the same time. Download the DVLA form D1 (for postal change) from GOV.UK.

Where do I send the form?

All postal applications go to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN. The DVLA advises that you should contact them if the new licence has not arrived within three weeks.

For a detailed step-by-step, see GOV.UK – Tell DVLA you’ve changed address: step by step.

What documents do I need to change my driving licence address?

The required documents differ slightly depending on whether you apply online or by post, but in both cases you need your driving licence number. The online service also requests your National Insurance number and (if you have one) a UK passport number. These are not mandatory – you can proceed without them, but the process may involve additional identity checks.

Do I need my National Insurance number?

It is asked for but not compulsory. Providing it helps speed up the identity verification process. If you do not know it, you can still submit the form.

Do I need a UK passport?

For the online service, a UK passport is recommended because it allows the DVLA to confirm your identity electronically. Without it you may need to provide alternative identification or use the postal route. Non-UK passport holders can still attempt the online service; if the system cannot verify them, they will be directed to post their application.

Can I change the address on a provisional driving licence?

Yes, the process is exactly the same as for a full licence. You can change the address on a provisional licence online or by post, and it is free. The same documents are required: your provisional licence number, National Insurance number, and passport if applicable. You do not need to send the provisional licence by post when applying online – the new photocard will be sent automatically.

How to change your address on an old-style paper driving licence

If you still hold a paper licence (issued before the photocard system), you cannot use the online service directly. The DVLA requires that paper licences be exchanged for a photocard when the address is changed. You must apply by post using form D1, enclose a passport-style photo, and send your old paper licence. The new licence will be a photocard. This upgrade is free of charge when done as part of an address change.

If you later need to change address again, you will then be able to use the faster online service.

What happens after you change your address with DVLA?

After submitting your change, the DVLA processes your application and posts a new photocard licence to your new address. While you wait, you can drive using your existing licence – you do not need to carry the old licence. For online applications, you receive an immediate email confirmation; for postal applications, no confirmation is sent unless you include a stamped self-addressed envelope.

1. Submit change (online or post) – same day
2. DVLA processes application – online: 1–7 days; post: up to 3 weeks
3. New licence dispatched – after processing
4. Delivery of new licence – 1–2 days after dispatch
5. Old licence (if sent) returned – separately, may take longer

Times are estimates; postal applications take longer during peak periods. If you have not received the new licence after three weeks (postal) or two weeks (online), contact the DVLA. There is no dedicated phone line for address changes; write to them or use the online contact form.

What is certain and what is uncertain when changing your driving licence address?

Why updating your driving licence address matters

Under UK law, you must notify DVLA of any address change. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to £1,000. Keeping your licence details current also ensures your vehicle tax, insurance, and penalty points are correctly associated. Driving with an old address on your licence is not an offence if you have notified DVLA, but it can cause confusion with insurance documents. Many insurers require your licence address to match your home address.

Online is faster and more convenient, but requires a UK passport or alternative online ID. Postal is available to everyone and uses the D1 application form or a written request. For most people, online is recommended.

Driving with an old address on your licence is not an offence if you have notified DVLA, but it can cause confusion with insurance documents. Many insurers require your licence address to match your home address.

Where to find official sources and quotes

“It does not cost anything to change your address with DVLA. You can still drive while you’re waiting for your new licence.”

– GOV.UK (Change the address on your driving licence)

“Changing your address online is generally the quickest of the two, and you do it on the Gov.uk website.”

– Aviva (citing gov.uk)

“Applying online to change your address on your licence. You will need your driving licence, National Insurance number and UK passport number.”

– AutoTrader

For Northern Ireland residents, the official service is at nidirect – Change address on your driving licence online. Additional consumer-focused guides are available from AutoTrader and Carwow.

What to do after changing your driving licence address

Once you have updated your licence, remember to also update your vehicle log book (V5C) – this can be done online at the same time via GOV.UK. Inform your car insurance provider of your new address. Check if you need to update your vehicle tax address (usually done automatically with DVLA address change). If you have a paper licence, consider exchanging it for a photocard to simplify future changes. For more details, see our update your driving licence address guide and the DVLA address change guide.

Frequently asked questions