Drivers could receive a fine of up to £1,000 if they fail to report certain changes to the DVLA. By law, motorists who switch their home address must notify the DVLA as soon as possible.
However, It is worth noting this solely applies to individuals who have permanently moved locations. Temporary movers, such as students relocating for university purposes, are exempt from informing the DVLA provided that the agency has means to contact them at their consistent permanent residence.
There are specific guidelines that must be followed when updating your home address details. It is essential to update your driving licence, whether it is a full licence or provisional, which can be completed without charge via an online application available on the DVLA website.
Things that must be updated alongside your address
Driver’s licence
Before you begin the process to update your driving licence, make sure to have your existing licence to hand. Also, ensure that you are a UK resident, familiar with your previous addresses over the past three years, and that you are currently not disqualified from driving.
You will need to provide your driving licence number, National Insurance number and passport number during the application process, so it is a good idea to have these ready. You can update your driving licence on the DVLA website.
Vehicle’s logbook (V5C)
If you are the registered keeper of a vehicle, you will also need to change the address on your vehicle’s logbook (V5C). This is a straightforward process that can be done via the government’s website. The service is available from 7am to 8pm.
There are different procedures for updating your details under certain circumstances:
- you have sold, transferred or bought the vehicle
- you just need to change your name on your log book
- you need to change your name and address on your log book at the same time – for example, if you moved house and changed your name
Banking details
If you pay your vehicle tax by direct debit, you must notify the DVLA when you change your address. You can do this on their website. This service should also be used if the name on your debit card has changed or if you have updated your email address.
If you own a private registration number that isn’t currently assigned to a vehicle, you will need to update your V750 or V778 documents. You can update your V750 online using a DVLA personalised registration account.
Both your V750 and V778 can be updated by post by completing the ‘change of address’ section of the forms, signing them and sending them to DVLA at the address included in the forms.
Reporting health conditions
If you develop a health conditions which could affect your ability to drive, you must tell the DVLA or once again risk a £1,000 fine. Some of the conditions that could affect your ability to drive include:
- Strokes
- Glaucoma
- Epilepsy
- Syncope
- Diabetes
If you are not sure if your health conditions qualify as something the DVLA needs to know about, you can use the government’s online service which has a complete list of health conditions that must be declared.
