Warning! A £1,000 fine awaits if you fail to update the postal address on your driving licence once you move home, the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency emphasised. Such an oversight might be discovered if you have a traffic accident, for example. But there is no need to risk a fine. Why? Because is it quick, convenient, and free to update your licence via GOV.UK. You simply need:
- your driving licence (full or provisional)
- to be resident in Great Britain
- to confirm where you lived for the past 3 years
- to not be banned from driving.
A Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency Spokesperson said: ‘Our online service will always be the quickest way to keep your address up to date with us. This helps make sure you do not miss important correspondence when you move.’ Letters that relate to vehicle excise duty, for instance. There is also a greater risk of identify theft if important private documents get delivered to the wrong address.
The Agency further confirmed that you have been able to update your driving licence address online ‘for several years’. And this option seems increasingly popular. In 2015, it processed 1,411,524 transactions. This rose to 2,198,842 in 2019. The process is ‘quick and easy at GOV.UK’, the spokesperson emphasised.
Update driving licence address by post
Whereas 66% of motorists update their address online it can be done via the post. The process varies depending whether you have a photocard licence, or paper. If the former, complete the ‘changes’ section of letter D741 that came with the licence. Next, post the letter and licence to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN.
But what if you have a paper licence? In this scenario, complete form D1 that can be found at a post office. You also need a passport-style picture. Furthermore, you have to prove your identity via an accepted document. You might, for example, offer the 9 digit number on a ‘valid UK passport’. Finally, post such items – along with the driving licence – to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN.
Logbook and insurance
In addition, other documents have to be updated if your postal address changes. Your vehicle’s logbook, for starters (V5C). Again, this can be done online for free at GOV.UK. Inform your car’s insurance company, too. Why? Because if the policy details are wrong the insurer might be reluctant to pay if you make a claim. There might be a fee to update your policy – but it is worth it.