If you have a driving licence, you will need to update it every 10 years so that it remains valid. A lot can change in the space of 10 years; you might move house, get married, and (like it or not) your appearance will likely change during this time too. You must know how to update your driving licence, so you avoid facing a hefty fine.
£1000 fine for having incorrect details on your driving licence
Drivers could be slapped with a fine of up to £1000 for not updating your driving licence address. Whether you’ve just moved house or changed address a while ago, you should be aware that you could be faced with a huge fine.
Amongst the stress and commotion of moving house, changing your address on your driving licence can be a task that gets overlooked. You may not think it’s important to update the address on your driving licence; however, if you have an accident and need to make a claim, you could be fined up to £1000 for having the wrong address.
Research from insurer Direct Line revealed that millions of motorists fail to update their address with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. A job that takes just 5 minutes could end up saving you thousands down the line.
A DVLA spokesperson said:
“Our online services will always be the quickest way to keep your address up to date with us, which helps make sure you don’t miss important correspondence when you move house.
“Millions of drivers change the address on their driving licence this way, and you can now update your vehicle’s logbook online too. It’s important to remember to update both when you move – and it’s quick and easy on GOV.UK.”
How to update your driving licence address
It’s simple and easy to update your driving licence address with the DVLA. The easiest way to update your address or any details on your driving licence is online by visiting the Government’s website.
What you’ll need to update your address online:
- Your driving licence
- Be a resident of Great Britain (see here for the process in Northern Ireland)
- 3 years address history
- To not be banned from driving
You will also need to provide your driving licence number, national insurance number and passport number if you know them. Once you’ve sent your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email from the DVSA.
Alternatively, you can update your address details via post; however, this may take slightly longer. The process of changing your driving licence address by post differs depending on whether you have a photocard or paper driving licence.
If you have a photocard driving licence:
If you have a photocard driving licence, you will need to complete the ‘changes’ section on the D741 letter that came with your driving licence. Once you’ve completed this, you should send your photocard licence and letter to the DVLA:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BN
You can find out more about changing your photocard driving licence address here.
Paper driving licence
If you have a paper driving licence, you will need to send the following to the DVLA:
- A completed D1 form (for car and motorbike licences)
- Your driving licence
- Original documents confirming your identity
- A passport photograph
Find out more about updating your paper driving licence.
