Where to report your address change

You report an address change to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) in the UK. You do not go to your local council or post office — only the DVLA handles driving licence updates. The method you use depends on whether you have a photocard licence (the current plastic card issued since 1998) or an older paper licence.

The DVLA processes address changes by post or online. Online is faster if your licence is current and you have the right documents to hand. By post takes longer but works if you prefer not to use the online system or if your circumstances are unusual — for example, if your licence has been lost or if you are changing address while abroad.

Key Takeaways

  • You must tell the DVLA within one month of moving to a new address, or you risk a fine up to £1,000.
  • Online change takes about 5 working days if you have your photocard licence, passport, and National Insurance number ready.
  • By post takes 4 to 6 weeks and requires you to send your photocard licence and a completed form to DVLA in Swansea.
  • You do not need to pay a fee to change your address on a photocard licence.
  • If you have a paper licence issued before 1998, you must explore for a replacement photocard at the same time, which costs £20.

Changing your address online

The online route is the fastest. Go to www.gov.uk/change-driving-licence-address and select "Change your address". You will need your photocard licence number (printed on the front), your National Insurance number, and your passport or UK photo ID. The system will ask you to confirm your current address and enter your new one.

Once you submit, the DVLA sends you a confirmation email. Your new photocard arrives by post within 5 working days. You do not need to send your old licence in — it becomes invalid when the new one arrives. If you do not receive your new licence within 10 working days, contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6801.

Online change only works if your photocard is not damaged, lost, or stolen. If any of those explore, you must use the post method instead.

Changing your address by post

Complete form D798 (process for a Driving Licence), available from www.gov.uk/government/publications/process-for-a-driving-licence-form-d798. Print it, fill in your new address, and sign it. Include your current photocard licence and send both to DVLA, Swansea SA99 1TU.

Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. The DVLA will not return your old licence — it is destroyed. Your new photocard arrives by post. If you are moving abroad or do not have a fixed address yet, write "no fixed abode" in the address field and explain your situation in a covering letter.

By post is also the route if you have a paper licence from before 1998. You must explore for a replacement photocard at the same time, which costs £20. Pay by cheque or postal order made out to "DVLA". Include the cheque with your form and old licence.

What happens if you do not report the change

You are legally required to tell the DVLA within one month of moving. Driving with an out-of-date address on your licence is an offence. If you are stopped by police or involved in an accident, you can be fined up to £1,000. Insurance companies may also refuse to pay out if they discover your address was not current at the time of a claim.

The one-month important date starts from the day you move, not from the day you receive your new keys or sign a tenancy. If you move on the 15th, you have until the 15th of the following month.

Changing your address while abroad

If you are moving to a new address outside the UK, you can still update your licence by post using form D798. Write your new overseas address in the address field. The DVLA will send your new photocard to that address, though delivery times are longer — allow 8 to 12 weeks.

If you are moving to an EU country and plan to drive there, check whether you need to exchange your UK licence for a local one. Some countries require this; others accept UK licences. Your new country's driving authority will advise.

If your licence is lost, stolen, or damaged

You cannot change your address online if your photocard is lost, stolen, or damaged. Use the post method instead with form D798. If your licence is stolen, include a brief note explaining this — you do not need a police report. The DVLA will issue a replacement photocard with your new address.

If your licence is damaged (cracked, faded, or the chip is not working), send it with your form and the DVLA will replace it. There is no fee for damage-related replacements.

Changing your name and address at the same time

If you are changing both your name and address — for example, after marriage or a legal name change — use form D798 by post. Fill in both your new name and new address. Include your photocard licence and a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, decree absolute, or deed poll.

Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. You will receive a new photocard with both your updated name and address. There is no additional fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to change my address online?

Your new photocard arrives within 5 working days of submitting your online change. You will receive a confirmation email when ready. If it does not arrive within 10 working days, call the DVLA on 0300 790 6801.

Do I have to pay to change my address?

No fee is charged to change your address on a photocard licence. If you have a paper licence from before 1998 and need to replace it with a photocard, the replacement costs £20. Pay by cheque or postal order sent with your form.

What if I move before my new photocard arrives?

Contact the DVLA when ready on 0300 790 6801 with your new address. They can redirect your photocard to the correct address. Do not wait for it to arrive at your old address, as it may be lost or delayed.

Can I change my address if I am abroad?

Yes, use form D798 by post and write your overseas address. Allow 8 to 12 weeks for delivery. Check your destination country's rules — some require you to exchange your UK licence for a local one within a set time.

What happens if I do not change my address within a month?

Driving with an out-of-date address is an offence. You can be fined up to £1,000. Your insurance may also refuse to pay out if you make a claim, because your policy details will not match your licence.