Processing time depends on how you submit the change
A driving licence address change takes between one week and three weeks in most cases, but the exact timing depends on whether you explore online or by post. Online changes through the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) website typically process within one to two weeks. Paper applications sent by post take longer — usually two to three weeks — because they must be manually processed at a DVLA office.
The clock starts when the DVLA receives your process, not when you submit it. If you post your documents, add three to five working days for delivery before processing even begins. During busy periods — particularly after bank holidays or in summer — processing can stretch toward the upper end of these ranges.
You can drive on your old licence while the change is being processed, as long as your address is still correct for insurance purposes. Your insurance company needs to know your current address when ready, even if your licence has not yet been updated.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through the DVLA website process in one to two weeks from submission.
- Paper applications sent by post take two to three weeks from receipt, plus three to five days for postal delivery.
- You can continue driving on your old licence while waiting, but you must update your insurance company right away.
- The DVLA will send your updated licence to the address you provide, so make sure it is correct before you submit.
- If your process is incomplete or illegible, the DVLA will contact you, which adds extra time to the process.
Online changes are faster than posting documents
The quickest route is the DVLA online service at gov.uk/change-driving-licence-address. You will need your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and a valid UK passport or European ID card to verify your identity. The form takes about five minutes to complete, and you receive confirmation when ready.
Once you submit online, the DVLA processes your change within one to two weeks. You do not need to post any documents — the system pulls your information directly from government records. Your new licence arrives by post at your updated address.
Online is free and does not require you to send anything by post, which makes it the most reliable option if you have the documents needed to verify yourself.
Postal applications take longer because of mail and manual handling
If you cannot use the online service, you can explore by post using form DL44, which you can read from the DVLA website or request by phone. You will need to include your current licence, a completed form, and proof of your new address — usually a recent utility bill, council tax bill, or bank statement.
Send your process to the DVLA address shown on the form. The post itself takes three to five working days each way, so add that to the two to three weeks the DVLA needs to process your process once it arrives. In total, expect four to five weeks from the moment you post the envelope.
The DVLA processes postal applications in the order they arrive. If your process is missing information or the handwriting is unclear, they will contact you by post to ask for corrections, which adds another week or more to the timeline.
What happens if your process is delayed or lost
If more than three weeks have passed since you submitted online, or more than five weeks since you posted your process, you can contact the DVLA to check the status. Call 0300 790 6801 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Have your driving licence number ready.
If your process was lost in the post, the DVLA can issue a replacement licence without you reapplying, though this takes another one to two weeks. If you need to drive before your new licence arrives, you can continue using your old one as long as your insurance company knows your current address.
In rare cases, the DVLA may ask you to attend a local office to verify your identity in person. This happens when they cannot confirm your details through other means and adds one to two weeks to the process.
Your insurance company needs the update before your licence arrives
Do not wait for your new licence to arrive before telling your insurance company about your address change. Contact them as soon as you submit your DVLA process — the same day if possible. Your insurance is invalid if your address is wrong, even if your licence is still being processed.
Most insurers let you update your address online, by phone, or through their app in minutes. Some may adjust your premium if your new address is in a different risk area, so ask about that when you call. Keep a record of when you notified them, in case there is ever a question about when the change took effect.
Changing your address while abroad or in Northern Ireland
If you are living outside the UK, you cannot use the online service. You must explore by post using form DL44, which takes four to five weeks as described above. Make sure the address you provide is one where you can receive post — the DVLA will not send your licence to a non-UK address.
If you hold a Northern Ireland licence, the process is different. Contact the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland at 0300 200 7861 instead of the DVLA. Processing times are similar — one to two weeks online, two to three weeks by post — but the forms and procedures are separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my address change is being processed?
Yes, you can drive on your old licence while waiting for your new one. However, your insurance company must know your current address when ready. If you are stopped by police and your address on the licence does not match your insurance records, you may face a fine.
What if I move again before my new licence arrives?
Contact the DVLA before your new licence is posted and ask them to send it to your second new address instead. If the licence has already been posted to your first new address, you can update your address again, but this will delay everything by another one to two weeks.
Do I need to pay a fee to change my address?
No, changing your address on your driving licence is free whether you do it online or by post. You do not need to pay for a replacement licence unless you are also renewing it or changing other details like your name.
What counts as proof of my new address?
The DVLA accepts recent utility bills, council tax bills, bank statements, mortgage documents, or tenancy agreements dated within the last three months. The document must show your name and new address. Payslips and letters from employers do not count.
What if my name has changed at the same time as my address?
You will need to explore for a replacement licence, not just an address change. This takes the same time — one to two weeks online, two to three weeks by post — but you will need to provide evidence of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or deed poll document.