How do I change the address on my driving licence?

For people who need to update their driving licence address.

Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026

Change it online with DVLA. It's free and your new licence should arrive within a week.

You can keep driving while you wait.
You could be fined up to £1,000 if you don't tell DVLA your address has changed.
Also update your vehicle log book (V5C) and vehicle tax Direct Debit if you have them.
Changing your photo at the same time costs £14.
In Northern Ireland there's a different process.

Different in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Rules may be different in:

Northern Ireland: Check nidirect for Northern Ireland

Key facts

Free online
Arrives within a week
Up to £1,000 fine if you don't update

What you need

your driving licence (full or provisional)
to be a resident of Great Britain
to not be banned from driving

You can change the address on a full or a provisional licence. Changing the address is free.

How to change it online

Go to the DVLA "Change the address on your driving licence" service on GOV.UK.
Enter your licence details and your new address.
Choose whether you also want to update your photo. This costs £14 online, but is free if you are over 70 or have a medical short period licence.
Send the application. Your new licence should arrive within a week.

How to change it by post

Use this route if you cannot apply online, or if you have an old paper licence.

Your licence	What to fill in
Photocard licence	The "changes" section of letter D741 that came with your licence. If you do not have your D741, use form D1 (cars and motorcycles) or D2 (lorries and buses)
Paper licence	Form D1 (cars and motorcycles) or D2 (lorries and buses)

Send it to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN.

If you have a paper licence, also send original identity documents and a passport-type photo.
If you want to change your photo at the same time, send a recent passport-type photo and £17 by cheque or postal order. This is free if you are over 70 or have a medical short period licence.
Your licence will usually arrive within 3 weeks. It can take longer if DVLA needs to check your identity or medical details.

Time and cost

Method	Cost (address only)	Cost with new photo	How long
Online	Free	£14	Within a week
By post	Free	£17	Usually within 3 weeks

Other things to update

Your driving licence and your vehicle are separate records at DVLA. If you have a vehicle, also change the address on its log book (V5C).

If you live in Northern Ireland

There is a different process in Northern Ireland, because licences there are issued by the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA), not DVLA. Check nidirect for how to change your address.

Related guides

Where this comes from

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Change your address with DVLA

Common questions

Can I change my name at the same time?

Yes, but you'll have to apply by post.

What if I'm moving abroad?

You can't register a foreign address on a British licence. Contact the licensing authority in your new country.

Source: Change the address on your driving licence

Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026

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