Choose your route
Full and provisional licences can both be updated. DVLA does not charge for an address change, and you can still drive while you wait for the new licence.
| Your situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Living in Great Britain | Apply online with DVLA, or by post. |
| Changing your name as well | Apply by post using GOV.UK's name-change instructions, not the address-only checklist below. For cars and motorcycles, use form D1 and original documents in your new name. |
| Living in Northern Ireland | Apply online with the DVA on nidirect. |
| Moving abroad | Contact the licence authority in your new country. |
Apply online (Great Britain)
You need your driving licence, to be a resident of Great Britain, and not to be banned from driving.
- Open the GOV.UK page and select Start now.
- Sign in, or create sign-in details if you do not have them. You will be told at this point if you need to prove your identity, usually with photo ID.
- Enter your new address and submit. DVLA sends a confirmation email.
- Your new licence should arrive within a week.
Apply by post for an address-only change (Great Britain)
The checklist below is for changing your address only. If your name has also changed, follow the separate name-change instructions linked from GOV.UK.
Your licence will usually arrive within 3 weeks. It might take longer if DVLA needs to check your identity or medical details. Contact DVLA if it has not arrived within 3 weeks. Pay the correct postage.
| Licence type | What to send |
|---|---|
| Photocard with letter D741 | Fill in the changes section of D741 and send it with your photocard. |
| Photocard without D741 | Form D1 (cars, motorcycles) or D2 (lorries, buses) and your licence. |
| Paper licence | Form D1 or D2, your licence, original identity documents and a passport photo. |
Other DVLA records to update
If your vehicle needs taxing in the next 4 weeks, tax it with your current V5C before changing the address on the log book.
You can be fined if you do not tell DVLA about a new address. You do not need to tell DVLA about a temporary move, such as living away at university, if they can still contact you at your permanent address.
- Vehicle log book (V5C): if you are the registered keeper, use GOV.UK's service to change to a UK address, checking its exclusions first, or follow its postal instructions.
- Vehicle tax Direct Debit, if that is how you pay.
- Personalised registration number: update your V750 or V778 if the number is not on a vehicle.
Common questions
Can I drive while I wait for the new licence?
In Great Britain, GOV.UK says you can still drive while waiting for your new licence.
Does changing my licence also change my log book?
No. The log book (V5C) is a separate update. GOV.UK lists it as something you must also do.
I live in Northern Ireland. Is it the same?
No. Use the DVA online service on nidirect. nidirect says to allow at least six weeks for the licence to arrive. If it has not arrived six weeks after you applied, contact DVA Driver Licensing.
Official information
- GOV.UK: Change the address on your driving licence
No charge for an address change, driving while waiting, what you need, online sign-in, confirmation email and arrival within a week. Checked 9 October 2026.
- GOV.UK: Change the address on your driving licence – apply by post
D741, D1 and D2 forms, the DVLA Swansea address, paper licence documents and the 3-week timescale. Checked 9 October 2026.
- GOV.UK: Tell DVLA you have changed address – step by step
Records to update when you move and the temporary-move exception. Checked 9 October 2026.
- GOV.UK: Change your address on your vehicle log book (V5C)
Registered keeper requirement, postal route and taxing first if tax is due within 4 weeks. Checked 9 October 2026.
- nidirect: Keeping your driving licence up-to-date
Northern Ireland address changes with the DVA and allowing at least six weeks. Checked 9 October 2026.