The DVLA has issued a reminder to drivers that they need to keep important parts of their information up to date or risk a hefty fine.
When changing your home address, it's important to let the DVLA know as soon as possible.
This is a legal requirement and, if not done, could result in a fine of up to £1,000, as the Daily Record reports.
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Although, this law only applies to people who have permanently changed their address - if you have temporarily moved, such as for university, you don't need to contact the DVLA as long as they can still contact you at your permanent address.
A reminder was issued on social media which reminded drivers of the importance of keeping the agency updated with any address changes.
It tweeted: "Use our easy online service to let us know you’ve moved, and we can update your driving licence and log book quickly. Sorted!"
When updating your home address, there are certain steps that may need to completed while informing the DVLA.
Update your driving licence
Changing your address can be done online by either applying to edit your full driving licence or provisional licence.
Updating your address is free and won't inhibit your legal ability to drive while waiting for the new and updated licence to arrive.
Before updating your driving licence, you will need your current licence, be a resident of the UK and know your previous addresses for the last three years.
Furthermore, you must not be banned from driving at the time of your application.
You will also be asked to provide your driving licence number, National Insurance number and passport number so it doesn't hurt to have these on hand before starting the application process.
You can update your driving licence on the DVLA website here .
Update your vehicle's logbook (V5C)
The address on your vehicle's logbook will also need to be changed if you are the registered keeper.
This is a relatively simple process and can be done via the government's website here .
This service is available from 7am to 8pm.
You need to update your details in a different way if:
- you need to change your name and address on your log book at the same time - for example, if you moved house and changed your name
- you just need to change your name on your log book
- you have sold, transferred or bought the vehicle
You also cannot use this service if:
- you’ve already sent your log book to the DVLA
- you’ve lost your log book - you need to apply for a new log book instead
- your vehicle is registered as part of the DVLA fleet scheme
- your new address is abroad, including the channel islands (Jersey and Guernsey), Isle of Man or Ireland
Update your direct debit
If your vehicle tax is paid via direct debit, you need to inform the DVLA when you change address.
These changes can be made via their website here.
This service will also need to be used if the name on your debit card has been changed or if you have changed your correspondence email address.
Update your personalised number plate documents
If you have a private registration number and it's not on a vehicle, you must update your V750 or V778 documents.
You can update your V750 online using a DVLA personalised registration account.
You can change both your V750 and V778 by post by filling in the 'change of address' section of the forms, signing them and sending them to DVLA Personalised Registrations.
Send by post to this address:
DVLA Personalised Registrations
Swansea
SA99 1DS
If you do not have a V750 or V778
Write a letter saying what your new address is. Sign it and send it to DVLA Personalised Registrations with proof of your identity. This can be a copy of:
- a household bill sent to you in the last 3 months
- your Council Tax bill for this year
- a bank or building society statement sent to you in the last 3 months
- a medical card
- your current British driving licence
- your passport
- your birth certificate
