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How to Change your Car Address and Details When you Move

Sep 04, 2024
Changing vehicle details when you move
Changing the address of your vehicle may not be your priority when moving to your new home, but it’s important to do it once you’ve settled in. This guide explores how to update your car details, from your insurance and driving licence to your vehicle’s logbook and plate.

Key Takeaways

Car Insurance Details:
Contact insurer (online or after move).
Address change may affect premium.
 
Driving Licence Details:
Update address with DVLA (online or by post).
 
Vehicle Log Book (V5C) Updates:
Fill V5C section 6 with new address.
Send to DVLA (no charge).

Car Tax and Private Number Plate:
Inform DVLA of your new address
Update private number plate address by filling out a V750 or V778 form.

1. Car insurance 

You can contact your insurer before or after you move. Some charge an admin fee for changes of address, typically £25. Alternatively, you can update your details for free online. 
 
To calculate the price of your insurance, they will consider your age, occupation, location, where you’ll park your car, and your claims history. If you’re not happy with the premium quote, you can cancel the policy and shop around for a better deal.
 

2. Driving licence 

To update the address on your driving licence, you need to contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You can do this online or by post. This service is free, and your new licence will be sent to your new address within a week for online applications and three weeks if you apply by post. 
 
To apply, you’ll need your current driving licence and proof of address for the properties you’ve lived in for the past three years. Once the application is complete, you’ll need to cut your old licence in half and post it to DVLA.
 
This process applies to both full and provisional licences. If you fail to contact the DVLA, you may receive a £1,000 fine.
 

3. Vehicle logbook (V5C)

You’ll also have to update the address on your vehicle logbook (V5C) so you can keep receiving important notifications. You can do this for free by filling in section 3 of the V5C, signing it, and dating it. You don’t need to write your name or tick the ‘new keeper’ box, as you aren’t transferring ownership to somebody else. 
 

4. Car tax

You won’t need to change your car tax when you move house. If you let the DVLA know of your change of address, they’ll inform you when it needs renewing. 
 

5. Private number plate

If you have a private number plate, you can update your address by filling out a V750 or V778 form by post. Alternatively, you can complete the form online.  
 

FAQs

If you still have doubts, find the answers to some frequently asked questions below.
 

Is the process different for provisional licences?

The process is the same for full and provisional licences.
 

How much does it cost to change car details?

Most services are free. However, if your logbook has been damaged, stolen or lost, you’ll need to pay £25 to get a new one. 
 

Can I get fined for not changing my car details?

Yes, you could get fined up to £1,000 if you don’t update your car details. 
 
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