How to Update Your Address on a V5C
If you have moved house, you are legally required to update your address on your V5C logbook with the DVLA. It is a quick process, costs nothing, and can be done online in minutes. Failing to keep your V5C up to date can result in a fine of up to £1,000 — and means important correspondence from the DVLA goes to the wrong address.
This guide explains exactly how to update your address on a V5C, how long it takes, and what to do if your circumstances are more complex.
Why You Must Update Your V5C Address
The V5C records the name and address of the registered keeper of the vehicle. The DVLA uses this address to send vehicle tax reminders, MOT reminders, recall notices, and any enforcement correspondence. If your address is out of date, you may miss important notifications — and you remain legally responsible for any consequences.
Failing to notify the DVLA of a change of address can result in a fine of up to £1,000. The process takes less than five minutes online. There is no good reason to delay.
How to Update Your Address Online
This is the fastest and recommended method. Go to gov.uk and search for "change address on V5C" or navigate directly to the vehicle management section.
You will need your V5C document reference number — the 11-digit number printed on the front of your logbook — and your vehicle's registration number. You will also need your new UK address.
Enter your details, confirm the change, and submit. The DVLA updates their records immediately. A new V5C showing your updated address is sent to your new address within five working days.
Keep your old V5C until the new one arrives — do not destroy it in advance.
How to Update Your Address by Post
If you prefer to update by post, or if your V5C is the older style without an online reference, complete Section 3 of a new-style V5C or the equivalent section on an old-style logbook.
Fill in your new address details in the relevant section, sign the declaration, and post the entire V5C to DVLA, Vehicle Customer Services, Swansea, SA99 1BA.
Allow four to six weeks for postal processing. The DVLA will send a new V5C to your new address once the change has been processed.
Do not send just the relevant section — post the entire document.
What If You Have Lost Your V5C?
If you have lost your V5C and also need to update your address, you cannot update the address using the online service — the service requires the document reference number from the physical V5C.
In this case, apply for a replacement V5C using the V62 form or the online replacement service at gov.uk/vehicle-log-book. When applying, enter your new address — the replacement will be issued to your current address and will show the correct details from the outset.
The replacement costs £25.
Updating Address for Multiple Vehicles
If you own more than one vehicle, you must update the address for each one separately. There is no bulk update facility — each V5C must be updated individually using that vehicle's document reference number.
What About a Name Change?
A name change — for example following marriage or deed poll — cannot be done online. It must be done by post.
Complete the relevant section of your V5C with your new name, include evidence of the name change — a marriage certificate or deed poll document — and post the V5C to DVLA, Vehicle Customer Services, Swansea, SA99 1BA. The DVLA will issue a new V5C in your new name within four to six weeks.
Do not send original documents — send certified copies where possible, or contact the DVLA directly on 0300 790 6802 for guidance on what is acceptable.
What Happens If You Do Not Update Your Address?
Beyond the potential fine of up to £1,000, failing to update your address has practical consequences. You may miss vehicle tax reminders and incur late payment penalties. You may miss MOT reminders and inadvertently drive with an expired MOT. You may miss manufacturer recall notices relating to safety defects. Enforcement notices for traffic offences may go to your old address, creating complications if you are unaware of them.
None of these outcomes are difficult to avoid. The online update takes minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to update my address if I am temporarily staying elsewhere? No — the address on the V5C should be your permanent residential address. Short-term stays do not require an update. If you have moved permanently, update it promptly.
Can I update my address at a Post Office? No — address changes must be done online via gov.uk or by post to the DVLA. Post Offices handle V5C replacements and vehicle tax but not address changes.
How long does it take for the new V5C to arrive? Online updates: five working days. Postal updates: four to six weeks.
Is there a fee for updating my address? No. Updating your address on a V5C is free. The only cost arises if you also need a replacement V5C because yours is lost — in which case the standard £25 replacement fee applies.
What is the document reference number and where do I find it? The document reference number is an 11-digit number printed on the front page of your V5C. It is sometimes called the V5C reference number. Keep it secure — it can be used to apply for a replacement or to tax your vehicle online.
Key Takeaways
You are legally required to update your V5C address when you move house — failure can result in a fine of up to £1,000. The online update at gov.uk is free, takes minutes, and results in a new V5C arriving within five working days. You need your 11-digit document reference number and vehicle registration to update online. Postal updates take four to six weeks — post the entire V5C to DVLA, Vehicle Customer Services, Swansea, SA99 1BA. Name changes must be done by post with supporting evidence — they cannot be completed online. If your V5C is lost, apply for a replacement using the V62 form and enter your new address on the application.