Moving house comes with a long list, and updating your car’s paperwork is easy to forget. change address on V5C log book is one of the quickest jobs on that list, though. It is free, it takes about two minutes online, and the DVLA posts you a new logbook within a few days. It is also a legal requirement, and skipping it can cost you up to £1,000.
Here is exactly how to update your V5C when you move, whether you do it online or by post, how long each route takes, and what to do if you’ve lost the logbook or need to change your name at the same time.
How do you change the address on your V5C log book?
You change the address on your V5C log book either online through the DVLA or by posting the logbook to Swansea. The online route is faster and free, and a new V5C arrives within about five working days.
To do it online, go to the DVLA’s change address on V5C service on gov.uk. You’ll need three things to hand. These are the 11-digit reference number from your current logbook, your vehicle registration, and your new postcode. The form takes about two minutes, and the service runs from 7am to 9pm (8pm at weekends). The DVLA updates your record straight away and sends the new logbook out.
How do you change your V5C address by post?
To change your V5C address by post, fill in the new-keeper address section, sign the declaration, and send the whole logbook to the DVLA. It’s still free, but a new V5C takes around four to six weeks rather than days.
Which section you complete depends on your logbook’s age. On the older blue-green style (pre-2012) it’s Section 6; on the newer red style it’s Section 3. Enter your new address, double-check it for typos, sign it, and post the entire V5C to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA. You do not need a stamp from within the UK, and you do not include a cover letter or fee. Online is the better option if you’re in any hurry.
How long does a V5C address change take?
An online V5C address change takes about five working days for the new logbook to arrive. A postal change takes roughly four to six weeks, because the DVLA has to handle the physical document.
You can carry on driving normally while you wait. The DVLA updates your record well before the printed logbook lands on your doormat, so there is no gap where your car is “unregistered”. If nothing arrives within the expected window, contact the DVLA to check on the application.
Does it cost anything to update your V5C address?
No. Changing the address on your V5C is completely free, online or by post. There is no admin charge and no postage to pay if you are sending it within the UK.
The only time money comes into it is if your logbook is lost or damaged and you need a replacement first, which costs £25. Once the new logbook is on its way, the address change itself still costs nothing.
What if you’ve lost your V5C and need to change your address?
If you’ve lost your V5C, you can’t change the address on it until you have a replacement. Order a new logbook from the DVLA first, then update the address, or do both together through the online replacement service.
A replacement V5C costs £25 and can be ordered online or by phone. The DVLA’s online service now lets you apply for a new logbook with your correct address in one go, so you do not have to wait for the old one to be reissued and then change it separately. If your details are otherwise in order, that single step is the quickest fix.
Can you change your name and address on a V5C at the same time?
Yes. You can change your name and address on your V5C together, but a name change has to be done by post, not online. Update both in the same address section and include a letter explaining the name change with supporting proof.
Acceptable proof is something like a marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, or deed poll document. Send the completed V5C and the supporting paperwork to the DVLA at Swansea. Because the name change forces the postal route, expect the four-to-six-week timeframe rather than the faster online turnaround.
What else should you update when you move?
When you change your V5C address, update your driving licence, car insurance and vehicle tax details too. Several of these carry their own penalties or risks if they’re left out of date.
- Driving licence. Update it free on gov.uk. Like the V5C, an out-of-date licence address can mean a fine of up to £1,000.
- Car insurance. Tell your insurer straight away. Your postcode affects your premium, and an old address can invalidate the policy.
- Vehicle tax by Direct Debit. If you pay VED by Direct Debit, contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6802 to keep the payment details right.
- Breakdown cover and parking permits. Update your provider, and cancel or reapply for any resident’s permit tied to your address.
If the move has you reassessing an older car that’s not worth keeping, it can be a sensible moment to weigh up scrapping it. You can find out what your car is worth with a free valuation, we offer free collection across the UK, and you can get an instant quote whenever you’re ready.
Frequently asked questions about V5C address changes
Can I change my V5C address online?
Yes. The DVLA’s online service at gov.uk/change-address-v5c lets you update your address in about two minutes using your logbook reference number, registration and postcode. A new V5C arrives within roughly five working days, and it’s free.
What is the DVLA address for sending a V5C?
Send the completed logbook to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA. No stamp is needed from within the UK, and you don’t include a fee or cover letter for a standard address change.
Can I drive while waiting for my new V5C?
Yes. You can drive normally while the new logbook is processed. The DVLA updates your record before the printed V5C arrives, so there’s no need to wait for the document.
What happens if I don’t update my V5C address?
Failing to tell the DVLA you’ve moved is an offence and can lead to a fine of up to £1,000. You may also miss important letters such as tax reminders or recall notices sent to your old address.
Do I need to change my address before selling or scrapping the car?
It is sensible to keep the V5C accurate, but if you are scrapping the car you mainly need the logbook to hand so the Authorised Treatment Facility can notify the DVLA and issue your Certificate of Destruction. Keeping your details current avoids any confusion over correspondence.
