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Last updated: 25 March 2026
Keeping your driving licence details up to date is easy to overlook after moving home, changing your name, or renewing a photocard. But DVLA says you can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell them when your address changes.
This guide explains what you need to update, how to do it, and what it costs now.
When you need to update your driving licence
You should update DVLA when:
- you change address (including moving temporarily if it affects where you live)
- you change your name (for example after marriage or divorce)
- your photocard is due to expire (typically every 10 years)
How to change your address (DVLA)
You can change the address on your driving licence online, and DVLA says it does not cost anything. You can continue to drive while you’re waiting for the updated licence.
If you’re also changing your name at the same time, GOV.UK says you’ll need to apply by post.
Don’t forget: if you change address, you’ll often also need to update your vehicle log book (V5C) separately.
How to change your name on a driving licence
To change your name (or gender), GOV.UK directs you to apply by post and send supporting documents with the correct form.
Renewing a photocard licence: current DVLA fee
GOV.UK says it costs £14 to renew online.
The DVLA fees page lists different fees depending on what you’re doing (renewal, replacement, changes, etc.), so it’s worth checking the category that matches your situation.
Digital driving licences: what’s happening in the UK
The UK government announced plans for a digital driving licence to sit within a GOV.UK wallet/app approach in January 2025.
A January 2026 update from the Government Digital Service said private testing had begun for the digital driving licence as part of the wider digital wallet work.
For now, you should still assume your physical driving licence remains the primary document until DVLA confirms wider rollout and acceptance.
A quick compliance checklist for van drivers and fleet managers
- Set a calendar reminder for photocard expiry (10-year cycle).
- Build “address/name update” into HR onboarding and leaver processes.
- Keep a simple record of “licence last checked” for anyone driving for work (and use the DVLA’s online licence view/share services where appropriate).
Sources
- GOV.UK — Change the address on your driving licence (free; apply online; name change requires post):
- GOV.UK — Change the name or gender on your driving licence (by post):
- GOV.UK — Renew your driving licence (photocard renewal every 10 years; £14 online):
- GOV.UK — Change address by post page (fine up to £1,000 for not updating address):
- DVLA PDF INS57P (fine up to £1,000; reminder to update V5C too):
- GOV.UK — Driving licence fees (fee categories overview):
- GOV.UK news — Digital driving licence coming this year (Jan 2025):
- GDS blog — GOV.UK digital wallet update (Jan 2026; testing the digital driving licence):
VanCompare Editorial Team
The VanCompare Editorial Team produces clear, practical guidance on UK van insurance and related topics. We work with FCA authorised insurance providers and use insurer information where relevant to explain cover in plain English and help drivers make informed decisions.
Where relevant, our content is checked against publicly available UK guidance and information from sources such as the FCA and GOV.UK to help keep it accurate and up to date.
This content is for general information only and is not financial advice.
