How to change the address on your V5C (car logbook)
Your V5C (the car's logbook, officially the vehicle registration certificate) holds your address separately from your driving licence. Update it online with DVLA; it's usually free.
- When
- In your first week at the new address
- How long
- About 10 minutes
- Cost
- Usually free
What you'll need
- Your car's registration number
- The reference number from your V5C logbook
- Your new UK address
What to do
Check when your car tax is due
DVLA asks you to check whether the car needs taxing in the next 4 weeks before you start. If it does, tax it first.
Change the address on gov.uk
Use the official "change your address on your vehicle log book" service and enter the registration number and logbook reference.
Update your car tax Direct Debit
If you pay vehicle tax by Direct Debit, tell DVLA your new address for that as well.
Wait for the new logbook
If it hasn't arrived after 4 weeks, contact DVLA. If you leave it longer than 6 weeks without telling them, a replacement costs £25.
If you skip this
You can be fined up to £1,000 if you don't tell DVLA your address has changed. Reminders about tax and any fines would also go to your old address.
Where to do it
Questions people ask
- I've updated my driving licence. Isn't that enough?
- No. DVLA keeps them as separate records, and you must change both.
- What if I've lost my logbook?
- You'll need to apply to DVLA for a replacement, which has a fee. The gov.uk page explains how.
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