How to Update the Address on Your HGV Driver Licence
If you have recently moved house, updating the address on your driving licence is a legal requirement. This applies to all driving licences, including those with HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) entitlements. Failing to update your address can result in a fine of up to £1,000, and it may cause complications if you are stopped by police or need to use your licence as identification.
This guide explains exactly how to update your address, what documents you need, and how long the process takes.
Why You Must Update Your Address
Under UK law, you must notify the DVLA of any change of address as soon as possible. This is not optional — it is a legal requirement under the Road Traffic Act 1988. The reasons are straightforward:
- Legal compliance: Driving with an incorrect address on your licence is an offence that can result in a fine of up to £1,000
- Correspondence: The DVLA sends important documents to your registered address, including licence renewals, medical reminders, and penalty notices
- Insurance validity: Some insurers may dispute a claim if your licence address does not match your current address
- CPC card: If you hold a Driver CPC qualification card, the address on this should also match your current address
Method 1: Update Online (Recommended)
The fastest and easiest way to update your address is through the DVLA’s online service. The process takes about 5 minutes and is completely free.
Step-by-Step Process
- Go to www.gov.uk/change-address-driving-licence
- Click “Start now”
- Sign in with your Government Gateway account (or create one if you do not have one)
- Enter your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and current postcode
- Enter your new address
- Confirm the change
Your updated licence will be posted to your new address within 2–4 weeks. You can continue to drive using your old licence until the new one arrives.
What You Need
- Your current driving licence number (the long number on your photocard)
- Your National Insurance number
- Your new address and postcode
- A valid email address
Method 2: Update by Post
If you prefer not to use the online service, or if you need to update your photo at the same time, you can update your address by post.
Step-by-Step Process
- Complete a D1 application form (available from any Post Office or by calling the DVLA on 0300 790 6801)
- Include your current photocard driving licence
- If you still have a paper counterpart licence, include that too
- Send everything to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN
You do not need to include a new photograph unless your current one has expired (photos are valid for 10 years). There is no fee for changing your address.
Processing Time
Postal applications typically take 3–6 weeks to process. During this time, you will not have a physical licence, but you can check your entitlement online at www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence.
What About Your Driver CPC Card?
If you hold a Driver Qualification Card (DQC) for your Driver CPC, the address on this card should also be kept up to date. However, the DQC is managed separately from your driving licence. When you update your driving licence address with the DVLA, the DQC address is not automatically updated.
To update your DQC address, you will need to contact the DVLA separately or wait until your DQC is due for renewal. In practice, many drivers update both at the same time to avoid confusion.
What About Your Digital Tachograph Card?
If you use a digital tachograph card for professional driving, you should also update the address on this card. Digital tachograph cards are issued by the DVLA, and you can request a replacement card with your new address through the gov.uk tachograph card service. There is a fee of £32 for a replacement card.
Common Questions
Is there a fee for changing my address?
No. Updating the address on your driving licence is completely free, whether you do it online or by post.
Can I drive while waiting for my new licence?
Yes. You can continue to drive while your new licence is being processed. If you updated online, you will have a confirmation email. If you updated by post, keep a note of when you sent the application.
What if I have moved to a different country within the UK?
If you have moved from England to Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland (or vice versa), the process is the same. The DVLA manages driving licences for the whole of the UK.
What if I have moved abroad?
If you have moved outside the UK permanently, different rules apply. You may need to exchange your UK licence for a local one, depending on the country. Check the gov.uk guidance on exchanging a driving licence abroad.
How long do I have to update my address?
The law does not specify an exact timeframe, but the requirement is to notify the DVLA “as soon as possible” after moving. In practice, you should aim to do this within a few days of moving to your new address.
Need Help With Your HGV Licence?
If you are looking to obtain or upgrade your HGV licence, GS Driver Training offers comprehensive training courses for all categories, from C1 through to C+E. We also provide guidance on the administrative side of getting your licence, including medical examinations and DVLA applications.
Call us on 01252 447808 or view our courses to get started.