DVLA service to change address on V5C

The DVLA is continuing the Government’s drive ‘Digital by Default’ by now allowing motorists to update the address details on their vehicle log book (V5C) online, in a matter of minutes.

The new service will slash the amount of time it takes motorists to receive a new log book from up to six weeks to five working days, it says. 

Last year, DVLA received around 1.4 million paper applications for change of address on a vehicle record. 

By using the new V5C service to change the address on the log book the information will be updated instantly.

DVLA says it will take less than two minutes to inform the agency of their new address. All motorists will need is their vehicle registration number, log book document reference number and their postcode.

DVLA chief executive Julie Lennard said: “We’re launching this service at a time when online services are becoming even more vital to help people get back on the road.

“This new online service is quicker and easier than sending your log book to DVLA so if you’ve just moved home try the service and see how simple it is.”  

This announcement comes as DVLA launches a campaign to encourage motorists to try their online services, rather than sending in paper applications.

Recent research commissioned by DVLA shows that of those motorists asked 97% would recommend DVLA’s online services and the most popular reason to transact online was convenience 86%, followed by speed 82%.

All of DVLA’s online services are available at www.gov.uk/browse/driving.

Change your address on your vehicle log book (V5C) service can be found online at www.gov.uk/change-address-v5c.

Once customers have used the online service to change the address, they will receive an email confirmation and must destroy their old log book.

Motorists can already update the address on their driving licence record online and the new service will enable them to now update their vehicle record online.

Along with the existing vehicle management system, which allows motorists to tell DVLA they’ve sold a vehicle, this online service will be available between 7am and 7pm every day.

While you’re updating your records you might want to find out how to check car tax on your vehicle and find out about extensions to UK driving licences due to Covid-19.