# How to Change the Address on Your V5C Log Book

Published 25 October 2026. CarCheckUp guide: https://carcheckup.co.uk/blog/how-to-change-the-address-on-your-v5c-log-book/

> Change the address on your V5C for free online or by post: the document reference number, how long it takes, when you can't do it online, and what else to update.

You can change the address on your V5C log book for free, online or by post, and you must do it as soon as you move. Online is quickest: you need the 11-digit document reference number from your current V5C, and DVLA then posts a new log book to your new address. If you don't update it, you can be fined up to £1,000.

This guide covers both ways of doing it, what you need, how long it takes, and the cases where you can't use the online service.

## Why the address on your V5C matters

The V5C (vehicle registration certificate) records the registered keeper of the car and where they live. DVLA, the police, councils and parking firms use that address to contact you. If it is out of date:

- speeding tickets, parking charges and Clean Air Zone or congestion charge penalties go to your old home, and can grow before you see them;
- you won't get tax reminders, so the car can become untaxed without you noticing;
- any car tax refund cheque is sent to the old address;
- you can be fined up to £1,000 for not telling DVLA.

Updating it costs nothing, so there is no reason to wait.

## How to change the address online

The online service is on GOV.UK: [>change the address on your V5C](https://www.gov.uk/change-address-v5c). It takes a few minutes.

### What you need

- Your current V5C log book.
- The 11-digit document reference number printed on it.
- Your new address and postcode.

### The steps

1. Go to the GOV.UK service and enter the vehicle registration and the document reference number.
2. Enter your new address.
3. Check the details and confirm.
4. Destroy the old V5C when the new one arrives, not before.

The new log book usually arrives within a few days. If it hasn't come after a few weeks, contact DVLA.

## How to change the address by post

If you'd rather not use the online service, or can't, you can do it on paper:

1. Fill in the change of address section of your V5C with your new address.
2. Sign it.
3. Send the whole V5C to DVLA at the address printed on the form.

Posting takes longer than doing it online, so allow a few weeks for the new log book. Keep a note of the date you sent it and the document reference number in case you need to chase it.

## When you can't use the online service

The online service is for a simple change of address. You'll usually need to use the paper V5C instead if:

- you are changing your name as well as your address;
- the vehicle isn't registered to you, for example a company car or a car on a lease, where the company is the registered keeper and has to update its own records;
- you don't have the current V5C. In that case you apply for a replacement log book and give your new address on that application.

## Other records to update when you move

The V5C isn't the only record tied to your address. When you move, also change:

| Record | Who to tell | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Driving licence | DVLA (a separate application from the V5C) | Free |
| Car insurance | Your insurer, straight away: your address affects the price and the cover | May change your premium |
| Finance agreement | Your finance company | Free |
| Breakdown cover | Your provider | Usually free |
| Residents' parking permit | Your new council | Varies |

Your driving licence and your V5C are separate records, so changing one doesn't change the other. Not telling DVLA about a new address on your licence can also lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

## Changing address when you buy or sell a car

A change of address is different from a change of keeper. When a car is sold, the seller tells DVLA about the new keeper and the buyer gets a new V5C in their name. See [how to tell DVLA you've sold, transferred or bought a vehicle](https://carcheckup.co.uk/blog/how-to-tell-dvla-youve-sold-transferred-or-bought-a-vehicle/).

If you're buying a car, look at the address on the seller's V5C: it should match where you view the car. A [logbook check](https://carcheckup.co.uk/dvla-log-book-check) shows when the last V5C was issued, so you can see whether the document you're shown is the current one. Our guide to [the documents you need to buy a used car](https://carcheckup.co.uk/blog/what-documents-do-you-need-to-buy-a-used-car/) covers what else to check.

## What if you've already moved and forgot?

Update it now. The fine is for failing to tell DVLA, so the sooner you put it right the better. If you think post has gone to your old address, ask the people there to pass it on, and check that the car is taxed with a [car tax check](https://carcheckup.co.uk/dvla-tax-check), because a missed reminder is a common way for tax to lapse after a move.

## FAQs

**Does it cost anything to change the address on a V5C?** No. Changing your address on the log book is free, online or by post.

**How long does a new V5C take after a change of address?** Usually a few days when you do it online, and longer by post. Contact DVLA if it hasn't arrived after a few weeks.

**Can I drive while I wait for the new V5C?** Yes. The car stays taxed and you can keep driving it, as long as it is insured and has a valid MOT.

**Do I need to change my driving licence too?** Yes, separately. Your licence and your V5C are different records, and both should show your current address.

**What is the fine for not updating my V5C address?** You can be fined up to £1,000 for not telling DVLA when you change address.