Easily forgotten DVLA driving license rule could land drivers with £1,000 fines

Drivers who fail to update their driving license could face a £1,000 fine for failing to follow simple DVLA rules, insurance comparison experts Easyquote warn. They warn that having an incorrect address on your driver’s license photo card could lead to serious repercussions.

Amidst the stress and frenetic activity of moving, it’s easy to forget to inform the DVLA of your new address and countless driving licenses have outdated information that could cause them big problems. Under DVLA regulations, all details must be accurate or drivers could face a substantial financial penalty.

Easyquote elaborated: “It is essential that drivers inform the DVLA of any change of address, whether temporary or permanent, to ensure that all correspondence reaches the vehicle owner. Both the log book and driver’s license must be up to date and address updates can be convenient. Failure to notify the DVLA of a change of address can result in a fine of up to £1,000 for the vehicle owner.”

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Drivers can quickly apply to change their driving license details online. A new photo card usually arrives within a week, compared to three weeks if the updated information is sent by mail, the Express reports.

However, drivers are allowed to drive their vehicles while they wait for the new license to arrive. There is no cost to apply for a DVLA change, although there will be a charge if drivers wish to change their license photo.

This will set road users back an extra £14, but over-70s are exempt from this extra charge. However, those wishing to replace their current photo will have to pay a higher fee of £17 if they apply by post.

The gov.uk website states: “You must update your driving licence, vehicle logbook (V5C), Direct Debit for vehicle tax and other details when you move home.”

It also makes it clear that there is no need to inform them of temporary moves, such as students living away from the university, as long as contact can be made at your permanent address.

Remember that as well as updating your driving licence, you should also change your vehicle logbook (V5C) details. This can be done via an online service on the gov.uk website between 7am and 8pm. To do this, you must be the registered owner of the vehicle.

The DVLA has a step-by-step guide on the gov.uk websites explaining how to change the address on your provisional or full driving licence.