To change your V5C address, use the DVLA online service or update the logbook by post. Online changes usually generate a replacement V5C within 5 working days, while postal changes can take 4–6 weeks.
You can update your logbook address change online at gov.uk or by post to DVLA Swansea. The online method dispatches your new vehicle log book within 5 working days. Postal updates take 4 to 6 weeks. The 11 digit V5C reference number and vehicle registration number are both required.
What the V5C Logbook Address Record Actually Does
The V5C address record stores your registered keeper name and address in DVLA records. DVLA correspondence including your vehicle tax reminder, MOT reminder, and recall notice goes to that address only. A wrong address means you may miss important legal notices. Your vehicle registration certificate also records make, model, VIN (17 digit), engine size, fuel type, colour, and emission standard.
The DVLA uses your address for every enforcement letter too. Insurers require accurate keeper information and address details to assess risk and process claims. A fine of up to £1,000 applies for non update. Keep your address current at gov uk or write to DVLA Swansea.
What You Need Before You Start the Address Change
Where to Find Your V5C Reference Number
The V5C reference number is an 11 digit alphanumeric code example: BG5 4890421. Find it in the white box near the top of your V5C front cover. The new style V5C has a red pink cover; the old style V5C uses a blue green cover. It is not the same as your vehicle registration number on the number plate.
What Counts as a Valid UK Address for the DVLA
The DVLA only accepts a physical UK residential address and a PO Box address is not accepted. An overseas address and addresses in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man cannot be used through the standard online service. Update your address only after you physically move, not in advance. A registered keeper who updates early risks a mismatch in DVLA records.
How to Change Your V5C Address Online Through the DVLA
How to Update Your V5C Address Online
Go to gov uk change address v5c to start. Enter your 11 digit V5C reference number from the white box on the front cover. Then enter your vehicle registration number and new UK residential address no PO Box. Review, confirm, and submit your DVLA record updates instantly.
How Long an Online V5C Address Change Takes
The DVLA usually updates the keeper record shortly after successful online submission. Your new V5C logbook arrives by post within 5 working days. The January to March period can cause delays due to higher volume. You’re legal to drive during the wait, don’t destroy your old V5C until the new one arrives.
How to Change Your V5C Address by Post
Address Change Section on a New Style V5C
The new style V5C has a red pink cover with coloured numbered blocks. Fill in Section 3 with your new UK address in black ink and capital letters. Send the whole V5C logbook to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA. Don’t detach any pages before posting.
Address Change Section on an Old Style V5C
The old style V5C has a blue green cover introduced in 2004. Fill in Section 6 with your new address and sign the declaration at the bottom. Post the whole logbook to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA. Don’t tick the new keeper box, that’s a separate process.
The DVLA Postal Address and Tracked Post Advice
Send your V5C to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA using Royal Mail tracked service. Tracking confirms the DVLA received your logbook if it’s lost in transit. If the logbook is lost in transit, you may need to apply for a replacement V5C and pay the standard replacement fee before updating your address. The postal route takes 4 to 6 weeks after confirmed receipt.
Related Records to Update After a V5C Address Change
Update Your Driving Licence Address Separately
Your driving licence address is a separate DVLA record from your V5C updating one doesn’t update the other. Go to gov uk change address driving licence to update it free. Both changes are a legal requirement. Delay risks a fine for incorrect details on your driving licence.
Tell Your Car Insurer About Your New Address
Your car insurer uses your registered keeper postcode as a risk rating band to set your premium. A new postcode can change your insurance risk band, so report your new address as soon as you move. Failing to notify your insurer can result in a claim dispute on grounds of material misrepresentation. Contact your insurer by phone or through your car insurance online account.
Vehicle Tax, V750 and V778 Documents
Your vehicle tax Direct Debit bank mandate includes your keeper address for correspondence and updates it via the gov uk vehicle tax portal. If you hold a V750 certificate or V778 certificate for a personalised registration number, your address change triggers a corresponding update to those documents too. Full guidance is at gov uk tell dvla you’ve changed address. Contact the DVLA directly if your portal update doesn’t reflect the change.
What to Do If Your V5C Address Is Wrong Before Scrapping a Car
Why ATFs Check the Address on Your V5C
The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 requires every ATF to verify registered keeper identity at vehicle handover. The ATF checks the V5C address field against your current ID. A V5C address mismatch triggers additional ID verification, a driving licence, utility bill, or bank statement. Delays happen when documents don’t match.
Can You Scrap a Car If the V5C Address Is Out of Date
Scrapping with an outdated V5C address isn’t automatically blocked but it creates a mismatch under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. The DVLA risk is real if your vehicle stays registered to your old address after scrapping. Update your V5C address before booking any scrap collection. Bring a current utility bill or driving licence as backup proof.
Should You Update Your V5C Before Scrapping a Car?
First, update your V5C address at gov uk change address v5c and confirm the DVLA email. Then book your ATF collection and complete the V5C/3 yellow slip at handover Section 4 on the new style V5C, Section 9 on the old style V5C. After collection, make sure you notify the DVLA after scrapping your car to remove your responsibility for the vehicle and avoid future penalties.
What to Do If You Have Lost Your V5C Before Changing the Address
How to Apply for a Replacement V5C (Form V62)
Form V62 the Application for Vehicle Registration Certificate is available at gov uk vehicle log book. Fill it in with your vehicle registration number and keeper details. Send it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA with a £25 payment by postal order or cheque payable to DVLA. Use this when your original V5C is lost, stolen, or damaged. If your logbook has been lost and you’re planning to dispose of the vehicle, read our guide on how to scrap a car without a V5C logbook before arranging collection.
How Much a Replacement V5C Costs and How Long It Takes
A replacement V5C costs £25 and takes several weeks by post. Apply online at gov uk vehicle log book and enter your new address at the same time the replacement V5C arrives showing your updated address. For a duplicate with no changes, call DVLA. The online route is faster and combines both steps in one registered keeper submission.
FAQs
Does it cost anything to change your address on a V5C?
Changing your V5C address is free, the DVLA charges nothing online or by post. Some unofficial websites charge a fee. Always use gov uk for the free official service.
Can you drive while waiting for your updated V5C to arrive?
Driving is legal during the wait. The DVLA updates your vehicle record instantly at online submission. Keep your old V5C, don’t destroy it until the new one arrives.
Do you have to update your V5C if you move temporarily?
No update is needed for a temporary address if your permanent address stays valid. A university student living away during term doesn’t need to update the V5C at all.
What happens if your new V5C does not arrive within six weeks?
Contact the DVLA at gov.uk or call. Allow 4 weeks after an online update and 6 weeks after a postal update before reporting non arrival.
Can a PO Box be used as a new address on a V5C?
A PO Box is not accepted. The DVLA requires a physical UK residential address only. Channel Islands, Isle of Man, and overseas addresses cannot use the standard online change of address service.
Update Your V5C Address Before You Scrap Your Car
Moving home and planning to scrap your vehicle? Make sure your V5C logbook shows your current address before arranging the collection. An updated DVLA record helps prevent delays, avoids keeper liability issues, and makes the scrapping process smoother with an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). At Scrap My Car Services, we offer free vehicle collection, instant quotes, and a simple DVLA compliant scrapping process across the UK. Get your quote today and scrap your car with confidence.
