Moving house can be a busy time, with plenty of admin to tackle — from redirecting post to updating driving licences. One important but often overlooked task is changing your car’s registered address.
Failing to update the details on your vehicle documents can lead to missed fines, delays in tax reminders, and even legal issues.
Here’s what you need to know about updating your car’s address — whether you own, lease, or subscribe to your vehicle.
1. Update the Address on Your V5C (Log Book)
If you own your car outright, the first thing to do after moving home is update your V5C registration certificate, also known as the log book.
The V5C shows the registered keeper’s name and address, and this must always be accurate.
How to update it
You can:
Change your address online via the DVLA website, or
Post the V5C to the DVLA, filling in section 3 with your new address.
There’s no fee to update your address, and your new V5C should arrive within about five working days.
Why it matters
If the address is wrong, important notices such as speeding fines, vehicle tax reminders or parking penalty letters will go to your old address — even if you’ve set up mail redirection. You’re legally responsible for ensuring DVLA has the right information.
2. Update Your Driving Licence
Your driving licence also needs to show your current address. It’s a legal requirement, even if you don’t own a vehicle.
You can update your address for free via the DVLA’s online service.
You should receive your new photocard licence within one to two weeks.
3. Check Your Vehicle Tax and Insurance Details
After you’ve changed the address on your V5C and driving licence, remember to update your vehicle tax and car insurance records too.
Car insurance: Contact your insurer to let them know you’ve moved. Your premium could change depending on the new postcode, parking arrangements, and annual mileage.
Vehicle tax: Once your address is correct with the DVLA, your tax reminders will automatically go to the new address.
4. Leased Cars and Salary Sacrifice Vehicles
If you drive a leased vehicle, company car, or have a salary sacrifice electric car, things are slightly different.
You usually don’t own the vehicle, and the V5C log book will be in the name of the leasing company or funder (for example, Alphabet, Arval, or Lex Autolease).
What you need to do
Contact your leasing provider or employer to update your personal address.
They will handle any required updates with the DVLA if necessary.
Update your address for insurance and correspondence (such as monthly payments or driver documents).
Even though you aren’t the registered keeper, it’s still important to ensure your provider has your correct address. Missing important reminders (for servicing, renewals, or fines) could cause delays or penalties.
5. Car Subscriptions
If you drive via a car subscription service — such as those offered by Cocoon Vehicles, EZOO, or similar providers — you’ll need to contact the subscription provider directly when you move home.
Why this is important
Subscription vehicles are registered to the provider, not the driver.
Your subscription agreement, insurance cover, and delivery or collection services are linked to your registered address.
The provider must update your account details and confirm whether your vehicle insurance or mileage plan is affected by the new location.
Failing to inform your subscription provider could invalidate parts of your agreement or insurance, especially if your new postcode changes the risk profile or delivery area.
6. Company Cars and Fleet Vehicles
If you drive a company car, your employer or fleet manager is responsible for ensuring DVLA records are correct.
However, you should still:
Notify HR or your fleet contact of your new address.
Update your driving licence and insurance details.
Confirm where any correspondence (parking tickets, lease documents, or driver communications) should be sent.
7. Checklist: Who to Notify When You Move
Document / Service | Who to Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
V5C (log book) | DVLA | Only if you own the car outright |
Driving Licence | DVLA | Free online update |
Your insurer | Premium may change | |
Vehicle Tax | DVLA | Updates automatically once address changed |
Lease Vehicle | Leasing company / employer | They hold the V5C |
Subscription Car | Subscription provider (e.g. Cocoon Vehicles, EZOO) | Provider must update their records |
Provider (AA, RAC, etc.) | Update for accurate assistance |
8. Common Questions
Do I need to tell DVLA if I move but my car is leased?
No, the leasing company or funder is the registered keeper, but you must inform them of your new address.
Will my car insurance be affected by a change of address?
Possibly. Insurers calculate risk by postcode, so your premium may increase or decrease depending on where you now live.
What happens if I don’t change my address?
You could miss important notices and face fines. It’s a legal requirement to keep DVLA details up to date.
Can I still drive while waiting for updated documents?
Yes. You can legally drive while your new licence or V5C is being processed.
Final Thoughts
Changing your address after a house move isn’t the most exciting job on the list, but it’s one of the most important — especially for car owners, lessees, and subscription users.
If your car is leased, subscribed, or part of a salary sacrifice scheme, remember that it’s registered to the provider or funder, not you. Always inform them as soon as you move so they can update records and ensure your insurance and documentation remain valid.
Taking 15 minutes to update your car details can save a lot of stress — and potential fines — later on.
