I think I have broken the law!

swingaloo

I have a problem with my driving license. Its only because we were talking about the new ruling that its come to light.


I have the old style green paper license. Its been tucked away in a box with my passport etc and Ive not looked at it for ages.


Ive decided that I may as well change it for a new style pink one as I am getting married soon so will be changing my name.


However, when Ive looked at it Ive noticed that I never changed my address on it when I last moved.


So now I have the issue that I want to change the style and name and address on my license but cant seem to find the way to do it.


The option to change address online assumes you have the new style licence and Im quite worried now as I don't think its legal to have your old address on a license. I really had genuinely forgotten to do it but its 4 years!!!!! Ive just never looked at it and Im not one of those who carry it around with me.


I need to change to a pink one and change the address and name but worried that if I ring the DVLA Im in trouble for not changing address sooner. Ive had my car registered at the correct address.


Any advice what to do please?

Herzlos

It just has to be a serviceable address - do you still get access to mail at old address?

I'd just contact the DVLA and ask them how to change your address (don't tell them when you moved), or just wait until you're changing name.

swingaloo

Thank you for the reply, I don't get mail to the old address any more. When I tried to change address online it asks how long I have live at the new address so I assume that they will ask the same thing if I ring the DVLA.

marlot

I think that if you change the address on an old style licence, you get a new style one for free.

swingaloo

marlot wrote: »

I think that if you change the address on an old style licence, you get a new style one for free.

Thanks marlot. Im not too worried about the cost its more how I explain why I have had the wrong address on it for 4 years. At least they will know I have no points, lol!

DaveF327

marlot wrote: »

I think that if you change the address on an old style licence, you get a new style one for free.

That's what I was thinking.

Just fill in the new address on the back of the old licence in the spaces provided, sign it, date it with today's date and send it off.

DVLA won't know exactly when you moved, just let them update their records and say no more. Better late than never. They'll write back to you with details of how to apply for a photocard licence.

You can deal with your name change separately when it's actually changed and you have proof.

chrisw

No-one will ask why, just notify the change of address. Don't worry about it.

duchy

Mine was about three addresses and ten years out of date- I got a photo licence last year. There was no comeback.

swingaloo

Thank you all, I feel much better now.