Failed to change driving license address 5 September 2022 at 10:22AM in Motoring 22 replies 857 views

throughtheblue

I haven't changed my driving licence address for 3 years, because I had no intentions of driving in this period. I didn't own a vehicle or rent a vehicle so it was something I'd forgotten about. I'm now due to move, and see the potential fine for not changing address. If I phoned DVLA would they be understanding given that I didn't drive in this period, had no intention to and don't own a vehicle either?

Alter_ego

Driving licences are often used for ID.

400ixl

Just do the online address change to the address you are moving to when you move if it is not too far into the future. I wouldn't phone them on anything, but equally do not use it for proof of ID if there is any address matching required.

If you are still in the early stages of moving and it will be months, then maybe change it to your current address first.

mr_stripey

It is an offence to have the wrong information on your driving license.

there's no charge to change the address - but be aware of scam firms who appear at the top of a google search for "change driving license address". They look like DVLA site but will charge you £50 for something you can do yourself for free

throughtheblue

I’m aware it’s an offence. My driving licence was up to date until I stopped driving. Because I had no car, insurance etc I forgot about it, and hadn’t needed my licence for the address. I know I should’ve done it now seeing how simple it is. 

My question is regarding the fine. As soon as I update my address will they issue a fine? Or do people get fined from being caught driving with wrong addresses? 
I’d hope someone could see that i haven’t driven in this period, so wasn’t looking to avoid fines or scam. 

Car_54

throughtheblue said:

I’m aware it’s an offence. My driving licence was up to date until I stopped driving. Because I had no car, insurance etc I forgot about it, and hadn’t needed my licence for the address. I know I should’ve done it now seeing how simple it is. 

My question is regarding the fine. As soon as I update my address will they issue a fine? Or do people get fined from being caught driving with wrong addresses? 
I’d hope someone could see that i haven’t driven in this period, so wasn’t looking to avoid fines or scam. 

Why would they fine you? They've got no idea you've moved until/unless you tell them.

throughtheblue

Car_54 said:

throughtheblue said:

I’m aware it’s an offence. My driving licence was up to date until I stopped driving. Because I had no car, insurance etc I forgot about it, and hadn’t needed my licence for the address. I know I should’ve done it now seeing how simple it is. 

My question is regarding the fine. As soon as I update my address will they issue a fine? Or do people get fined from being caught driving with wrong addresses? 
I’d hope someone could see that i haven’t driven in this period, so wasn’t looking to avoid fines or scam. 

Why would they fine you? They've got no idea you've moved until/unless you tell them.

The address on my licence is from 3 years ago. I'm due to move in the middle of the month, but I will need to buy a car and start driving again for the first time in 3 years.

molerat

The only chance of getting fined is if you are pulled for a motoring offence and the licence has the incorrect address.  There is no way that DVLA will know you have moved unless you tell them.  The address on your licence does not even have to be the address you actually live at but an address that you are contactable at and they will not know the old address is not that.  How many people still have their licence at their parents address as they move around a lot ? Once you have notified a change of address you are no longer committing an offence and DVLA do not go round chasing people who may have been committing an offence in the past.

throughtheblue

molerat said:

The only chance of getting fined is if you are pulled for a motoring offence and the licence has the incorrect address.  There is no way that DVLA will know you have moved unless you tell them.  The address on your licence does not even have to be the address you actually live at but an address that you are contactable at and they will not know the old address is not that.  How many people still have their licence at their parents address as they move around a lot ? Once you have notified a change of address you are no longer committing an offence and DVLA do not go round chasing people who may have been committing an offence in the past.

Thanks, I thought this might be the case.
But when I'm updating my address, it wants my address history for the previous 3 years. I have been in two addresses since the current address on my licence. Presumably I have to give the previous addresses over the 3 years, instead of just putting the one where I am now?

Grey_Critic

For many, many years and when he went to live in Canada and the USA our youngest son had our address as his official address, even for his business. Nothing unusual in that when people move around or work away.

throughtheblue

Grey_Critic said:

For many, many years and when he went to live in Canada and the USA our youngest son had our address as his official address, even for his business. Nothing unusual in that when people move around or work away.

But when updating the address, it wants 3 years history of addresses. Presumably I should give the addresses I've lived at since my last official address?