Drivers warned of simple DVLA rule that could land them with £1,000 fine
The DVLA has warned drivers of a mistake that could land them with a steep fine.
Drivers are being warned of a simple DVLA rule that could cost them £1,000 if they fail to report a change in the circumstances. Motorists are legally obliged to inform the DVLA if they've move house.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency took to social media to remind drivers that they are legally obliged to update their personal details and it is not just a formality.
The DVLA's warning read: “New home? Congratulations! Don’t forget, you can use our online service to tell us you’ve moved. Then put your feet up and relax!”
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Drivers who fail to do so may be slapped with a very steep penalty.
The law requires drivers to update their driving licence, vehicle log book (V5C), vehicle tax Direct Debit, and even documents relating to personalised number plates — all when they change address.
All vehicle users must make sure their address is updates. This does not only affect homeowners . Motorists, even ones with a trailer for trips abroad — must ensure the address on record is current. A failure to do so could see them fall foul of the rules.
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While those moving temporarily, such as students living away at university, don’t need to update DVLA if they can still be contacted at their permanent home, others have no excuse, reports the Express.
Motorists are still allowed to drive while waiting for updated documents to arrive, but the DVLA insists the process should not be delayed.
The £1,000 fine also looms for a range of other offences — including failing to return your old driving licence after a change of details, not reporting a medical condition that could affect your ability to drive, or even driving with incorrectly spaced or obscured number plates.
In short, the agency warns: update everything — or prepare to pay the price.
The DVLA’s online services are available daily from 7am to 8pm and cover all updates, from licence changes to vehicle tax details and registration number documentation.
Earlier this month, the DVLA unveiled a revamped service in a bid to make motoring admin tasks easier for drivers. Announced on X, previously known as Twitter, the update is set to centralise all the information and paperwork that motorists need.
The government body announced: "You can now view your driving licence and vehicle information in one place! Set up your Driver and vehicles account on http://GOV.UK today. It’s free, quick and secure: http://gov.uk/dvla/account"
By creating a driver and vehicles account on Gov.UK, drivers will be able to deal with many life admin tasks in one place, whether it's renewing their driving licence or checking when their vehicle tax needs to be paid.