The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is urging college and university students to update their address if they have moved away from home to study, or they could face a hefty fine. GOV.UK states on its website that students must update their address if they have moved away from home to study and that is the only place they can be contacted. However, one group of students won't need to do this.
Who Needs to Update Their Address?
The guidance explains: "You must update your driving licence, vehicle log book (V5C), Direct Debit for vehicle tax and other details when you move home." However, students "do not need to tell us if you move temporarily (for example, you’re living away at university) if we can still contact you at your permanent address".
This means students living away from home in rented or owned accommodation may need to update the address on their driving licence with the DVLA if they cannot be contacted elsewhere. But those staying in temporary accommodation such as halls and planning to move back 'home' usually won't need to.
What About Moving Abroad?
If you're moving abroad, you can't update a British driving licence with an overseas address. Instead, contact the driving licence authority in the country you're moving to.
The DVLA confirms: "It does not cost anything to change your address with DVLA." It also notes that students should update their provisional or full driving licence when they move home. People can continue driving while they wait for the updated documents to arrive.
Fines and Vehicle Tax
The motoring experts warn: "You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA when your address changes." If you want to update your photo at the same time, it costs £14. There's no charge if you're over 70 or you have a short-period medical licence.
The DVLA also cautions that drivers could face a £1,000 fine for failing to pay their vehicle tax. This levy, also referred to as vehicle tax or road tax, is a mandatory charge for driving any motor vehicle on Britain's public roads. The funds collected are subsequently directed towards infrastructure improvements, including the upkeep and repair of roads.
It warns: "If you do not pay your fine on time your vehicle could be clamped or crushed, or your details passed to a debt collection agency."
