Moving home is an exciting milestone – but it also comes with a long list of admin tasks. Among those, updating your car’s registered address is one you shouldn’t overlook.
Changing your address with the right organisations keeps your vehicle tax, MOT reminders, and insurance details accurate. It’s also a legal requirement and helps ensure that your insurance remains valid if you ever need to make a claim.
Here’s everything you need to know about updating your car’s address when you move home, including what to do if you have a car lease or a car subscription.
Why You Need to Update Your Car’s Address
When you move, your address details need to be updated in several places – not just your bank or utility providers. For your vehicle, keeping records current is important for three main reasons:
To stay compliant with the law – your car’s registration must always show the correct address.
To receive important reminders – such as MOT or vehicle tax notifications.
To keep your insurance valid – if your address or parking situation changes, your insurer needs to know.
Failing to update your address could lead to missed correspondence, penalties, or even an invalid insurance policy if your insurer isn’t aware of your move.
Step-by-Step: How to Change the Address on Your Car
1. Update your vehicle log book (V5C)
Your V5C, also known as the log book, shows you as the registered keeper of the vehicle. When you move home, you must update the address listed on it.
You can do this in one of two ways:
Online via the DVLA – the fastest option, usually taking around five working days.
By post – fill out the relevant section on your V5C and send it to the DVLA. This can take up to four weeks.
If you’ve misplaced your log book, you’ll need to apply for a replacement before you can update your address.
2. Update your driving licence
Your driving licence also needs to show your new address. You can change this online through the DVLA free of charge.
This ensures all your driving records match and prevents any issues if you’re ever asked for identification.
3. Notify your car insurance provider
Your insurer must be informed of your move. A new address can affect your premium because it may change how your vehicle is rated for risk (for example, whether you now park on-street instead of on a driveway).
If you don’t tell your insurer, your policy could become invalid – and claims might be refused.
If you’re moving soon, it’s a great opportunity to review your cover. With einsure.uk, you can easily compare car insurance quotes online to make sure your policy matches your new circumstances and offers the best possible value.
4. If you have a car lease or a car subscription
If your vehicle is leased or part of a car subscription service, you’ll also need to inform the provider of your new address.
Leased vehicles: Contact your finance or leasing company as soon as you move. They’ll update their records and ensure any documents, payments, or notices are sent to the correct address.
Car subscriptions: These services often include insurance, maintenance, and tax within the subscription. It’s important that your provider has your current address to keep your cover valid and to meet their own insurance requirements.
If you’re unsure what’s included in your lease or subscription insurance, it’s always worth checking – or comparing separate insurance policies through einsure.uk to ensure you’re fully protected.
5. Update your breakdown cover and any connected services
If you have roadside assistance, extended warranties, or other services linked to your car, make sure you update them too. This keeps everything aligned with your new location and avoids any confusion if you ever need to use them.
What Happens If You Don’t Update Your Address?
Forgetting to change your car’s address might seem harmless, but it can cause a range of issues:
You might miss tax or MOT reminders.
You could face fines for incorrect registration details.
Your insurance could be invalidated if your address is wrong.
You might lose contact with leasing or subscription providers, which can cause payment or contract issues.
Keeping your records accurate is the easiest way to stay compliant, avoid fines, and ensure your cover always protects you.
Final Moving-Home Car Checklist
✅ Update your V5C (log book)
✅ Change your driving licence address
✅ Notify your insurance provider
✅ Inform your leasing or car subscription company
✅ Update your breakdown and finance details
Make Sure Your Insurance Moves With You
When you move home, your lifestyle and risk profile may change – and that can affect your car insurance. Parking arrangements, commuting distance, and postcode all play a part in your premium.
At einsure.uk, you can quickly and easily compare car insurance quotes online to make sure your cover suits your new circumstances. It’s fast, simple, and ensures your protection moves with you wherever life takes you.