Do you need to change the address on your vehicle log book (V5C) and wish you could do it online? Well now you can, thanks to our brand new online service which launched this week.
Previously, if you changed address you had to write your new address on your log book and post it to us to update. Now, if you’re the vehicle keeper you can quickly and easily update it online (like you can with your driving licence).
How the new service works
It’s simple to use – you enter the vehicle registration number, log book (V5C) document reference number and the current postcode showing on your V5C. Then you enter your new address and your details will update in real time. That’s it!
If you provided us with your email address we’ll automatically send you a confirmation email and you should get your new V5C within just 5 working days. We’ve also got a Welsh version of the service, which will be going live soon.
Benefits to all
On average we get 1.4 million log books sent to us for change of address every year, which works out at around 4,000 to 6,000 per day. Each one of these paper applications has to be delivered to us, opened, keyed and processed – no mean feat.
So not only does the new service make things faster and simpler for customers, it has business benefits too. A big thank you to everyone who’s worked so hard to help us respond to user need and make this service happen.
Speaking of benefits…
The new service is just the latest in a wide range of services we have online. They are all quicker and easier than the paper route, and in some cases cheaper as well. Did you know, for example, that you can do all these things online?
- Tell us that you’ve sold or bought a vehicle
- Replace a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed driving licence
- Apply for your first provisional driving licence for a moped, motorbike and car
So don’t delay – if you need to change your address on your V5C, give our safe and speedy new service a go.
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21 comments
Comment by solomon lee posted on
a good device that could save a lots of time. thank you.
Comment by Julie Riseley posted on
Thank you Solomon
Julie
Comment by Michelle posted on
Glad to hear we can make address changes online. A little overdue but it's good to see responsiveness.
More we can push online services for vehicle documentation and changes the better.
We discuss DVLA services on <a href="https://vehiclecheck.blog">VehicleCheckBlog</a>. So, we have our next blog idea right here and will link back.
p.s: I'd like to see more use of imagery/video on the Gov.blog
Comment by Amanda Sales posted on
You need this for the v62 form as well. I sent mine in march as my original v5 never turned up when i bought the car. Been trying for months to get the v5. Cant tax my car without it
Comment by Julie Riseley posted on
Hello Amanda
I am sorry our paper applications are taking longer than usual. We have a reduced number of staff on site to comply with social distancing requirements and to ensure staff safety.
We are looking at other transactions that could be made available online in the future and we will consider the V62 application process.
Kind regards
Julie
Comment by Jorge Barreto posted on
I sent my partner and mine v5 on 7th of June and nothing back yet. Would be good if we can do that online even if we posted ours v5s too because would be with us in a week time.
Comment by External Communications Team posted on
Hello Jorge
I am sorry but you cannot use this service if you have already sent your log book to DVLA.
Your paper application will mean you have to wait longer for a reply as there are delays dealing with paper applications sent to our office in Swansea, as they need to be dealt with in person. This is because we have a reduced number of staff in our building to comply with social distancing requirements and to ensure staff safety.
Thank you for your patience during this time.
Comment by Dean Arnold posted on
My licence needs my foto updating if i get a digital photo can i do this online ?
Comment by External Communications Team posted on
Hi Dean
You can take your own photo as long as it fits the criteria: https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports
If your photocard driving licence expires between 1 February and 31 August 2020 you've been granted a 7 month extension from the date of expiry: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/drivers-granted-7-month-photocard-licence-extension
If your photocard driving licence expired before the 1 February our online services to renew your driving licence and replace a driving licence are available for those drivers who need to renew their entitlement to drive or replace a lost or stolen licence.
Please use our online services if you can as it is the quickest and easiest way of transacting with us. Our online services have not been impacted by the Covid pandemic.
To keep up-to-date with DVLA services please check this page https://www.gov.uk/dvla which is updated regularly.
Kindest regards
Comment by Keith Potter posted on
A good system for most. However, please be aware many pensioners and others do not have access to the internet plus unable to use such a facility for many reasons. I assume this group will post details as normal.
Comment by External Communications Team posted on
Hello Keith
Yes you will still be able to do this by post: https://www.gov.uk/change-address-v5c
Remember the driving licence will need to be updated as well: https://www.gov.uk/change-address-driving-licence
And vehicle tax Direct Debit if that is how you pay: https://www.gov.uk/tell-dvla-changed-address
At the moment paper applications sent to our office in Swansea will take longer to process as they must be dealt with in person on site, where we are working with reduced numbers to meet social distancing requirements. We are working to process documentation as quickly as possible. For more information see: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-coronavirus-covid-19-update
Kindest regards
Comment by Cezario posted on
It's one of the best services in Europe. In Romania for example you have to spend few houra to all kind of offices to change the new owner from all files, an costs are semnificative as well. WELL DONE DVLA!
Comment by Julie Riseley posted on
Thank you Cezario
Julie
Comment by Yunus raja posted on
DVLA. The dvla every thing online but they didn't only v62 not online. Please we request to dvla apply v62 online application and pay by card the £25. Any document and other are online. Please do v62 online application needed
Thanks
Comment by Julie Riseley posted on
Hello Yunus
Thank you for your comment. We are looking at other transactions that could be made available online in the future and we will consider the V62 application process.
Kindest regards
Julie
Comment by Tom Westmacott posted on
Thanks for doing this, it makes life a lot easier. The end goal must be to have virtually everything online, but of course you're working through things in priority order, and this is a good one.
A question - how come this service is only available between 7am and 7pm? Generally one of the benefits of automated systems is that they can be available at any time. Is there still a human element behind the scenes for now? Anyway, it will be even better if you can remove this restriction in future, lots of people will settle down to this sort of task after work.
I would also suggest that in future, there should be a single 'moving house' online system, where a motorist can authenticate themselves once, provide their new address once, and then generate changes for their licence, their car(s) and road tax direct debit(s) as appropriate. There is only one person and only one new address, so this is really one change, not five separate ones. A dream for the future.
Comment by External Communications Team posted on
Hello Tom
Thanks for your feedback, we're glad that the new change of address service has been beneficial to you. The service was developed around the already recognised needs of our customers who expressed limited requirement for the service outside of those hours. We're constantly reviewing our customer needs using insight from feedback such as yours though, and are continually working to update and improve our services based on that feedback.
Comment by Paolo posted on
Hi,
Been trying several times in the last few days to access the on line service (change of address on V5C) but it looks that the server is down. Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Comment by External Communications Team posted on
Hello Paolo
We're sorry that you have encountered difficulties. The service will tell you if it's down for maintenance. Please note that the change of address service is available between 7am and 7pm.
Comment by Ciara Loughnane posted on
Hi,
I updated my log book online to reflect a change of address but I need the updated one to tax the vehicle.
Is there any other way I can tax my vehicle whilst I wait and how long are the updates log books currently taking?
Comment by External Communications Team posted on
Hello Ciara,
You should receive your logbook within 5 working days. If your tax has expired you can get in touch with our contact centre - details at https://www.gov.uk/contact-the-dvla.