Change Logbook Online: Update Your V5C Address
If you've moved house, you need to change your logbook online, or by phone or post, to keep your V5C up to date with the DVLA. This guide covers how to update your V5C address yourself, and how to update everything else your move involves at the same time.
Table of Contents
What Is a V5C Logbook?
A V5C, also known as a vehicle logbook, is an official document issued by the DVLA that records a vehicle’s registered keeper. It contains details about the vehicle itself, such as its make, model, colour, and engine size, alongside the name and address of the registered keeper. The registered keeper is responsible for the vehicle’s registration and taxation, but isn’t necessarily its legal owner.
How to Change Your Logbook Online
Update Everything Else in One Go with SlothMove
SlothMove’s change of address service notifies the DVLA alongside HMRC, the NHS, your council, and hundreds of other organisations, all in one form, under a signed Letter of Authority. SlothMove doesn’t process your V5C itself; that stays with the DVLA regardless of which route you use.
Online
You can change your logbook online directly with the DVLA, free of charge.
- Go to the DVLA’s official change of address service on gov.uk.
- Enter your vehicle registration number, V5C reference number (found in the yellow box on your logbook), and your new address.
- Submit your details. You’ll get instant confirmation on screen.
- Your new V5C logbook arrives by post within 5 working days, longer during busy periods, typically January to March.
You can continue driving legally while you wait for your new V5C to arrive. What matters is that you’ve notified the DVLA of the change.
Other Ways to Change Your Logbook Address
By phone
Contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6802. Have your vehicle registration number and V5C reference number ready.
State By post
Fill in the address section of your V5C with your new details and send it to the DVLA at the address printed on the form. Updating by post is the only option if you’re changing your name as well as your address.
Are There Any Restrictions on Updating Online?
You can’t use the DVLA’s online service if you’ve already posted your logbook to them, if you’ve sold or transferred the vehicle, or if you’ve lost your logbook. In any of these cases, you’ll need to update by post instead.
What Happens If I Don't Update My Logbook?
If you’ve changed address and not updated your logbook, you’re liable for a fine of up to £1,000. You must inform the DVLA when you move, not just when you sell your car.
If your address is incorrect and you receive penalty points or a fine, correspondence will go to your old address. If you don’t respond because you never saw the letter, this can lead to bailiff action to recover the fine, an increased fine, and further penalty points through court action.
What If I've Lost My V5C Logbook?
If you’ve lost your V5C, you can apply for a replacement in three ways.
- Online: apply through the DVLA’s official website. You’ll need your vehicle registration number, VIN or chassis number, and the name and postcode registered on your logbook.
- By phone: contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6802.
- By post: complete a V62 form and send it with a £25 fee to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DD.
Changing Your Logbook Address vs. Transferring Ownership
These are two different DVLA processes. Changing your logbook address updates where correspondence for the existing registered keeper is sent. Transferring ownership tells the DVLA that a vehicle has a new registered keeper entirely, for example because you’ve bought or sold the car. If you’ve moved and also bought or sold a vehicle, you’ll need to complete both.
Who Else Needs to Know You've Moved?
Updating the DWP is one part of a house move. Most people also need to notify their council, energy and water suppliers, the electoral roll, DVLA, HMRC, the TV Licence, and their GP surgery.
- Council, for council tax and local services.
- Water, gas, and electricity providers, to keep billing accurate.
- Electoral roll, to stay registered at your new address.
- HMRC, so your tax and benefit records are correct.
- TV Licence, a legal requirement if you watch live TV or BBC iPlayer.
- GP surgery, to keep your medical records current.
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FAQs
Can I change a logbook online?
Yes. You can change your logbook address online through the DVLA’s official service, free of charge, as long as you haven’t already posted your logbook to them, sold or transferred the vehicle, or lost your logbook.
Can I inform the DVLA of a change of ownership online?
Yes, in most cases. If you’re the seller, you can tell the DVLA online that you’ve sold your vehicle. If you’re the buyer, the previous keeper’s new keeper slip lets you register the change online too.
How do I change ownership of a V5?
To transfer ownership, complete the new keeper section of the V5C (or register online if the previous keeper started the process) with the new registered keeper’s details. This is separate from a simple address update.
How do I register my car as a new keeper?
Use the 12-digit reference number from the V5C or the green new keeper slip to register online with the DVLA, or complete the relevant section of the V5C by post.
About SlothMove
SlothMove has helped over 75,000 UK residents update their address across government and private organisations since 2019. We are an ICO-registered data controller, GDPR compliant, and backed by Taylor Rose MW, one of the UK’s
leading conveyancing firms.