Address Change

What Do You Need To Update?

Your address is on file in more places than you think. Here's how to update each one — and what happens if you forget.

DVLA

Update your driving licence and vehicle records. It's free, takes minutes online, and is a legal requirement.

Do it as soon as your new address is confirmed. The online update is processed quickly; the new photocard arrives within about a week. There's no penalty for updating early.

HMRC

Keep your tax, benefits, and state pension records correct. Update through your Personal Tax Account.

Update once your move is confirmed. There's no waiting period — the change takes effect on your record immediately, though postal correspondence may take a cycle to catch up.

Your Bank

Update each account separately so statements, cards, and fraud checks reach the right place.

Do this before move day where possible, so new cards and statements are sent to the right address. Updating early avoids a gap where post is misrouted.

Electoral Roll

Register at your new address to keep your vote — and protect your credit score.

Register once you've moved or are about to. Registration is usually processed within a couple of weeks, so do it early if a credit application (mortgage, loan) is coming up.

NHS GP

Register with a practice near your new home so your care and prescriptions continue without a gap.

Register soon after you move, before your old registration lapses. New registrations can take up to a couple of weeks to process, so don't leave it if you rely on repeat prescriptions.

Council Tax

Local Authority

Tell both councils about your move so your old account closes and the new one opens correctly.

Notify both councils around your move date — they need your actual move-in and move-out dates to bill correctly. There's no benefit to doing it weeks early, but don't leave it long after moving.

Want to track everything in one place?

The Digital Move Audit covers every address record.

Open the Digital Move Audit Begin the journey