Hundreds of thousands of drivers warned they risk £1,000 fine for breaking strict licence rule
BRIT drivers have been warned they face being hit with a hefty £1,000 fine for breaking a strict licence rule.
Driving experts at Motor Match have issued the alert about the little-known rule that could see motorists significantly out of pocket.
Forgetting to inform the DVLA about a new address could land you in some seriously hot water.
Simply forgetting to update information won’t wash with the authority who are likely to issue a significant fine.
The experts at Motor Match said: “Address updates are more than just a matter of compliance.
“In the unfortunate event of an accident, having accurate address details ensures that essential information reaches the right individuals promptly, expediting necessary processes and potentially saving lives.
“The DVLA’s requirement to update address information extends beyond just your driving licence; it includes your vehicle log book, direct debit for vehicle tax, and private number plate documents.
“Failing to update these details can lead to significant fines of up to £1,000, making it crucial for all drivers to be vigilant about keeping their information current.
“Even temporary moves, such as living away at university, warrant an update of your address details with the DVLA.
“This ensures that your records accurately reflect your situation and prevents unnecessary complications down the road.
“The process is both cost-free and convenient, allowing you to continue driving while awaiting your updated licence.”
Drivers will not be charged for just changing an address and the service is free.
However, anyone wanting to update their driving licence photo at the same time will be charged £14.
Anyone wanting to update their driving licence details online can do so through the gov.uk website.
It takes just a few minutes to do so.
In order to update your details, drivers have to provide details of addresses where they have lived over the past three years.
Motorists will then be issued with a new photocard with their new address.
Road users have to be a resident in the UK and cannot be banned from driving.
Anyone who does not have access to the internet can change their address on their licence by post.
Applicants need to complete the ‘changes’ section on letter D741 that came with the original licence.
This then needs to be sent to the DVLA head office in Swansea, along with their photocard driving licence.
Earlier this month, UK drivers were also warned it is a legal requirement for UK drivers to renew their licence every ten years for it to remain valid.
Failure to do so risks invalidating both as your driving licence and as a form of legal ID.
According to DVLA figures at the time, more than 700,000 drivers passed their car tests in 2014, with several thousand also passing motorcycle and LGV equivalents.
Assuming the majority of those passing tests received their licence in the same year, then the deadline is fast approaching for these to be renewed.
You can check the expiry date on your licence card, usually found on the front just beneath the date of issue.
Each section of your licence card is numbered and you can see which number corresponds to the expiry date on the reverse side of the card.
Not only could you be left without a valid licence, but a failure to renew can also see you slapped with a £1,000 fine.
However, if you are over 70, your licence must be renewed every three years via the same process – though it is free of charge.