Changes You Must Notify DVLA About
Published Date: 29th Nov 2021
It is very important that you update the DVLA with any changes to your personal situation/details or health conditions that may affect your ability to drive to the required standard.
It is very important you make sure you declare any changes as you could be open to penalties and in rare cases, fines of up to £1000 or even have you license revoked.
It is also prudent to use DVLA online services wherever possible, as DVLA paper applications can take much longer and have been affected by industrial action.
Here are some key things you need to notify the DVLA about:
Selling Your Current Vehicle/Buying A New One
If you are buying a new car or selling/transferring your current one to someone else or a dealer you need to inform the DVLA.
It is also important to recognise the difference between ownership and being the registered keeper of a vehicle . For example you may purchase a vehicle for someone else, remain the legal owner but on the V5C the main driver of the vehicle (the registered keeper) must be on the V5C log book.
A V5C document is not proof of purchase legally and when you purchase a new car you should attain an invoice/receipt as proof of ownership.
You can tell DVLA if you’ve bought, sold, or transferred a vehicle here.
If Your Address Changes
If you have a permanent change of address, you must notify the DVLA and get your driving license and the vehicle log book updated with the new address. You should also contact your insurer as it may affect your premium and the validity of your current insurance cover.
If your change of address is not permanent for example staying away for temporary work or educational purposes (university for example) and you can still be reached at your permanent address, you do not need to inform the DVLA.
You can find all the relevant DVLA information about a change of address here.
If The Vehicle Is Off Road/Not In Use (SORN)
If your vehicle is not in use, you can declare it off road, this is called a Statutory Off Road Notification or ‘SORN’ for short.
With many people working from home during the COVID pandemic and households often having more than one vehicle this has become more commonplace.
Bear in mind if you declare your vehicle off road, it must be exactly that. The vehicle must be kept on a private driveway or in a garage. If you declare the vehicle off road and leave it parked on a public road you will be breaking the law.
When you declare your vehicle off road, the DVLA will reimburse you for any tax of the remaining term.
You can register your vehicle off road (SORN) here.
If the Vehicle Has Been Scrapped
If your vehicle is being scrapped due to age or extreme damage/insurance write off and you need notify DVLA along with details of the car breaker or garage that are taking the vehicle as scrap.
You can start the process of telling The DVLA you’ve scrapped your car here.
A Change To Your Name Or Gender
If your name has changed, for example due to marital status or you have changed you name by deed poll you need to inform the DVLA and get your driving license and vehicle log updated accordingly.
The DVLA link to change the name on your driving licence is here.
To change the name on your V5C log book, see here.
You also need to notify The DVLA if your gender has changed, and you have gone through the correct UK legal procedure and acquired a Gender Recognition Certificate.
Medical Conditions, Disabilities and Changes To Your Health
You must notify The DVLA if you have a newly diagnosed medical condition or disability, or your current one has changed. Some of the common conditions that must be declared are diabetes, syncope (risk of fainting), heart conditions, sleep apnoea, epilepsy, strokes, and glaucoma.
You can check if your health condition or disability should be declared here.
Changes To Your Eyesight
The minimum eyesight requirement for driving is to be able read a car number plate from 20 metres away (approximately the length of five cars). This can be done wearing your glasses or contact lenses which must also be worn when driving.
Drivers are encouraged to take regular eye tests and be aware that the police can revoke a driving license immediately if they deem a motorist to be a danger to others on the roads.
You can check if you sight or eye condition should be declared to the DVLA here.