Moving Logistics
How do I change my address when moving house?
You must update your address with several official bodies, most of them through GOV.UK and most of them free. The legal must-dos: driving licence within a "reasonable time" via gov.uk/change-address-driving-licence (free, fines up to £1,000 if not done), vehicle V5C log book via gov.uk/change-address-v5c (free), HMRC for tax and benefits via gov.uk/tell-hmrc-change-address, and your local council via gov.uk/find-local-council for council tax and the electoral roll.
Set up Royal Mail redirection at least five working days before move-day; £33.99 covers three months and catches anything you forget.
Then update your bank, employer, pension provider, GP, dentist, insurance policies, subscriptions, school, TV Licence and breakdown cover — most can be done in a single afternoon online.
What this means in practice
A household moving from SW16 to TN13 on Saturday 14 March 2026 sets up Royal Mail redirection on Monday 9 March (£33.99, runs 14 March to 13 June). On move-weekend they update via GOV.UK: driving licence (both adults), V5C for both cars, council tax registration with Sevenoaks District Council closing the Lambeth account, HMRC PAYE address, electoral roll re-registration. Monday 16 March they call: Lloyds bank, two private pension providers, Aviva car insurance, the GP surgery, the children's primary school. The whole admin run takes roughly four hours spread over a week. Total cost: £33.99 redirection. Letting any of these slide risks fines, missed correspondence and gaps in cover.
Related questions
How long can I leave it before updating my driving licence?
The DVLA expects you to update your licence and V5C "as soon as possible" after the move. There is no statutory deadline in days, but driving with an out-of-date address is an offence with a fine of up to £1,000 if prosecuted. The same applies to the V5C log book, the photocard licence and any provisional licences. Both updates are free and take five minutes online with a Government Gateway login. Set a calendar reminder for the day after move-day and clear them in one sitting.
Do I have to re-register to vote when I move?
Yes. Electoral registration is by household, by address — moving home does not carry your registration with you. Re-register at your new address through gov.uk/register-to-vote, which takes about five minutes and asks for your National Insurance number. The deadline for any given election is 12 working days before polling day; outside an election period there is no deadline, but registering promptly avoids gaps that affect credit applications, since lenders cross-check the electoral roll.
Sources
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