Who to Notify of a Change of Address in the UK: A Chronological Checklist
There is no single place to update your address in the UK so the job is a list rather than a form. Working through it in date order stops the important ones being missed. The legal deadlines are the DVLA, the electoral roll, your insurers and the council.
The short answer
- Start four weeks out and finish the last items in week one after the move
- Legally required: DVLA licence and V5C, car and home insurers, council tax, electoral roll
- Set up Royal Mail redirection at least five working days before you move
- Take meter readings at both properties on the day
- Updating a driving licence is free and updating a V5C is free too
Four weeks before
These are the ones with notice periods or waiting lists so they go first.
- Royal Mail redirection which needs five working days minimum
- Your current and new local councils for council tax
- Broadband and phone provider because installation slots book up
- Schools and nurseries if the children are changing setting
- Vet and pet microchip database
- Any subscription with a fixed delivery date such as a veg box
Two weeks before
Money, insurance and the health services.
- Banks, building societies and credit card providers
- Mortgage lender or landlord and letting agent
- Buildings and contents insurer with the new cover starting at exchange
- Car insurer because the premium is postcode based
- Life and health insurance and pension providers
- GP dentist and optician at both ends
- Employer payroll and HR
One week before
Government bodies and the day to day accounts.
- DVLA driving licence and vehicle V5C which are both free to change
- HMRC for tax and any child benefit or tax credits
- DWP for state pension or any benefits
- TV Licensing
- Electoral roll at the new address
- Breakdown cover provider
- Online shopping accounts and anywhere your card is stored
Moving day
Photograph the gas, electricity and water meters at both properties with a timestamp. That single habit settles almost every billing dispute that follows a move.
- Final meter readings at the old address
- Opening meter readings at the new address
- Give both sets to the energy suppliers within 48 hours
- Note the water meter serial number if there is one
The first week in the new home
Register for council tax at the new address if you have not already and check the band. Join the new GP practice, update the electoral roll and re register your address anywhere a card payment failed in the first few days.
Full notification list at a glance
Keep this beside you and tick items off as you go.
| Organisation | When | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| DVLA licence and V5C | As soon as you move | Legally required |
| Local council for council tax | Before the move | Legally required |
| Electoral roll | On moving | Legally required |
| Car insurer | Before the move | Legally required |
| Home insurer | From exchange | Strongly advised |
| Energy and water suppliers | Moving day | Required to bill correctly |
| Bank and card providers | Two weeks before | Strongly advised |
| HMRC and DWP | One week before | Required if claiming |
| GP dentist optician | First fortnight | Advised |
| Royal Mail redirection | Five days before | Optional but useful |
Frequently asked questions
Is there one place to change my address for everything?
No. The UK has no single change of address service. Government services each need their own update although GOV.UK groups several of them in one place.
How long does Royal Mail redirection take to set up?
Allow at least five working days. You can redirect post for three six or twelve months and the price rises with the length.
Do I have to tell the DVLA when I move?
Yes and it is free. Failing to update your licence or vehicle log book can lead to a fine of up to £1,000.
When should I tell the council I am moving?
Tell both councils a few weeks ahead with your completion date so the old account closes and the new one opens correctly.
Planning a move?
BlueSky Removals gives fixed written prices after a free video or home survey. Call 0800 090 3125 or request a quote online.