DVLA Advice - Need to change address + Renew photo!

Malt_Vinegar · 5 Oct 2010 at 11:00

I am looking on the direct gov website, and there are clear processes shown for both updating the address, and also for renewing the photo after 10 years. However, if I want to do both at the same time, has anyone else done this?

I know the DVLA are often thought of as OMG WTF CRAP, and worry about doing more than 2 things are once. Luckily I do not have any extra provisions on my license to lose.

My license expires in December and I really want to find out the best way to address this before then.

I know I can phone them, but as most of you will know, phoning the DVLA and actually finding the right person is often a trial in itself!

So, how would you do it:

1 - Change address, then renew license and photo in two separate transactions

2 - Wait till it expires, and see if they will do the photo and the address change at the same time?

3 - Pay to change the photo, then get the address changed

4 - Just accept that its going to be a ballache and phone them up and waste a lunch-hour+ listening to hold music and generally spend hours getting bumped from one script reader to the next..

DM · 5 Oct 2010 at 11:01

Get on the phone.

martynbez · 5 Oct 2010 at 11:07

I would say go for option 3 and pay the £20.

On the form it ask you if you want to change your address at the same time. Plus you wont have to change the picture for another 10 years.

Relentless81 · 5 Oct 2010 at 11:11

I need to do this next month as mine expires, I need to do exactly the same but also would like points etc removing, does anyone know if the points etc come off automatically if the are "spent" or does this have to be paid for?

Malt_Vinegar · 5 Oct 2010 at 11:34

Relentless81 said:
I need to do this next month as mine expires, I need to do exactly the same but also would like points etc removing, does anyone know if the points etc come off automatically if the are "spent" or does this have to be paid for?

Good point, i will have a clean license when it comes back.. I assume that this will happen anyway when issued with a new license?

Relentless81 · 5 Oct 2010 at 11:36

Malt_Vinegar said:
Good point, i will have a clean license when it comes back.. I assume that this will happen anyway when issued with a new license?

Thats exactly what I dont understand and cant seem to find any specific information on

Fr0dders · 5 Oct 2010 at 11:43

points over 4 years old are removed automatically when changing address / renewing photo.

You can do the whole lot in one go.

You need to fill in an application form, the same one you'd use to apply for a new one. Just tick the relevant boxes telling them what its for, and make sure when you fill it in, you tell them the address has changed too.

Simples. (at least it is when you have the form in front of you, go to your post office and get one )

memyselfandi · 5 Oct 2010 at 11:45

I had to have the photo done on my license about three months ago and when I was sorted it out I noticed that there was an error in the address on the license so I needed to get that fixed, (all the elements of the address were there correctly but jumbled up).

I just also filled in the address change section when I sent off the license, new picture and cheque. Received back an updated license with the address changed as well as the picture updated..

Relentless81 · 5 Oct 2010 at 11:47

MrLOL said:
points over 4 years old are removed automatically when changing address / renewing photo.

You can do the whole lot in one go.

You need to fill in an application form, the same one you'd use to apply for a new one. Just tick the relevant boxes telling them what its for, and make sure when you fill it in, you tell them the address has changed too.

Simples. (at least it is when you have the form in front of you, go to your post office and get one )

Cool i'm going to the post office at lunch anyway so i'll pick one up and have a look

Cheers

I would rather do it online in this day and age though

Fr0dders · 5 Oct 2010 at 11:49

once you've got the form its a lot clearer, you tick the box for address change, fill it in etc.. and it comes with a booklet telling you what parts to fill in when renewing the photo.

Dont have to do anything about expired points, that happens automatically.

Relentless81 · 5 Oct 2010 at 11:50

What if I dont have a cheque book? THats the only part i'm unclear on now, paying them

Fr0dders · 5 Oct 2010 at 11:50

get somebody with one to write one for you ?

Relentless81 · 5 Oct 2010 at 11:52

Ok thanks for the help i'll see if my Dad still uses cheques

Fr0dders · 5 Oct 2010 at 11:52

i bank with the co-op so dont have one either. Just got my gran to write one

Relentless81 · 5 Oct 2010 at 11:53

I'm hoping they have an alternative payment method to be honest, hopefully the leaflet will explain, cant be that many people using cheques anymore, I havent seen one for years!

Fr0dders · 5 Oct 2010 at 11:56

the alternative is a postal order iirc

ask for one at the post office while your at it.

Relentless81 · 5 Oct 2010 at 13:45

Guess what I forgot to get when I went post office at dinner

FML

kefkef · 5 Oct 2010 at 17:44

Fairly sure when i applied for a new licence in Feb this year (lost my old paper one so had to send photo in also) i used the premium checking service at the post office for the forms and just used my debit card over the counter to pay the fee. As above also, needed a change of address so ticked the box on the application form. Points also removed from paper counterpart automatically.

SteQ · 19 Jan 2012 at 12:17

Good old overclockers, there is a thread for everything. I was in the same position. I read this post and then realised that it gives you am option on the new photo app form to update your details.... derp

Still this proved useful, so thanks guys

Uriel · 19 Jan 2012 at 12:23

MrLOL said:
i bank with the co-op so dont have one either. Just got my gran to write one

Eh? So do I but I've got a cheque book.

DVLA Advice - Need to change address + Renew photo!

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