Thousands of people who have moved house this year are at risk of a £1,000 fine - and many aren't aware of it.
As buyers look to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday - and many renters move back in with family - people are being urged to update their documents to keep in line with the law.
Forgetting to update your driving licence when you move home, for instance, could cost you a £1,000 on-the-spot fine.
However, it’s not just the DVLA that you will need to inform of your new address change, your vehicle log book must also be updated.
"It’s always better to air on the side of caution, and in this current climate, nobody wants to be left £1,000 out of pocket," a spokesman at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts said.
"If any of your information on your driving licence changes, you should inform the DVLA as soon as possible.
"This includes name changes, updates in health, and changing the licence before it expires. Running a car is expensive as it is, let alone with an eye-watering bill that just isn't needed."
The DVLA said failing to update a new address when you move home could result in a £1,000 penalty charge.
This is because correspondence about your vehicle – such as reminders to tax it, fines and refunds due - is sent to the address registered on your ID.
As well as driving licences, your vehicle log book must also be updated.
It said customers can now amend these details online in around five working days.
DVLA service manager Anthony Bamford said: "Our online services will always be the quickest way to keep your address up to date with us, which helps make sure you don’t miss important correspondence once you've moved house.
"Millions of drivers change the address on their driving licence this way, and you can now update your vehicle’s log book online too. It’s important to remember to update both when you move - and it’s quick and easy on GOV.UK."
You can update the address on your driving licence or your vehicle’s logbook on Gov.uk.
There is no cost to update your details using either service.
You do not need to tell DVLA if you move temporarily (for example you’re living away at university) if you can still be contacted at your permanent address.
You can still drive while you’re waiting for your new documents to be sent to you.
