Vehicle and driving licence reminder issued by DVLA to UK motorists

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued a crucial message to motorists across the UK. The Government agency, which oversees more than 46 million vehicle records, posted its licence and vehicle reminder on X.

"If you've changed address, update your driving licence details and vehicle log book with DVLA online,"the message read. "It's quick and easy."

As the DVLA points out, motorists must ensure their address is up-to-date for their driving licence and vehicle log book, as well as their vehicle tax Direct Debit and other essential motor-related details.

You do not need to share a temporary address, even if you are staying away at university, as long as you can be contacted at a permanent address. Drivers can update their details by visiting the Government's website, which offers several options.

To update a full or provisional licence address, motorists can apply online or by post, both of which are free of charge. Crucially, drivers can still continue to drive whilst waiting for their new licence.

Similarly, car owners can also update the address on their vehicle log book online or by post. Generally, this is free of charge, though the service required will depend on the style of log book you have and your specific set of circumstances.

For example, if your vehicle is registered as part of the DVLA fleet scheme or your new address is overseas, including the Channel Islands (Jersey and Guernsey), Isle of Man or Ireland, you will need to use a different service.

Official advice on the Government's site adds: "If you're taking your vehicle, take the log book and register the vehicle in the country you're moving to. If you have a trailer, you may need to register it to take it abroad."

The DVLA's recent message follows shortly after it also urged motorists aged 70 and over to ensure their driving licences are up-to-date, in accordance with regulations. Although the standard renewal period for licences is every 10 years, it reduces to a three-year requirement once a driver reaches 70.

On X earlier this month, the authority said: "If you're 70 or over, you need to renew your driving licence every three years. Do it online - you'll get your new licence within a week! Get started by going to http://gov.uk/renewat70."

The DVLA usually sends a reminder before you turn 70 and each time your licence is due for renewal thereafter. Although current rules don't require elderly drivers to retake their driving test at 70, they do need to complete a medical declaration to obtain a new licence.

Any new medical conditions or disabilities might necessitate an assessment of driving abilities. For more information, head to the Government's website.

Here is what over-70s need to renew a licence

Typically, drivers aged 70 or above are required to provide the following details when renewing their licence:

• A valid UK passport number (if you want to change the licence photo)
• An email address
• Addresses of where you've lived for the last three years
• National Insurance number (if you know it)

Advice from Age UK also stresses that there is no fee to renewing a licence after 70 - regardless of the application method chosen. Nevertheless, it warned: "Make sure you go through the official DVLA website if you're renewing online, as some unofficial websites will try to charge you to renew your licence."