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Do I Need to Advise DVLA of Change of Address in Spain?

Posted in: On The Road
Author: Richelle de Wit
Tags: ,

Expat residents from the UK frequently ask about the validity of a licence that has an old UK address. This is because in the UK, under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is a criminal offence to have a licence with the wrong address. In order to comply with the EU Directive on mutual recognition of driving licences, the Road Traffic Act 1988 Article 99.5 was amended to read ´without reasonable cause´. This means that it is not necessary for British holders of a licence to advise a change to a foreign address, and whilst still resident in another country, may use their licence on short visits to the UK. The address must be changed if they return to the UK resident. 

Please note: The information provided is based upon our understanding of current legislation. It is not legal advice but is provided freely to enable you to be properly informed. We recommend that if you are considering taking action, you should seek professional advice.

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