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Address Changing Checklist

Jul 14, 2025
handing over paper
Moving to a new home is always an exciting time. However, once you have a new address, you must ensure that your details are up to date on your documents and with insurance and service providers. 

 

However, this task can be quite tedious, with 68% of Brits saying that they have felt overwhelmed by having to change addresses when they move.

 

To help you stay organised, we’ve created this comprehensive checklist of all the places where your address should be updated. We’ve also enlisted the help of XX from David Wilson Homes to reveal why it’s so important to get this step right.
 

What addresses do Brits update when they move?

To discover which documents and services people prioritise when relocating, David Wilson Homes surveyed 500 Brits about what they change when moving addresses.
 

Which of the following do you update when you move house 

  % of Brits who wouldn't update
 Passport 49%
 Investment accounts/ISA's  41%
 Vehicle logbook  39%
Pet microchip   34%
Credit card provider 30% 
Employer/HR 25% 
Bank accounts 24% 
Broadband provider

24%
Electoral roll 21% 
GP surgery  19% 
Driver's license  14%
Council tax 13% 
 
Gavin Powell Sales Director at David Wilson Homes North West shared his thoughts on the results. 

 

Gavin said, “It’s encouraging to see that Council Tax and driving licences ranked so highly in the survey, as both are essential to update as soon as you move into a new home. Keeping your Council Tax details current ensures you stay on top of payments, while failing to update your driving licence could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

 

For drivers, it’s also important to update your vehicle’s logbook (V5C). Not only could you face a hefty fine if it’s incorrect, but you might also miss important correspondence from the DVLA, such as tax reminders or speeding notifications.

 

And for pet owners, don’t forget to update the database your pet’s microchip is registered with. If your pet goes missing, having the right address on file greatly increases the chance of them being safely returned to your new home.”

 

Address Changing Checklist:

Essential Legal and Government Documents

From driver’s licenses to HMRC, some services and documents are essential to update as soon as you move to a new address. Below are some of the most important:

 

• Driver's Licence – Keeping your driver's licence up to date is an important part of the moving process. You could face a fine of up to £1,000 if you don't. You may also miss important correspondence from the DVLA. A recent David Wilson Homes survey found that almost one in 10 Brits admit that the address on their licence is out of date. 

 

• Vehicle Logbook – Failing to update your logbook can also result in a £1,000 fine from the DVLA. Speeding tickets and other notices will be sent to the address on the logbook, so missing an update could lead to a fine or a court summons.

 

• HMRC (Tax Office) – It’s essential to update your address with HMRC, especially if you're self-employed, as you could miss important letters regarding overpaid or underpaid tax.

 

• Electoral Roll – The electoral roll is used to verify your identity for voting and credit applications. If you don't update it, lenders may be unable to confirm your address, which can affect credit applications.

 

• Passport – Although your passport legally doesn’t need to be updated when you move (as it’s not address-specific), it may be worth doing. If it's lost, it could be returned to an old address.

 

• Council Tax – You must register with your new local council each time you move. Doing this early can help you spread the cost, while any delays might result in having to pay the full amount all at once. In cases where you don’t pay council tax for an extended period, you may receive a court summons, where the council may decide to enlist debt collectors. Since water and sewerage charges are included in your Council Tax bill in Scotland, updating your details promptly ensures you're billed correctly and avoid any unnecessary complications.

 
• DWP/Benefits/Pension Providers – If your living situation changes, you must inform the DWP and your pension providers. Failing to do so may result in incorrect payments or a pause in your benefits.

 

Medical Information

Make sure your records are up to date, so you receive appointment reminders and medical correspondence at your new address. It’s important to include the following to make sure you have access to care when you move to your new home. 

 

• NHS / GP Surgery – If you receive repeat prescriptions, it is important to inform your current GP of the move and then register with a new GP at your new address. This will ensure that there are no interruptions in getting your prescription. 

 

• Dentist

 

• Optician

 

Insurance Providers 

Insurance providers rely on having accurate information on file so that they can provide adequate coverage. Here’s how having an outdated address can impact different insurance types:

 

• Car Insurance – Your policy could be invalid if your insurer doesn’t have accurate address details, meaning claims might be denied.

 

• Home Insurance – Home insurance is tied to the property, not the person. You’ll need a new policy for your new address to avoid being uninsured.

 

• Health Insurance – Some providers work with local networks. Not updating your address could limit your access to services.

 

• Life Insurance – Outdated records may delay claims if your insurer can't contact your beneficiaries.

 

Financial Information

While it is not a legal requirement to update your personal information with financial institutions such as banks and loan providers, if you don’t, you could miss crucial information and updates. 

 

• Banking and Building Society Accounts – It's best practice to update your address with your bank to avoid missing important
correspondence. For credit card holders, missed statements could impact your credit score.

 

• Loan Providers – Loan companies need your current address to send important documents. Keeping them informed helps prevent future issues due to missed correspondence.

 

• Investment Accounts / ISAs – These providers often send updates about changes in terms and legislation. Make sure your contact details are current to avoid missing anything important.

 

• Credit Reference Agencies – Although your address doesn’t directly impact your credit score, updating it ensures your credit report accurately reflects your financial history, helping with identity verification during credit applications.

 

Pet Services

Protect your pets by making sure their records reflect your new address.

 

• Pet Microchip Registration – If your pet is microchipped, updating the address is crucial in case they go missing. The registration database is usually listed in the original paperwork.

 

• Pet Insurance – Keep your address current with your pet insurance provider to avoid issues with claims or invalid policies.

 

• Veterinary Clinic – To ensure continuity of your pet's care, make sure to find a new vet near your new home before moving so that they can receive the best possible care. 

 

Employment

Your employer and pension schemes need accurate records to ensure everything from pay to retirement plans runs smoothly.

 

• Employment / HR – Inform your employer of your new address to ensure your payroll and tax records are accurate.

 

• Workplace Pension Schemes – Updating your employer should also update your pension records, but it's wise to double-check to ensure uninterrupted access in future.

 

Utilities and Services

Avoid disruptions to essential services like broadband and energy by informing your providers ahead of time.

 

• Electricity / Gas / Water Providers – Notify your suppliers as soon as you confirm your move. This ensures final bills go to your new home. If you're on a meter, take a final reading on your last day. If you're on a fixed tariff, check for any early exit fees in your contract to avoid surprises.

 

• Broadband Provider – Notify your provider early to avoid delays in setting up service at your new address. This is especially important if you work from home.

 

• Royal Mail Redirection – According to a recent survey by David Wilson Homes, one in five Brits are unaware of the Royal Mail's redirection service, which forwards mail to your new address. This gives you extra time to update your details with other services.

 

• TV Licence – Cancel your current licence before moving. TV licences are tied to the address, not the individual, so you’ll need a new one for your new home.

 

Retail and Mail

Avoid missed deliveries or lost packages by updating your details with any retailers or subscription services.

 

• Online Retailers – According to a recent survey by David Wilson Homes, 27% of Brits have mistakenly had a parcel delivered to a previous address. Unfortunately, if you entered your old address at checkout, the courier is considered to have fulfilled their obligation by delivering to the address provided, meaning you're unlikely to be eligible for a refund or replacement.

 

• Address for Mail – It’s also important to inform your friends and family about your changed address, as you don’t want to miss letters and cards from your loved ones. Over half of Brits (54%) say they still regularly receive old post from previous homeowners and tenants.

 

To conclude: 

Are you looking to move into a new home, if so, check out David Wilson Homes' New Homes Checklist page for useful advice and guide about moving home.
 

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