Moving house? Our guide answers who to inform when moving house? Local council, HMRC, DVLA, banks, and more. With a complete list of people to notify when moving house and direct links, updating your address is a breeze. Stay organised, avoid hassles, and settle into your new home with ease, read on for the full checklist!
Moving house is a fantastic milestone, new spaces, new neighbours, and a fresh start! But before you unpack, there’s a vital task: figuring out who to inform when moving house. Wondering who do I need to tell when I move house? From avoiding lost post to keeping your utilities running, this friendly guide has you covered with a list of people to notify when moving house. Plus, for a smooth move, we can secure your removal van hire with hirefleet in just a few clicks.
Your address links you to bills, services, and loved ones. Skip a step, and you might face late fees or a Wi-Fi-free first night. Let’s dive into when moving house who to inform, to avoid the common pitfalls when handling a change of address.
Who do I need to inform when I move house? Start with handling the Government and Official Bodies.
HMRC doesn’t require you to notify them of a change of address for every move unless it affects your tax obligations or benefits. They often get your updated address automatically through other government services (e.g., if you update your details with the DVLA or your local council, and you’re linked to HMRC online services).
Self-Employed: If you’re registered for Self Assessment, you need to update your address to ensure tax returns and notices reach you.
Tax Credits or Benefits: If you receive tax credits, Child Benefit, or other HMRC-administered payments, you must inform them so payments and correspondence continue correctly.
PAYE (Employed): If your employer handles your tax via PAYE, HMRC usually gets your address updated through them, but it’s wise to check if you manage your tax online.
Why It Matters: Outdated details could mean missing important tax documents, penalties, or interruptions to benefits—definitely something to avoid!
Online: Log into your HMRC online account (Personal Tax Account) to update your address quickly.
Phone: Call the HMRC helpline, 0300 200 3300 for general queries or specific lines for tax credits (0345 300 3900).
Post: Write to them, though online is faster.
Timing: Do this as soon as possible after moving to keep records current.
You need to update the Electoral Register when you move home in the UK to ensure you’re registered to vote at your new address. It doesn’t update automatically, and staying registered keeps you eligible for elections and helps with credit checks.
Register or update your details at gov.uk/register-to-vote with your National Insurance number, old address, and new address. Do it as soon as you move.
When you move to a new address, you must update the DVLA to keep your driving licence, vehicle logbook (V5C), and vehicle tax records accurate.
Driving Licence: Your licence must reflect your current address—it’s a legal ID document, and an outdated address could cause issues if you’re stopped by police or need to prove your identity.
Vehicle Logbook (V5C): The V5C certificate shows your address as the registered keeper of your vehicle. If it’s wrong, you might miss important notices (e.g., tax reminders) or face delays selling your car.
Vehicle Tax: Direct Debit payments or tax reminders are sent to your registered address, so updating it prevents missed payments or penalties.
Legal Requirement: It’s your responsibility to keep these details current. Failing to update could technically lead to a fine (up to £1,000), though enforcement is rare unless it causes bigger problems.
Driving Licence
Online: Update it for free at gov.uk/change-address-driving-licence. You’ll need your licence details and new address.
Post: Send a form (D741, included with your photocard) or apply for a new licence if you have a paper version.
Vehicle Logbook (V5C):
Online: Use gov.uk/change-address-v5c if you’re the registered keeper and have the V5C reference number.
Post: Update section 6 of your V5C and send it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA. They’ll send a new one (allow 2-4 weeks).
Vehicle Tax: If you pay by Direct Debit, update your address at gov.uk/vehicle-tax-direct-debit or it adjusts with your V5C update.
Timing: Do this as soon as you move, there’s no fee, and it’s quick online.
Post Office
Not Mandatory, But Smart: The Post Office (Royal Mail) doesn’t need to know your new address for operational purposes, they deliver based on what’s addressed to you. However, setting up a mail redirection service ensures the post sent to your old address reaches you at your new one.
Why It’s Important:
Optional but Practical:
Unlike notifying the DVLA or local council, this isn’t a legal must-do, but it’s a key part of a smooth move. Redirect your mail with Royal Mail here.
Why not hit two birds with one stone? Take charge of your move and save potentially hundreds compared to pricey full-service movers, (if not thousands). Picture this: you’re ticking off who to inform when moving house, your council, bank, utility providers and so on, while keeping your wallet happy with hirefleets self drive removal van hire, when the time comes to settle into your new home. Want to dig into the savings? Check out our blog post on Removal Costs 2025 for the full scoop, then book your self drive removal van hire today and move smarter!
When I move house who do I need to inform? Utilities and services is an important consideration to ensure correct billing and unnecessary downtime of services at your new home or office.
Contact your suppliers directly and make them aware of your change of address. If you are out of your minimum term contract with your current supplier you may want to check out a platform such as USwitch to get new tariff prices that can save you money at your new home.
If you have a TV licence and you’re moving to a new address, you must update TV Licensing with your new details to keep your licence valid at your new home.
Legal Requirement: A TV licence is tied to a specific address. If you watch or record live TV or use BBC iPlayer at your new place without updating it, you’re technically unlicensed, which could lead to a £1,000 fine.
Continuity: Updating ensures your licence transfers smoothly, avoiding interruptions or duplicate payments.
Correspondence: TV Licensing sends renewal reminders and notices to your registered address, keep it current to stay informed.
Exceptions: If you’re moving somewhere already covered (e.g., a shared house with an existing licence) and won’t need your own, you can cancel instead. But if you’re taking your licence with you, updating is a must.
Online: Go to tvlicensing.co.uk/update. Log in with your licence number (or email and postcode), then update your address and move date. It’s free and instant.
Phone: Call 0300 790 6112 (Monday-Friday, 8:30am-6:30pm). Have your licence number ready.
Do this as soon as you know your new address, ideally before you move or shortly after to keep your coverage seamless.
Who do I need to tell when moving house for money matters? Keep your finances in check by completing this checklist.
You’re not legally obligated to update your bank with your new address, but it’s in your best interest to do so if you have any accounts (savings, current, loans, etc.).
Statements and Cards: Banks send statements, new debit/credit cards, and important notices to your registered address. If it’s outdated, you could miss these or risk them going to your old address.
Security: An incorrect address could delay fraud checks or account recovery if your details are compromised.
Credit Score: Some credit agencies cross-check your address with bank records, keeping it current helps your financial profile.
When It’s Critical: If you have a mortgage or loan with the bank, updating is especially important to ensure payment notices and agreements stay linked to your new home.
Online: Most UK banks let you update your address via online banking. Check your bank’s website for a specific “change address” option, log in with your credentials.
Phone: Call your bank’s customer service (number on their site or your card) and provide your account details and new address.
In Branch: Visit with ID (e.g., passport) and proof of new address (e.g., utility bill).
Timing: Do this as soon as you move or know your new address to keep everything up to date.
It’s not just a good idea, it’s often a contractual requirement under your insurance policy terms.
Car Insurance: Your address affects your premium (e.g., crime rates, parking conditions) and where your car is kept. Not updating could invalidate your cover if you claim, as insurers assess risk based on location.
Home Insurance: Contents or buildings insurance is tied to a specific property. Moving means your old policy may no longer apply, and you’ll need new cover for your new home.
Health/Pet Insurance: Less critical for location-based risk, but insurers still need your current address for correspondence and claims.
Legal Risk: Failing to notify could breach your policy’s terms, giving the insurer grounds to refuse a claim or cancel your cover.
Consequences: An outdated address might mean missed renewal notices or delays in claims processing, plus potential legal or financial headaches.
Online: Most insurers offer an online portal. Log into your account on your insurer’s website and update your address, check their “My Account” or “Manage Policy” section.
Phone: Call your insurer’s customer service (number on your policy docs or website) with your policy number and new address ready.
Timing: Notify them as soon as possible, ideally before you move or right after to ensure continuous coverage. For car insurance, don’t drive until it’s updated, as your policy might not be valid at the new address until confirmed.
Cost Impact: Your premium might change (up or down) based on the new location, ask for a quote when updating.
Whether it’s a private pension, workplace pension, or State Pension, updating your address with your pension provider is important.
Correspondence: Pension providers send statements, updates, and payment notices to your registered address. An outdated address means you could miss critical info, like annual statements or options at retirement.
Payments: If you’re already receiving pension payments (e.g., State Pension or a private annuity), they might send cheques or contact you at your listed address, keeping it current avoids delays or lost funds.
Tracing You: Pension providers need to locate you, especially for old workplace pensions. An old address could make it harder for them (or you) to access your funds later.
Not Mandatory: Unlike car insurance or the DVLA, there’s no legal penalty for not updating, but it’s in your financial interest to do so.
State Pension Specific: If you’re nearing or receiving the State Pension, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) needs your current address, updating HMRC or your local council might not automatically sync with them.
Online: Log into your provider’s portal.
Phone: Call your provider (number on statements or their website) with your policy number and new address.
Post: Write to them with your details, check their contact address on correspondence.
Online/Phone: Update via the DWP at gov.uk/contact-pension-service or call 0800 731 0469.
Timing: Do this as soon as you move or know your new address to keep records current, there’s no fee.
Stay connected, here’s a list of people to notify when moving house.
Moving an office instead?
Key Updates for Offices
You’re all set! Knowing who to inform when moving house makes for a brilliant start. Use those links to notify everyone, and for van hire for removals, trust hirefleet self drive van hire. Ready to go? Secure your self drive van today with hirefleet and enjoy a hassle-free move!
Ready to make your move a triumph? Book a self drive Luton van hire from hirefleet and tackle the job like a pro! With its roomy box body and handy tail lift, a Luton van is perfect for shifting everything, bulky sofas, hefty boxes, you name it, without breaking a sweat. Add in extras like ratchet straps to lock your load tight, a sack trolley to glide heavy items effortlessly, and optional blankets for that extra care, and you’ve got a stress-free move sorted. Don’t wait, secure your self drive Luton van hire today and roll into your new home with ease and confidence!
hirefleet
Discover the advantages of choosing Ford van hire and transit van rental for your commercial needs in our detailed guide. We delve into the practicalities and benefits of Ford transit van hire, particularly focusing on the flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Whether you're looking for a reliable vehicle for deliveries with a transit van rental or a versatile solution for diverse business operations, our article provides insightful information on how a Ford transit hire can transform your business.
Delve into the captivating music and art scene of Sheffield, highlighting the array of upcoming events that make this city a hub of cultural vibrancy. We explore how van hire Yorkshire can be your ideal travel companion, whether you're attending a concert, an art exhibition, assisting with the hosting and setup of an event or exploring the local markets.
The article further discusses the advantages of self-drive van hire Yorkshire from hirefleet, offering the freedom and flexibility to navigate Sheffield's historic and artistic landscape at your own pace. Your journey through Sheffield’s cultural offerings is not just about reaching your destination, but about enjoying the journey itself.
An exciting exploration into the world of Long Wheel Base (LWB) vans! If you're unfamiliar with the term, a LWB van refers to a vehicle designed with a longer distance between the front and rear wheels. This expanded wheelbase often results in a larger cargo area, making these vans a popular choice for a wide array of transportation needs. Commonly, when people think about LWB vans, they envision large-scale operations, business logistics, or heavy-duty haulage tasks. While these are certainly areas where LWB vans shine, there's so much more to these versatile vehicles than meets the eye.
Venturing into the complex world of business transportation brings to the forefront the pressing question: does van hire include insurance? This article dives deep into the multifaceted realm of van hire insurance, shedding light on its paramount importance across various industries.
Discover why insurance for van hire is not just a protective measure, but a strategic tool that propels businesses forward. With insights from hirefleet, understand the essence of safeguarded journeys and seamless operations.
