Address Proof – Simple Guide for UK Drivers

If you’re gearing up for a Class 1 HGV licence, the DVLA will ask you to prove where you live. It sounds boring, but a solid address proof speeds up paperwork and avoids nasty surprises later.

Accepted Documents for Address Proof

Most agencies accept any recent official paper that shows your name and current address. Here are the most common ones:

• Utility bill (gas, electricity, water) dated within the last three months.
• Bank or credit‑card statement with your address, also no older than three months.
• Council tax bill for the current year.
• Mortgage statement or tenancy agreement that includes your full name.
• HMRC tax‑year notice, P60, or Benefit statement.

Digital copies work as long as they’re clear and unaltered. The key is that the document must be official, recent, and match the name you’re applying with.

How to Submit and Keep Your Proof Updated

When you fill out the HGV licence application, you’ll either upload scans online or mail printed copies. Double‑check the file size – too large and the system rejects it.

Keep a folder (physical or digital) of your latest address proof. Whenever you move, change your name, or get a new utility provider, grab the new bill within a month. That way you won’t scramble for a document when the next renewal rolls around.

One quick tip: if you’re renting, ask your landlord for a signed tenancy agreement that lists both your name and the address. It’s accepted everywhere and saves you from hunting down a utility bill if you’re newly moved in.

Remember, the DVLA won’t accept a photocopy of an old passport or a driver’s licence alone – they need a separate proof that shows where you live right now. If you’re unsure, call the DVLA helpline; a two‑minute chat can clear up any confusion before you waste time.

By staying organized and knowing which papers count, you’ll breeze through the address verification step and keep your HGV licence on track.