Five easy DVLA admin errors that could cost you hundreds in fines

Motoring

Discover five everyday admin slip-ups that could leave UK drivers with unexpected fines from the DVLA – and how to avoid them.

Dave Hemmings spent over a decade working behind the scenes at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). During that time he saw drivers making common admin mistakes that cost them dearly.

Most of these aren’t deliberate, but the system doesn’t care whether you forgot or just didn’t know – it still sends the fine. Plates Express shares five of the most common errors Dave encountered – and what you can do to avoid them.

1) Forgetting to update your address

Moving house and forgetting to update the address on your driving licence or logbook (V5C) could mean missing important DVLA letters – including reminders and penalties.

Fine: Up to £1,000

How to avoid it:

  • Update both your driving licence and your V5C logbook – they’re separate
  • Do it for free online at GOV.UK as soon as you move

2) Not telling the DVLA you’ve sold or scrapped your car

If you don’t notify the DVLA after selling or scrapping your car, you could still be held legally responsible for it – and for whatever the new driver does with it.

Fine: You could be liable for parking tickets, speeding fines, or even court summons

How to avoid it:

  • Use the DVLA’s online ‘sell a vehicle’ service
  • Keep the confirmation email or letter for your records

3) Driving with an expired licence

Most people forget that photocard driving licences expire every 10 years – and many only realise once they’ve been caught.

Fine: Up to £1,000

How to avoid it:

  • Check your licence expiry date (front of the photocard)
  • Set a reminder to renew it online – don’t wait for a letter

4) Not declaring a medical condition

Failing to report certain health conditions to the DVLA – like epilepsy, sleep apnoea, or poor vision – can result in serious consequences if you’re involved in a crash.

Fine: Up to £1,000, plus possible prosecution if a collision occurs

How to avoid it:

  • Look up notifiable conditions on the GOV.UK site
  • When in doubt, ask your GP and declare it – it’s better to be safe than sorry

5) Using a non-compliant number plate

Plates with the wrong spacing, font, or added images might look fun – but they’re not legal, and you can be fined on the spot.

Fine: £100 + risk of MOT failure

How to avoid it:

  • Use DVLA-approved plates with correct spacing, font, and no custom logos
  • If in doubt, double-check before buying or fitting a new plate

Avoid these common admin traps – and the fines that come with them!

Never mind speeding tickets – it is easy it is to fall into these admin traps without even switching your car on! Most drivers don’t set out to break the rules – but small oversights can lead to big fines. A few minutes of checking could save you a lot of money and hassle down the line.