My V5C Shows My Old Address - Will My Crit'Air Sticker Arrive?

If your V5C registration document shows your old address, the official French system will post your Crit’Air sticker there. Here is how to avoid this problem — and what to do if you have already applied.

The problem

The Crit’Air application uses the address from your vehicle registration document. If you have moved house and not updated your V5C, the address on file is your old one. The official French system has no way to know you have moved — it sends the sticker to whatever address is on the document.

This is a common problem. Many UK drivers do not update their V5C promptly after moving, even though the law requires it within 14 days.

What to do before applying

Step 1: Update your V5C address (if time allows)

Update your address online at gov.uk/change-address-v5c. It is free and the DVLA records update instantly. The replacement V5C document takes 2–4 weeks to arrive by post, but the online change is immediate.

Step 2: Apply for the sticker

Once the DVLA records are updated, apply for your Crit’Air sticker. If you use our service, you can specify your current address regardless of what the V5C says — we handle the address for you.

If your trip is too soon to wait

If you are travelling in the next few days and cannot wait for a V5C update:

1. Apply through our service — we can process the application using your current address
2. Save the digital certificate — it is emailed to you immediately and is legally valid in France
3. Update your V5C when you return — the physical sticker can follow later

The digital certificate does not depend on the postal address. It is emailed to whatever email address you provide, so you receive it instantly regardless.

What if the sticker has already been sent to the wrong address?

If you have already applied and the sticker has been posted to your old address:

1. Check if post is being redirected — if you set up Royal Mail redirection when you moved, the letter from France may be forwarded to your new address
2. Contact the new occupants — if you are on good terms with them, ask if they received a letter from France
3. Use the digital certificate — it remains valid and covers you for police checks and cameras
4. Apply again if necessary — if the sticker is truly lost, apply for a new one with the correct address

Updating your V5C

Updating your V5C address is free and straightforward:

• Online: gov.uk/change-address-v5c — instant update to DVLA records
• By post: Complete Section 6 of the V5C and post it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA

You are legally required to update your V5C within 14 days of moving. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to £1,000. Beyond the legal requirement, an up-to-date V5C avoids problems with:

• Crit’Air sticker delivery
• Insurance claims
• MOT reminders
• Tax renewal notices
• Police correspondence