Do I Have To Inform DVLA Of A Change In Direct Debit Details?

If you are wondering whether or not you have to inform DVLA of a change in your direct debit details regarding car tax payment, this guide will walk you through the steps involved in updating your direct debit details with the DVLA in the UK, highlighting whether or not you are required to do so, simplifying the process and providing you with all the necessary information.

Do I Have To Inform DVLA Of A Change In Direct Debit Details?

Whether or not you have to inform the DVLA of a change in direct debit details regarding your car tax payments depends on the following situations:

• you will be using the same bank with a different account
• you will be using a different bank with a different account

If you intend to use the same bank with a different bank account for your direct debit payments to DVLA, you don’t need to inform them. You can simply ask your bank to transfer your direct debit payments to DVLA from your old account to the new one.

However, you will need to inform DVLA of a change in direct debit details in the following situations:

• your bank (or building society) cannot move the direct debit facility to your other account
• you will be using a different bank (and a different account) for the direct debit facility 

In this case, it is recommended to contact DVLA with your new bank account details with the following information:

• your new account number and sort code
• your new bank or building society’s name and address

You should keep in mind that you must inform the DVLA of a change in direct debit account details at least 5 working days prior to the date of your next scheduled payment. If you fail to do so, your previous bank account may still be charged.

While one might find updating their direct debit details with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to be a daunting task, however, it is crucial to keep your direct debit information up to date to ensure the smooth running of your vehicle-related payments and avoid any penalties. 

How Do I Inform DVLA About Direct Debit Changes?

There are several ways to inform the DVLA about your Direct Debit changes. You can contact the DVLA in either of the following ways: 

• Call their dedicated helpline at 0300 790 6802 and speak to a customer service representative.
• Update your Direct Debit change in details online.
• Use the DVLA Webchat and speak to an online representative who will guide you through the process of updating your direct debit information.
• Use their email service for updates to your bank account details for direct debit payments.
• Write to them at the following address:

Vehicle Customer Services

DVLA

Swansea

SA99 1AR

You should keep in mind that if you choose to write to DVLA, the letter must be signed and dated by the person who has set up the Direct Debit.

What Are The Consequences Of Not Informing DVLA About Direct Debit Changes?

Not informing the DVLA about changes to your Direct Debit details can have several consequences. It is important to keep your information up to date to avoid any penalties or disruptions to your services. Here are some potential consequences of not informing the DVLA:

• If your Direct Debit details are not updated, the DVLA will not be able to collect the payment for your vehicle-related services, such as road tax or vehicle registration. This can lead to missed payments, which may result in penalties or fines.
• Failure to update your Direct Debit details may result in penalty charges. The DVLA may impose additional fees or fines for late or missed payments. These charges can quickly accumulate and create financial burdens.
• Not informing the DVLA about Direct Debit changes can also lead to enforcement action for non-payment of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), commonly known as road tax. This can result in penalties, vehicle clamping, or even the seizure of your vehicle.
• The DVLA may suspend certain services if your Direct Debit details are not updated. This can include services such as updating vehicle records.

What Are Some Important Points Regarding Informing DVLA About Direct Debit Changes?

Following are some important points that vehicle owners should keep in mind before, during and after contacting the DVLA regarding a change in their direct debit details:

• Before contacting the DVLA, you should make sure you have all the required information on hand. This includes your vehicle registration number, your driving license number, as well as your new Direct Debit details such as the bank account number and sort code.
• After submitting your updated Direct Debit details, the DVLA will verify the information provided; which may take a few days. Once the verification is complete, you will receive confirmation from the DVLA that your Direct Debit details have been successfully updated.
• After updating your Direct Debit information, it is essential to monitor your bank account to ensure that the changes have been accurately reflected. You should check your account statements regularly to ensure that the DVLA payments are being processed correctly.

Conclusion:

The above discussion helps to conclude that one must inform the DVLA of a change in their direct debit details; mainly to avoid any payment delays or errors. By keeping your information up to date, you can ensure the smooth running of your vehicle-related payments and avoid any unnecessary penalties or disruptions.

References:

Set up a Direct Debit to tax your vehicle today – DVLA digital services

Vehicle tax Direct Debit payments: Change bank account or payment method – GOV.UK

Vehicle Tax Direct Debit