All address changes
Government · Electoral Roll
Registering to Vote at Your New Address
Register at your new address to keep your vote — and protect your credit score.
Overview
The electoral roll affects more than voting: lenders use it to verify your address when you apply for credit. When you move, you register fresh at your new address rather than transferring. It takes a few minutes online and is one of the quieter but more useful address updates to make.
How to update
- Register at your new address at gov.uk/register-to-vote — you'll need your National Insurance number
- Register once you've moved in, or once you know your new address is your main residence
- Check whether your old registration needs cancelling — your new council usually handles this automatically
- Confirm you appear on the open or full register depending on your preference
When to do it
Register once you've moved or are about to. Registration is usually processed within a couple of weeks, so do it early if a credit application (mortgage, loan) is coming up.
If you forget
Not being registered at your current address can lower your credit score and cause credit or mortgage applications to be declined. You also lose the ability to vote in elections.