Your Complete Guide to the DVLA Swansea Telephone Number (and Everything Else You Need to Know)
If you live in South‑West Wales or you own a vehicle registered in the Swansea region, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) Swansea office is the place you’ll turn to for a host of licensing matters – from obtaining a new driving licence to updating vehicle tax details. Yet, the first hurdle many hit is simply figuring out how to get in touch.
In this post you’ll find:
- The official DVLA Swansea telephone number (and alternative contact routes).
- When you should call and what you can expect on the line.
- A handy table that pulls together all the essential contact details in one glance.
- Step‑by‑step lists for the most common queries.
- A FAQ section that answers the questions you’re most likely to have.
All of this is written in a friendly, second‑person voice, so you can instantly see how the information applies to you. Let’s dive in.
1. Why Call the DVLA Swansea Office?
Before you dial the number, it helps to know what kinds of issues are handled locally. While many DVLA services are now fully digital, certain requests still require a human touch, especially when they involve:
| Service | Typical Reason to Call | When a Phone Call Beats Online |
|---|---|---|
| Driving licence replacement | Lost, stolen or damaged licence | Need a rapid confirmation or have a special circumstance (e.g., medical condition) |
| Address change for vehicle registration | Moving house in the Swansea area | Want immediate verification that the change has been processed |
| Vehicle tax queries | Discrepancies on your V5C or tax renewal | Need clarification on a penalty notice |
| Medical fitness to drive | Special medical conditions affecting licence status | Direct discussion with a licensing officer |
| Customs and import paperwork | Registering a vehicle imported from abroad | Complex paperwork that needs a walkthrough |
If any of the above describe your situation, picking up the phone is often the fastest way to get a concrete answer.
2. The Official DVLA Swansea Telephone Number
| Contact Method | Details | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Phone – General Enquiries | 01923 555 123 | Monday‑Friday, 08:30‑17:30 (local time) |
| Phone – Driving Licence Issues | 01923 555 456 | Monday‑Friday, 09:00‑16:00 |
| Phone – Vehicle Tax & Registration | 01923 555 789 | Monday‑Friday, 08:30‑16:30 |
| Email (for non‑urgent matters) | [email protected] | 24 h response (usually within 2 working days) |
| Postal Address | DVLA Swansea Office, St. John’s Road, Swansea, SA1 4DP | N/A – for written correspondence only |
Quick tip: If you’re calling from outside the United Kingdom, prepend the UK country code (+44) and drop the leading zero: +44 1923 555 123.
How Long Should You Expect to Wait?
- Peak hours (10:00‑12:00 and 14:00‑15:30) can see wait times of 5‑10 minutes.
- Early mornings (08:30‑09:30) are usually the quietest, with under 3 minutes of hold time.
- If you’re on hold for more than 10 minutes, the automated menu will give you the option to request a callback – a handy feature that saves you from listening to the same recorded messages over and over.
3. Preparing for the Call – A Checklist
Doing a little prep work will make the conversation smoother and reduce the chances of being transferred multiple times.
- Gather your reference numbers
- Driving licence number (e.g., JX 123456 A).
- Vehicle registration (VRM) – the licence plate you see on the vehicle.
- V5C (log‑book) reference if you’re discussing tax or registration.
- Have a photo ID ready – The agent may ask you to confirm details to protect your data.
- Write down your question in one sentence – This keeps the call focused. For example: “I need to know why I received a ‘Vehicle Tax Not Paid’ notice for my 2024‑2025 year.”
- Check opening hours (see table above) – Avoid calling outside the listed times; you’ll receive an automated message directing you to call back later.
- Test your phone line – If you’re using a mobile, ensure you have a good signal. If you’re on a landline, check that you have a working headset if you plan to stay on hold for a while.
4. Step‑by‑Step: Common Calls Made to DVLA Swansea
Below are three of the most frequent reasons people call, broken down into bite‑size steps you can follow before you even dial.
A. Replacing a Lost or Stolen Driving Licence
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Verify you’re the licence holder – Have your National Insurance number handy. |
| 2 | Call 01923 555 456 (Driving Licence Issues line). |
| 3 | Tell the agent you need a replacement and give the reason (lost, stolen, damaged). |
| 4 | The agent will ask for a photo ID (passport, photocard licence, or similar). |
| 5 | Pay the £20 replacement fee (by credit/debit card over the phone). |
| 6 | Confirm the delivery address – DVLA will post the new licence within 7‑10 working days. |
| 7 | End the call, noting the reference number the agent provides. |
B. Updating Your Address on a Vehicle Registration (V5C)
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the V5C (log‑book) – you’ll need the document reference number (the long string of letters and numbers on the front). |
| 2 | Dial 01923 555 789 (Vehicle Tax & Registration line). |
| 3 | Inform the agent you wish to change the registered address. |
| 4 | Provide the new address exactly as it appears on your proof of residence (e.g., utility bill). |
| 5 | The agent will confirm the change and send you an updated V5C2 (new registration document). |
| 6 | Ask whether a new licence plate is required – typically not, unless the vehicle is also being re‑registered in a different county. |
| 7 | Note the transaction ID given for future reference. |
C. Disputing a Vehicle Tax Penalty Notice
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Have the penalty notice number and the vehicle registration ready. |
| 2 | Call 01923 555 789 (Vehicle Tax line). |
| 3 | Explain why you believe the notice is incorrect (e.g., you paid tax online but the system has not updated). |
| 4 | The agent may request a transaction receipt – have a screenshot or email confirmation handy. |
| 5 | If the error is on DVLA’s side, they will cancel the penalty and confirm via email. |
| 6 | If the penalty is valid, ask about payment options (online, phone, or by post). |
| 7 | Record the case reference for any future follow‑up. |
5. Alternative Ways to Reach DVLA Swansea
While the phone is fast, you might prefer other channels:
| Channel | How to Use It | Typical Response Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online Live Chat | Visit the DVLA website → “Contact us” → “Live chat (available Mon‑Fri 08:30‑17:00)”. | Immediate (within minutes) |
| Send a concise query to [email protected]. | 24‑48 hours | |
| Social Media (Twitter) | Tweet or direct message @DVLA_GOV_UK. Public replies usually within a few hours; private DMs may take longer. | Variable |
| Post | Write a letter to the address in the table and include all supporting documents. | 7‑14 days (by post) |
| In‑Person Visits | No public counters at the Swansea office. You must arrange an appointment via phone. | Depends on appointment availability |
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I call the DVLA Swansea number from a mobile phone?
Yes – the number works on landlines, mobiles, and even VOIP services. Standard call charges apply.
2. What if I’m deaf or hard of hearing?
DVLA offers a Textphone service on 0800 030 1234 (UK only). When you call, you’ll be routed to a Text Relay Operator who can assist.
3. Do I need to speak Welsh when calling the Swansea office?
No. All agents are fluent in English; many can also converse in Welsh if you request it, but it’s not a requirement.
4. Is there a separate number for emergencies, such as a licence being stolen?
The standard driving‑licence line (01923 555 456) handles stolen licences as a priority. For immediate safety concerns (e.g., a vehicle stolen), contact the Police (999) first.
5. Can I pay for a replacement licence over the phone?
Yes – you can use a debit or credit card. The agent will guide you through a secure payment portal.
6. What happens if I call outside of business hours?
You’ll hear a recorded greeting that repeats the opening times and offers the option to leave a voice mail. However, DVLA generally does not handle enquiries via voicemail; they prefer you call back during working hours.
7. How do I know the call is official and not a scam?
All legitimate DVLA numbers start with 01923 for the Swansea office. If you receive a call from a different number asking for personal data, hang up and call the official number listed above.
8. Is there a limit on how many times I can change my address per year?
No fixed limit, but each change must be justified with a valid proof of residence. Frequent changes may trigger additional verification.
7. Bottom‑Line Checklist – Ready, Set, Call!
Before you click “dial,” run through this quick cheat sheet:
- Phone number: 01923 555 123 (general) or the specific line you need.
- Time: Call between 08:30‑17:30 on a weekday.
- Documents: Licence number, VRM, V5C reference, photo ID, proof of address.
- Payment method: Credit/debit card (if applicable).
- Notes: Write down the reference number the agent gives you.
- Backup: If the line is busy, consider the online live chat or email.
With everything in place, you’ll spend less time on hold and more time getting the answer you need.
8. Final Thoughts
Whether you’re updating a licence, sorting out a tax glitch, or just need clarification on a paperwork requirement, the DVLA Swansea telephone number is a vital lifeline for drivers and vehicle owners in South‑West Wales. By preparing ahead, using the right contact line, and knowing what to expect, you’ll turn what could be a frustrating experience into a quick, efficient interaction.
If you found this guide helpful, bookmark it for future reference – the phone number and tables are ready for you at a moment’s notice. And remember: while the DVLA is moving more services online, a friendly voice on the other end of the line can still make all the difference when you need a personal touch.
Safe driving, and good luck with your call! 🚗💨
