Whether you’re converting a van or already have a campervan, you may be planning a life on the road. As exciting as this adventure will be, you may be wondering about the logistics, more specifically, what your address will be while living in your vehicle.
Having an address is important for all sorts of things, so we’re going to look at what will count as yours while you’re living in your van, plus how to easily navigate getting your mail to you on the road. You’ve got a few options, so let’s break it down.
Is it against the law to not have a permanent address?
Having a permanent living address is a practical requirement, which we’ll discuss later, but not having one isn’t against the law, so you’re free to live on the road if you want to.
What address should you use when living in your van permanently?
If you’re embracing van life fully, you may need a more permanent way to get your mail and deliveries to you. This can include:
Mail forwarding
You can still have a permanent UK address that you can then use to forward your mail to a new domestic or international address (AKA, where you’re staying). Services like Van Post and the Royal Mail do this, providing you with a real address that you can use for wherever van life takes you. This is perfect for anything from receiving bank statements and insurance information to online shopping.
Virtual mailboxes
This is a clever option if you want to remain paperless while living in your van. Virtual mailbox services give you a physical address to send your mail to but then it’s scanned and digitised. Then it’s just a case of using an online portal to access it.
What address should you use when living in your van temporarily?
If you’re away in your van for a shorter period of time, be that while you find other accommodation or for a road trip, one of these options may be easier:
Using your friend’s or family’s address
You can ask a trusted friend or family member to use their address for your mail and deliveries. If you aren’t waiting for anything urgent, this could be a convenient, fuss-free option.
Campsite mailrooms
Some campsite and motorhome parks offer mail and delivery services to their guests. Not all do so it’s best to check their website or call ahead to check. If they do, you’ll then be able to use that address while you’re staying there.
Poste Restante
The UK Post Office now offers this service for travellers without a permanent address (or one not close to where they’re currently staying) so they can still receive their mail. Poste Restante is a service where you can send mail to and collect it from any participating post office. Just make sure you check the one you want to use is eligible.
This is also a great option if you’re classified as someone with ‘no fixed abode’, which means you currently don’t have a consistent place to live that you’re registered to.
Can you send official documents to a temporary address?
You should be careful where you have any important documents or items delivered in order to protect your sensitive information. Many official documents can be sent to a temporary address if redirected through the Post Office or sent to your temporary mailbox.
Be aware that not every government agency may allow this or may need to make accommodations for so, you’ll need to double-check their guidelines.
What do you need a fixed address for?
As you can see, you have lots of options, but when it comes to certain situations, you will have to make sure you have a confirmed permanent address. These situations include:
- Having and using a bank account
- Registering to vote in the UK
- Applying for a UK passport
- School – enrolling in some forms of education
- Work – being put on a company’s payroll
- Filing your taxes
- Registering with the DVLA for your driving licence
- Getting insurance, including for your van (in most cases)
Insuring your van with Sterling
If you’re planning on living in your van, you’ll need the right insurance, which is where Sterling can help. We’ll tailor a policy to you and your needs, whether you’re looking for van insurance or campervan insurance.
We even offer van life insurance for those living in their vehicle temporarily or permanently.
Get a quote by calling us on 0344 381 9990 or request a callback at a time that suits you.