The Myth of Address Free Vanlife in the UK

The allure of full-time vanlife often conjures images of absolute freedom—waking up to scenic views, avoiding the burdens of rent or a mortgage, and living a minimalist lifestyle unbound by traditional norms. In the UK, however, a vital aspect of life often goes unaddressed—or rather, addressed—when people claim they are living address-free. The reality is, anyone legally residing in the UK must have a registered address, even if they are fully embracing vanlife. Here’s why the “no address” narrative doesn’t quite hold up under scrutiny.

1. Legal and Other Requirements

Even the most nomadic individuals are bound by certain legal requirements that necessitate a fixed address. For instance:

• Vehicle Registration: If you own a van, it must be registered with the DVLA at a valid UK address. Failing to provide an address can lead to fines and complications when it comes to road tax or MOT reminders.
• Driving Licence: UK law mandates that your driving license reflects your current address. Without one, you risk invalidating your insurance or facing penalties.
• Voting and Tax Obligations: To vote in UK elections or deal with HMRC, you must be registered at an address. Even self-employed vanlifers need an address for tax correspondence.

2. Healthcare

Access to healthcare is another reason why vanlifers can’t escape the need for an address. Registering with a GP or receiving NHS correspondence requires a fixed address. While it’s true that urgent medical care is available to everyone, routine healthcare becomes complicated without a registered location.

3. Financial Realities

Opening or maintaining a UK bank account, receiving packages, or even securing van insurance requires an address. Companies typically won’t insure a vehicle if the owner cannot provide a permanent or semi-permanent base.

4. Mail and Deliveries

Despite romanticising a life on the road, vanlifers still need to receive mail. Whether it’s official documents, or correspondence with family and friends, having a dependable address is crucial. Many full-time vanlifers either have a bricks and mortar home and like to pretend they do not, they use a family member’s home, a friend’s address, or a mail forwarding service as their registered base.

5. The Truth Behind the Claims

When some vanlifers claim they don’t have an address, they’re often omitting the fact that they actually do have a home already, perhaps in some cases defrauding the local council or housing association by sub-letting, or are secretly relying on someone else’s address for official purposes.