Contact your local council and other agencies
There are 32 local councils in Scotland. Their services might differ to your old council.
Select the relevant option to find out more:
If you get Housing Benefit
What you need to do
Housing Benefit is usually paid by your local council. You’ll need to review your Housing Benefit application.
If you’re moving to a council area where Housing Benefit is replaced by Universal Credit, you’ll need to apply for Universal Credit.
How to do it
Follow these steps:
- At least 2 to 4 weeks before you move, tell your current council you’re moving to Scotland
- Find your local council on GOV.UK
- Check if you’re eligible for Housing Benefit in your new area
- Contact your new council for guidance on applying for Housing Benefit
- Follow this guide on how to apply for Universal Credit Scotland at moneyhelper.org.uk.
It’ll help if you gather the following information:
- your National Insurance number
- the date you moved to Scotland
- proof of your new address, like a tenancy agreement or utility bill
- financial details, including any income and savings
Register for council tax
What you need to do
Council Tax is payable to your local council.
You’ll need to:
- register for Council Tax in your new area in Scotland
- check if you’re eligible for any discounts or exemptions
How to do it
Find your local council website for full Council Tax details.
Schooling and childcare support
What you need to do
If you get any child-related benefits (like Child Tax Credit or Universal Credit), you’ll need to update your address details with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
How to do it
For child-related benefit enquiries:
- call HMRC on 0300 200 3100
- for more contact options, go to the Child Benefit Office webpage on GOV.UK
Find a nursery or school place
Education services in Scotland are different to the rest of the UK.
Scottish councils set out catchment areas to allocate nursery and school places. Children living within a catchment area are normally offered a place at the school serving that area.
Local councils usually need you to enrol your child for primary school several months before school starts, or by a specific date.
Scottish councils offer funded early learning and childcare. They also work with private nurseries and childminders who offer funded early learning and childcare.
Find out more about nursery and school options in your local area.
What you need to do
If your child is in nursery, early years or school education, you’ll need to tell your current nursery or school about your move to Scotland.
Before you move, you’ll need to request a nursery or school place for your child in Scotland.
How to do it
To request a nursery or school place for your child in Scotland, contact the local council in your new area, before you move.
Keep your driving licence up to date
Your driving licence and vehicle registration certificate (V5C) will need to reflect your new Scottish address. This will make sure all future driving licence renewal notices are sent to the correct address.
If you've moved to Scotland from England or Wales
What you need to do
You must tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about your change of address.
You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA when your address changes.
How to do it
You can either:
- call DVLA on 0300 790 6801
- change the address on your driving licence online
If you've moved to Scotland from Northern Ireland
What you need to do
You’ll need to exchange your Northern Ireland (non-GB) driving licence for a Great Britain (GB) licence with your Scottish address on it.
There is no fee.
How to do it
1. Contact DVLA
Contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to start the exchange process.
You can either:
- call DVLA on 0300 790 6801
- exchange a non-GB driving licence online at GOV.UK
2. Gather required documents
You’ll need your:
- current Northern Ireland driving licence
- proof of identity
- proof of address in Scotland
3. Complete the application
Fill out the necessary forms and submit them along with your documents.
Your licence will usually arrive within 3 weeks. It might take longer if you’ve told DVLA about a medical condition and your details need to be checked.
Apply for or renew a Blue Badge
What you need to do
If you have a Blue Badge from elsewhere in the UK, you can still use it in Scotland until it expires. Six weeks before it expires, you should contact your local council in Scotland.
A Blue Badge is a card that lets you park closer to where you're going.
Most local councils in Scotland charge £20 for a Blue Badge.
It usually lasts for 3 years. It does not automatically renew, you must reapply for a Blue Badge before your current one runs out.
Register to vote in Scotland
What you need to do
You need to be on the electoral register if you want to vote in Scotland. The register is updated every month.
Find out more about voting in elections in Scotland
How to register to vote
You can either:
Apply for cheaper travel
You may be eligible for Scotland’s free National Entitlement Card (NEC) which gives you free or cheaper travel across Scotland.
Find out more about travel concessions on the Transport Scotland website.
What you need to do
You’ll need to apply for a new card with your new Scottish address.
How to do it
You can either:
Home repair help for older or disabled people
If you’re aged over 60 or have a disability you may be able to use Care and Repair services.
Care and Repair works in Scotland to help elderly or disabled homeowners to repair, improve or adapt their homes so that they can live comfortably and safely.
Care and Repair services are available in Scotland if you’re over 60 or disabled and:
- living in your own home
- privately renting a home
- a crofter
They can give you guidance and support on:
- deciding what work is needed
- choosing tradespeople
- paying for the work
- overseeing the work
Care and Repair services are available in most local council areas.