Originally Posted by Dan725

Being resident in more than one country is the way I've always perceived it. Despite being in the US for 20+ years, I always kept my UK driving licence (and bank accounts, etc) registered to my dad's address. For the last 11 years, I also had (and still have) my motorcycle in the UK, insured by me as a UK resident living there for the (frequent) times back to visit. I was even unfortunately involved in an accident - but noone (the Police, insurers or NHS) batted an eyelid, or questioned whether I lived anywhere else.

Of course, this does not work if you don't have a storage/mailing address in UK and/or have given up your UK licence.

Originally Posted by EHM

This might be obvious to others, but how can you own a car in the UK if you are non-resident? Don't you need to be resident (or at least have a UK address you can use) in order to have it registered/taxed etc?

Anyway, a quick google search threw up Sterling as one insurance company that might be able to help. If the car is already insured by someone else and you want to investigate being added to their policy as a named driver, trying calling the company rather than using online chats/forms, as sometimes a real person can provide flexibility that a computer algorithm lacks....

Originally Posted by Russet

It seems to be getting harder and harder to add non UK residents onto UK car insurance policies. When our children come to visit I have tried to add them as named drivers for a short period. They are US resident and hold US drivers license but none of our policies will add them as drivers. I found a couple of custom companies that you can purchase individually but they were charging hundreds of pounds for a week policy. It was cheaper for the children to hire a car! If anyone has any suggestions or ideas I would love to hear!

Originally Posted by classicmds

I don't think you can be resident in more than one country at a time, actually, because I think "permanency" is inherent in the definition of residency, I understand it's a complex question, with no ultimate arbiter who would decide. But there seem to be all kinds of tests: for example, which is your tax home? If you were claiming residency in two countries, you'd presumably be happy to pay double income tax? If not, then which country are you paying it in, and which are you claiming any tax exemption from? The former would be your place of residence. There are similar tests about legal residency if one is on a permanent residence visa (e.g. Green Card).

In terms of this specific question about validity of driving licenses, several sites post a DVLA response to the question that states: :‘"Normal residence is taken to mean the place where someone usually lives, that is for at least 185 days in each calendar year, because of personal or occupationalties, or, in the case of a person with no occupational ties, because of personal ties which show close links between that person and the place where he/she is living."

See for example: https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/fleet-ma...icences/35775/

So I think it would be safe to say that DVLA wants just over six months presence - though even then it adds : ‘Neither visitor nor resident is defined in driver licensing legislation. It is for the individual to determine his/her status by seeking legal advice if necessary. The ultimate decision is down to the individual concerned and he/she must be prepared to justify his/her status if challenged.’" (See:https://www.keithmichaels.co.uk/news...e-as-an-expat/ )

I think it is at best a legal grey area if you are hovering around the six months area. Even if DVLA would not pronounce on the issue, it would all come down to the insurer in the event of a claim. Given insurers try all they can to get out of paying like postbox132, I'd be very cautious about claiming "dual residency" even if one felt technically correct.

Originally Posted by classicmds

Unfortunately, this is not allowed.The DVLA says you cannot renew a license if you are not permanently resident in UK. I think you'd might actually be criminally liable for doing so. Have you told your insurer you live in the US? If not, I think you'd find your insurance would not cover you in the event of a claim - and I suspect if you claim they will suddenly become more proactive about finding out exactly where you live.

Originally Posted by Dan725

Have you looked at the concept of 'Ordinary Residency'? While the UK Government no longer uses it for tax purposes, they do still acknowledge that is possible to be ordinarily resident in more than one country. To quote from one of many UK Government links (where the concept can still be used):
"A person can be ordinarily resident in more than one country at once. If they are lawfully and properly settled in the UK, they will meet the ordinary residence test, even if they spend more of their time in another country of residence. Where a person has lived in more than one country for several years, consideration needs to be given to whether there is a pattern of regular stays in the UK over the years that demonstrates a sufficient degree of continuity to establish a settled purpose in the UK".

In my case there are some additional circumstances which could apply to me but not to all, such as
- I work entirely in a third country/offshore on a rotational month on/off basis.
- When not at work, I divide my own home time between the US and UK. I have family, friends and well established patterns of life in both countries.
- I maintain addresses, bank accounts, untility bills, vehicles (and yes indeed...Drivers Licenses!!) in both the UK and US.

As you note above, the DVLA even say's it's ultimately up to the individual to determine. The DVLA are not the immigration police. Nor are the insurers.