Can you get car finance without 3 years of address history?

You must have at least 3 years of UK address history to apply for car finance through Carplus.

Lenders check this to review your credit history. If you’ve lived in the UK for less than 3 years, you likely won’t have enough credit data for lenders to assess your application properly. They rely on your credit record to judge risk, confirm your identity, and decide how much they’re willing to offer.

This rule can feel frustrating. Especially if you’ve just moved to the UK for work or study. But you can take steps now to improve your financial profile. These steps may help you qualify for finance in the near future.

Why do lenders ask for 3 years of UK address history?

Lenders demand 3 years of UK address history to assess your risk and confirm your identity. They rely on this data to decide if you can manage regular repayments.

They use your addresses to pull up your credit records. If you haven’t lived in the UK long enough, you likely won’t have enough history for them to review. Without that, they can’t see how you’ve handled money, bills, or loans.

They also use your address history to confirm your identity. This helps prevent fraud.

If you’ve moved a lot, lenders may see you as a higher risk. Staying at the same address shows stability and makes you look more reliable.

UK credit history does not include foreign records. UK lenders only check UK financial activity. That’s why they want 3 full years of addresses here.

In short, they want proof that you’re settled and responsible with money. That helps them feel confident about lending to you.

How long do you have to live in the UK to get finance?

You need to live in the UK for at least 3 years to get car finance through Carplus.

Lenders use your address history to check your credit file. If you’ve been here for less than 3 years, they won’t see enough data to make a decision. That makes it harder for them to trust your ability to repay.

They also use your past addresses to confirm your identity. This helps stop fraud and makes sure the details match up.

You’ll stand a better chance if you’ve been in the UK for at least 1.5 to 2 years, have stable employment, and a good credit score. But they’ll ask for more proof: payslips, bank statements, or a stronger credit profile. Still, most mainstream lenders stick firmly to the full 3-year requirement

Can I get car finance with an international license?

You can apply for car finance with a current UK, EU or international driving licence.

Lenders consider a UK licence best. It shows you can drive legally. It also confirms your identity during the application process.

EU licences qualify too. Many lenders accept them if you’ve lived in the UK long enough and meet other criteria like being on the electoral roll, having a good credit score and proving income.

International licences may also work. Some lenders accept them, provided you hold a valid permit without penalty points and can prove your identity and address.

You can apply without a licence. Carplus works with lenders who accept provisional or no licence at all. You still qualify if you meet income and identity checks.

Can you get car finance if you are not a UK resident?

You must live in the UK to get car finance through Carplus.

Lenders require you to hold valid UK residency status. They need to be sure you will remain in the country for the duration of your finance agreement.

You must provide proof of your visa or residency permit. You also need a UK address and at least 3 years of address history. Without this, lenders will decline your application.

Mainstream lenders will not approve finance for non-residents. They require settled UK residency and address stability.

Can you get car finance as an expat?

Yes, if you’ve lived in the UK for at least 3 years.

You must show a current UK address, proof of income, and your visa or residence permit. Your visa must cover the full finance term.

If you're working in the UK, earning regularly, and have the right documents, we can help.At Carplus, we work with lenders who accept expats, but only if you meet their full criteria.