How to check your driving licence in the UK
Did you know? Over 926,000 UK drivers had an out-of-date licence in 2022, putting them at risk of a £1,000 fine. Checking your driving licence isn’t just a good habit—it’s essential for staying legally compliant.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) oversees more than 42 million full licence holders, a historic high as of February 2025. With more drivers on the road than ever, ensuring your licence details are up to date is crucial.
Whether you’re renewing car insurance, applying for a driving job, hiring a vehicle, or moving house, a quick online licence check can prevent unnecessary fines, delays, or even legal trouble.
Thankfully, the DVLA’s View Driving Licence service makes checking your licence fast and free. This guide will take you through everything you need to know, including how to check your status, review penalty points, and understand what each section of your licence means.
Let’s get started.
What information can you check on your driving licence?
Your driving licence is more than just a legal document—it’s a record of your driving history, entitlements, and personal details.
What can you check on your driving licence?
When using the DVLA’s View Driving Licence service, you’ll find:
- Licence status – Whether your licence is valid, expired, revoked, or suspended.
- Personal details – Your name, address, and date of birth must match official records. Failing to update these details could result in a £1,000 fine.
- Vehicle entitlements – The types of vehicles you’re legally allowed to drive, from standard cars to HGVs. In 2021, there were 1.65 million drivers aged 80+, many requiring specific entitlements.
- Penalty points & endorsements – Any driving offences on your record. Young drivers (under 25) made up 38% of dangerous driving endorsements in 2023, despite being only 7% of licence holders.
- Licence issue & expiry dates – Essential for renewal reminders. Over 926,000 drivers in Britain were found to have expired licences in 2022.
Why should you check your licence regularly?
- Avoid fines – Outdated details can lead to legal penalties.
- Prevent insurance issues – Incorrect information could invalidate your car insurance.
- Ensure you’re legally entitled to drive – Some categories expire without notice, particularly for older drivers or those with medical conditions.
Keeping an eye on your driving record only takes a few minutes but could save you from costly mistakes.
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Get QuotesWhen should you check your driving licence?
Most drivers don’t think about their licence until they need it—but waiting too long can lead to unexpected problems, fines, or even an invalid insurance policy. When should you check your driving licence? Here are the key moments:
Before renewing your car insurance
Insurance companies check your driving record, including any penalty points or disqualifications. An out-of-date licence could lead to:
- Higher premiums – Drivers with penalty points may see their insurance costs rise significantly.
- Invalid cover – If your details are incorrect, your insurer could refuse to pay out in the event of a claim.
Young drivers should be especially cautious—in 2023, those under 25 accounted for 38% of dangerous driving endorsements, making them more likely to face premium increases.
When hiring a vehicle
Car rental companies require a DVLA check code before handing over the keys. If you turn up without checking your licence:
- You could face delays at the rental desk.
- Some companies may refuse to rent you a vehicle if they cannot verify your record.
- If you have endorsements or disqualifications, you may be ineligible for a rental agreement.
With over 926,000 expired licences in 2022, many drivers were caught out when trying to hire a car at short notice. Always check your licence before travelling.
When applying for a driving job
Employers in transport, delivery, and taxi services must verify that you have a valid and penalty-free licence before hiring you.
- A suspended or expired licence could delay your start date or cost you a job opportunity.
- Some employers will only accept drivers with clean records, especially for roles involving heavy goods vehicles or passenger transport.
If you’ve moved house recently
Your driving licence must display your current address. Failing to update it can result in:
- A £1,000 fine from the DVLA.
- Delays in receiving renewal reminders and important updates.
- Issues with proving your identity for insurance, rentals, or job applications.
Quick Tip: Updating your address online takes just a few minutes and is completely free via GOV.UK.
If you have an older licence
Drivers with older paper licences or HGV entitlements should regularly verify their validity. Some driving categories expire without notice, meaning you may no longer be legally allowed to drive:
- HGV and towing entitlements often require renewal after a certain age.
- Over-70s must renew their licence every three years—in 2020, over 60% of older drivers renewed online, a significant increase from 43% in 2016.
How to check your driving licence online
Checking your driving licence online is the fastest and easiest method. In just a few minutes, you can verify your licence status, entitlements, and penalty points—all for free.
Why check online?
- Fast & Free – Takes just 2-3 minutes via GOV.UK.
- Avoid surprises
- Essential for rentals & job applications
How to check your driving licence online (step-by-step guide)
1. Visit the GOV.UK View Driving Licence Service
- Click here → GOV.UK View Driving Licence
2. Enter Your Details
- Driving licence number
- National Insurance number
- Postcode (must match DVLA records)
3. View Your Licence Information
- Licence status (valid, expired, revoked).
- Vehicle entitlements (what you’re legally allowed to drive).
- Penalty points & endorsements (if applicable).
4. Generate a DVLA Check Code (if needed)
- Used by employers, rental companies, or insurance providers.
- Valid for 21 days.
- Can be shared electronically.
Troubleshooting & common issues
- Lost Your Driving Licence Number? You may still be able to access your details using your National Insurance number and postcode.
- No National Insurance Number? You’ll need to request your driving record by post (covered in a later section).
- Postcode Not Recognised? Make sure it matches the one registered with the DVLA.
What does each section of a UK driving licence mean?
Your UK driving licence is packed with important details about your driving status, entitlements, and identity. Knowing what each section means can help you avoid fines, keep your insurance valid, and ensure you’re legally allowed to drive.
Here’s what each section of your licence means and why it matters:
| Section | What It Displays | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Full Name | The licence holder’s legal name. | Must match other official documents like your passport and insurance policy. |
| 2. Photograph | A recent photo of the driver. | Used for identity verification—keep it updated if your appearance changes. |
| 3. Signature | The licence holder’s signature. | Must be consistent with other legal documents. |
| 4a. Licence Issue Date | The date your current licence was issued. | Useful for determining when to renew. |
| 4b. Licence Expiry Date | The date your licence expires. | Over 926,000 people in Britain had expired licences in 2022, risking fines up to £1,000. |
| 4c. Issuing Authority | Typically “DVLA” (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). | Confirms licence authenticity. |
| 5. Licence Number | A unique 16-character number. | Used for official checks. |
| 6. Address | The licence holder’s registered address. | Must be updated when moving house—failure to do so can result in a £1,000 fine. |
| 7. Entitlement Categories | The types of vehicles you can legally drive. | Older drivers should check this regularly—some entitlements expire without notice. |
| 8. Penalty Points & Endorsements | Any recorded driving offences. | Affects insurance costs and employment eligibility. |
Understanding vehicle entitlement categories
Your licence includes codes that specify which vehicles you’re legally allowed to drive.
Common driving categories in the UK:
- B – Standard cars
- A1 – Motorcycles up to 125cc
- C – Large goods vehicles (HGVs)
- D – Passenger-carrying vehicles (buses)
Why does this matter?
- Over-70s must renew their licence every 3 years—in 2020, 60% of older drivers renewed online (up from 43% in 2016).
- Many drivers assume they can tow a trailer, but towing entitlements have changed—always check your category.
- Some entitlements expire without notice—especially for heavy goods vehicles and motorcycles.
- Car rental refusals – If your licence details don’t match your ID.
- Insurance issues – Inaccurate details could invalidate your cover.
- Job application delays – Employers may reject drivers with expired entitlements.
Why checking these sections matters
Errors on your licence can lead to serious problems, including:
If you spot incorrect details, contact the DVLA immediately to update your licence.
How long do penalty points stay on your licence?
Penalty points (endorsements) remain on your driving record for 4 to 11 years, depending on the severity of the offence. Young drivers (under 25) accounted for 38% of dangerous driving endorsements in 2023, despite making up just 7% of all licence holders.
How long do penalty points stay on a UK licence?
| Offence Type | Points Stay on Licence | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding (SP30, SP50, etc.) | 4 years | Affects insurance premiums and could lead to disqualification for repeat offences. |
| Using a mobile phone while driving (CU80) | 4 years | Minimum of 6 points, increasing the risk of an immediate ban for new drivers. |
| Driving without insurance (IN10) | 4 years | One of the most serious offences, making it difficult to get insured or find driving jobs. |
| Drink or drug driving (DR10, DR30, etc.) | 11 years | One of the most serious offences, making it difficult to get insured or find driving jobs. |
| Causing death by careless driving (CD40, CD50, etc.) | 11 years | Often results in a long-term driving ban or imprisonment. |
How do penalty points affect you?
Penalty points can have serious consequences, even for minor offences:
- Higher Insurance Costs – Insurers view drivers with endorsements as higher risk, leading to higher premiums or policy refusals.
- Disqualification Risk – If you accumulate 12+ points within 3 years, you could face a driving ban under the ‘totting up’ rule.
- Employment Issues – Many employers (especially in logistics, delivery, and taxi services) require a clean licence.
- No, penalty points cannot be removed early. You must wait for them to expire.
- If you believe points were wrongly issued, you can appeal in court.
Can you remove penalty points early?
How to get a copy of your driving licence record
There may be times when you need a full copy of your driving licence record, particularly for employment, insurance, or legal purposes. The DVLA allows drivers to access this information through various methods.
Who might need a copy of their licence record?
- Employers – To verify a driver’s legal ability to operate certain vehicles.
- Insurance Companies – To assess risk before issuing a policy.
- Solicitors – In legal cases involving driving offences.
- Personal Use – If you need an official record for reference.
How to request a copy of your driving record
1. Online (Fastest & Free)
You can view and print your driving record instantly via the GOV.UK View Driving Licence service.
2. By Post (Takes Up to 3 Weeks)
If you need a certified copy of your full driving history, you must submit a D888 form to the DVLA.
- Download Form D888 from GOV.UK.
- Fill out the form with your personal details and licence number.
- Send it to:
Driver Licence Validation Service, DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AJ - Processing takes up to 3 weeks, and a fee may apply.
3. By Phone (For General Inquiries Only)
You can call the DVLA at 0300 790 6801 to check your driving status, but they will not send a printed record over the phone.
Can someone else request your licence record?
Third parties, such as employers or solicitors, can only request your record with your written permission or through the DVLA check code system (covered earlier).
Alternative ways to check your driving licence
While the GOV.UK View Driving Licence service is the fastest and most convenient way to check your licence, there are alternative methods available if you don’t have access to the internet or your National Insurance number.
1. Checking your licence by phone
You can contact the DVLA to check your driving licence details over the phone.
- DVLA Driver Enquiries: 0300 790 6801
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 8am – 7pm, Saturday: 8am – 2pm
What you can check by phone:
- Your licence status (valid, expired, revoked).
- Any endorsements or penalty points.
- What vehicles you’re entitled to drive.
2. Checking Your Licence by Post
If you need a physical copy of your driving record or can’t use the online service, you can request this by post.
Steps to check your licence by post:
- Fill out Form D888 (available on GOV.UK).
- Include your full name, date of birth, and driving licence number.
- Send it to: Driver Licence Validation Service, DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AJ
Processing Time: Up to 3 weeks.
Cost: There may be a small fee for this service.
Should you use these methods?
While phone and postal checks are available, they are significantly slower than the online service. If possible, using GOV.UK View Driving Licence remains the best option for checking your licence quickly.
What to do if your licence details are incorrect or if you’ve lost your licence
Mistakes on your driving licence or losing it altogether can cause significant problems, especially if you need to hire a car, renew insurance, or prove your eligibility to drive. The DVLA provides a straightforward process for correcting errors and replacing lost or stolen licences.
1. How to update incorrect licence details
If any of the following details are incorrect, you must update them with the DVLA as soon as possible:
- Name
- Address
- Licence category entitlements
- Incorrectly recorded penalty points
How to update personal details (name or address)
Updating your name or address is free, but failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £1,000.
Steps to update your details:
- Online: Update your address via the DVLA website.
- By Post: Complete the D1 application form (available at Post Offices or GOV.UK) and send it to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN
2. How to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged licence
If your driving licence is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must apply for a replacement as soon as possible. Driving without a valid licence could result in penalties or difficulties with insurance claims.
How to request a replacement licence
Online (Fastest Option):
- Apply for a new licence via GOV.UK.
- Pay the replacement fee of £20.
- Your new licence should arrive within one week.
By Phone:
- Call DVLA Driver Enquiries at 0300 790 6801 (Monday to Saturday).
- Only available if your details haven’t changed.
By Post:
- Fill out a D1 application form.
- Include a cheque or postal order for £20 payable to ‘DVLA’.
- Send the completed application to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB
What to do if your licence is stolen
If your licence was stolen, report it to the police and obtain a crime reference number before applying for a replacement. This helps prevent identity fraud.
Keeping your driving licence details up to date ensures that you remain legally compliant and prevents unnecessary fines or delays.
Related Read: What should you do if you lose your driving licence?
Final thoughts
Checking your driving licence may not be something you think about often, but keeping it up to date is essential. A quick online check can help you avoid unnecessary fines, invalid insurance, or driving with expired entitlements.
To recap, you should:
- Regularly check your licence using the GOV.UK View Driving Licence service.
- Ensure your details are correct, including your name, address, and entitlements.
- Be aware of penalty points and how they impact your insurance and driving eligibility.
- Generate a DVLA check code when sharing your licence details with an employer or rental company.
- Act quickly if your licence is lost, stolen, or incorrect to prevent legal or financial issues.
Taking a few minutes to review your driving licence now can save you from expensive mistakes in the future. If you haven’t checked your licence details recently, now is the perfect time to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It’s recommended to check your licence at least once a year or before major events like renewing insurance, hiring a car, or applying for a driving job.
Yes, but you may need to request your licence details by post using a D888 form from the DVLA.
Driving with an expired licence can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and could invalidate your insurance. The DVLA sends reminders, but it’s your responsibility to renew it on time.
You can still check your licence online using your licence number, National Insurance number, and postcode. If your licence is lost, apply for a replacement via GOV.UK.
No. While they stop affecting your insurance after 3-5 years, they remain on your licence for 4 to 11 years, depending on the offence.
No. They need a DVLA check code, which you must generate and provide to them.
You can only check another person’s licence if they provide a DVLA check code or have given written permission through an official request to the DVLA.
Yes, the GOV.UK View Driving Licence service is mobile-friendly, allowing you to check your details on a smartphone or tablet.